Tai Chi Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, classes are designed with beginners in mind. We have a very open and friendly club and beginners are always very welcome.
Never, the great thing about Tai Chi is that you can start at any age. Tai Chi is a journey which is all about your growth and goals as a human being. We have people of all ages. No matter what age you are Martial Art Training in any of our venues (Ranelagh or Portobello) will improve your mental and physical state.
No. That’s something beyond your control now. You can start now and still develop to be really good. It all depend on how much you want it. Most people start as adults.
No, Tai Chi is not based on any fitness level. Anyone can start at anytime.
The club pricing is designed to allow you to train as much as possible. You’ll need to be training twice per week to make progress.
We do partner work but no fighting.
Like everything, Tai Chi has risks. However, compared to other sports Tai Chi is very low risk. Tai chi is focussed on making your joints more flexible and improving your body’s health and lung capacity.
As part of your Tai Chi training, you like anyone else that does a physical activity can may pick up an injury from time to time. We are of the opinion that generally speaking you can actually help the rehabilitation of your injuries, through some form of training. We would say that it’s a pity to let your body and your progress deteriorate just because, you’ve injured your hand, say.
No our classes are mixed – All our classes have women participants, there are a high level of women that practice martial arts – especially Tai Chi.
There is no need to book a group class. Simply come on down for whichever class time suits you (see Tai Chi Classes). There is a membership form to fill out and there is no joining or application fee.
Kung Fu is the fast moving martial art that we see in the movies. Tai Chi is the slow moving martial art that is seen in lots of documentaries about China. Many of our students do both and I would recommend doing both as they are so complementary.
Yes, we operate a grading system which goes in the following order: 3 Foundation Gradings and then 10 pattern gradings. Grading are designed to make you continually progress. We find that it dramatically helps people to have something to strive for in order to achieve. We teach a bagua pattern for our foundation gradings and a 66 move pattern called Suang Yang Bai He Rou Ruan Chuan which translates to Frost and Sun White Crane Gentle Art.
Tai Chi translated literally means “the supreme ultimate” and refers to the ultimate martial art. In Ireland, many Tai Chi teachers don’t actually teach people the martial art aspect of Tai Chi, for us it is really important to understand how it all works and fits together. It not only helps your training but also with your overall body strength and posture.
Typically, you will need track suit bottoms and a T-shirt, preferably black. Please bring a towel and your own water to start.
Yes, everyone in the club will need to purchase a uniform. Typically, this is purchased before your first grading.
We recommend pump-style shoes which are the flat sole shoes. You can usually buy these very easily but the main thing to remember is that the shoes should have a flexible sole so that you can flex your feet.
No, there are often new people starting at all of our classes and we’re very conscious of providing an open and welcoming club.
No, you can start at your own pace. You are not expected to keep up with more senior students. Many of our seniors started very slowly.
At the start of training some light stretching and a warm which can consist of various Tai Chi exercises. We may do some leg strengthening work and then practice our patterns. We also do lots of partner work and the classes are lively and fun.
To start, twice a week is good and 3 times per week is great.
Tai Chi uses your own bodyweight when training so therefore you only get as big as your frame allows.
Different people take varying times to become proficient at Tai Chi. Tai Chi is easy to learn but hard to perfect. The bagua style we teach is simple and the Suang Yang style we teach is more challenging so you should never get bored!