The benefits of Tai Chi are available to all, and whilst the higher levels of training remain open only to those who are fully committed, teachers will welcome anyone who has a genuine interest in the art. There are classes in all parts of the country, in leisure centres, adult education, church halls, or even full time Tai Chi schools. However, not all Tai Chi classes are the same.

They can vary considerably, depending upon the knowledge and experience of the instructor, who the instructor was taught by, the emphasis of the class, the size of the class, and so on. With so many factors to consider, choosing a Tai Chi class that is right for you is a decision that should be carefully thought out. To help you, here are some of the main points you should bear in mind.

No genuine teacher/master would mind giving information about themselves when you ask them politely from whom they have learnt Tai Chi Chuan, and from what lineage their styles of Tai Chi Chuan comes. The lineage of the teacher/master often gives authenticity to the style of Tai Chi Chuan taught. To be part of the official lineage, the teacher has to be an accepted disciple of a master from the existing branch of the family tree lineage. Your teacher should be as near to the trunk or centre line of the family tree as possible, ideally a disciple, so that the instruction you get is from an authentic source. However, you should be aware that many teachers put themselves on official lineages without having first been accepted as disciples. Students may have to change teacher/master, sometimes a number of times, until they finally meet the right master. This is fate or “Yuen Fan” in Chinese. Be prepared to travel if you want top-level instruction in Tai Chi Chuan. Quality tuition saves time, effort and energy.

Also, beware of those who have learnt Tai Chi Chuan for only a short time or those who teach several different styles of martial arts. The art is complex, and not a skill that can be mastered within a few months or years. There is a saying that only after practising it for ten years do you really begin to learn Tai Chi Chuan. It is a discipline that needs years of dedication and perseverance.

The School
Observe a Tai Chi class in session. Most teachers would not mind you observing them conducting a class. Some of them even have open sessions to introduce potential newcomers to Tai Chi Chuan. Ask yourself the following when you are there (remember that ‘gut feeling’ is important):

i. What is the general atmosphere like while the class is in session?
ii. Will the environment be comfortable and conducive for growth?
iii. Are students having fun and at ease with their teacher/master?
iv. What is the relationship between the students and the teacher/master?
v. Are students being taught how to test their postures properly?
vi. Are the movements smooth, flowing and relaxed?
vii. Is there evidence of the Tai Chi principles?

Take the opportunity to chat with the students when they are having a rest during the session and find out how long they have been in the class, the benefits they feel, their perception of the teacher/master and any other questions that you may have. Generally in a good Tai Chi Chuan school, even though there may often be a high drop out from beginners, you will find that teachers/instructors as well as students have been training with their master for a very long time.

Remember that at first you may be taught by instructors rather than by the master himself, until you reach a higher level. To this day, the higher aspects of Tai Chi Chuan are still a guarded secret and handed down only to a few selected disciples who have shown patience, dedication, commitment, sincerity and trustworthiness.