THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION
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A. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art. Today, it is practiced primarily for its health benefits. The slow graceful movements improve mind-body coordination, harmony, reduce mental stress and strengthen the ligaments, tendons, joints and immune system. Some people simple describle Tai Chi as "moving meditation".
Q. Do I have to wear a uniform or special clothing when I attend class?
A. No, but it is best to wear loose-fitting clothing. Specialized shoes can enhance your performance and are highly recommended. If you would like to wear an outfit, your teacher can either provide one for you or steer you in the proper direction so you can see all your choices and obtain exactly what you want. Outfits, including shoes, weapons and training equipment are available for a reasonable price from martial arts supply stores such as Century Martial Arts.
Q. I am so busy. I know I should exercise more but I am just too busy to take lessons or practice. What can a person like me do?
A. Everyone is so busy. This is one of the most common excuses for not taking or quitting lessons. It is also a very valid excuse. However, if you can find the time to take the initial steps to get started, proceed gradually and stick to it, you will find that regular practice can give you more energy. You will not need to sleep as long and you can spend your extra time practicing and becoming centered, ready to accept and conquer the challenges of each new day. Stress and tension will be reduced... you will actually be able to get more done and become very efficient. When your mind/body are extremely healthy you will find that you can enjoy your life more, easily accomplishing responsibilities and requirements. Simply put; you'll feel satisfied. It just takes discipline, diligence, and developing the proper attitude. Everyone who reaches an advanced level enjoys their practice time. Unlike various exercise programs, martial arts practice can be very enjoyable, especially if you stick with it long enough to get through the beginner level. It becomes more enjoyable over time. Unlike certain martial arts, you can practice Tai Chi until you become very old and constantly achieve great health benefits from it. Regular Tai Chi practice allows you to grow old with full mental and physical functionality so that you not only live long but also retain your mobility and mental functions so you can actually enjoy your latter years. Medical science has devised all sorts of new ways for us to live longer but it makes little sense to live to be 100 if you are crippled up and senile for the last 10 years of your life. Tai Chi has been proven to help defeat or at least delay the onslaught of diseases (such as alzheimer's), senility, hip replacement, joint dysfunction, cancer, etc.
Q. If I have a physical disability or personal limitations can I still learn and practice Tai Chi?
A. Yes, absolutely. Discuss the details with your teacher. You will be amazed at the possibilities. Even if you have extreme physical disabilities, or just a very busy schedule, you can make dramatic improvements in yourself with the proper guidance. The key is to receive training that is customized to meet your personal needs/requirements from a teacher who is experienced and qualified. This will maximize your results and inspire you to make training a regular part of your life. Even if all you have is just 10 free minutes a day, or a variety of seriously limiting injuries, you will be astonished at what a caring and experienced teacher such as Chris Zimmerman can do to help you overcome and obliterate any obstacles that stand in your way.
Q. What is qi?
A. Qi (pronounced "chee") is life-energy. It is in human beings until death. It is in trees and plants. It is in the sky (i.e. the sun) and in the earth (i.e. the magnetic pull that creates gravity). It is invisible like air, but it is more than air. It is your breath, but more than just breath. The chinese symbol for qi means wind or air, but it is more than just wind. Qi flows through your body giving life and movement. Qi can become stale just like air or water can become stale. Tai Chi encourages fresh qi to replace the stale qi. One of the secrets to Tai Chi's effectiveness lies in the creation of fresh qi and the displacement or ridding of stale qi. The fresh qi then stimulates the organs creating wonderful health benefits. Blood is qi, but qi is not merely blood. Tai Chi promotes healthy blood production in the bone marrow. Healthy blood boosts immune system functions and fights disease. One of the ultimate goals of Tai Chi practice is to create abundant qi (life-energy), direct the fresh qi throughout the body, in particular focusing concentrated qi to the brain (the third eye) which results in a euphoric feeling, relaxedness, peacefulness and enlightenment. Qi can only be directed through your body by your thoughts or your mind's intention. There is no other way. The only exception is if someone directs THEIR qi into your body. One simple example of this is when someone directs a large amount of love or hatred towards you and you can feel it.
Q. Why is there no sparring in traditional Chinese Martial Arts?
A. Unlike, for example (Japanese) Karate, we practice Chinese Martial Arts with full force and extension. Some of the techniques can cause injury or death. There has always been much debate about the virtues and drawbacks of this line of thinking. Bottom line is, in traditional Chinese Martial Arts we do not regularly spar because of the potential for injury. We feel it is best to practice at full speed, extension and power in order to properly master the techniques. However, there are other excercises and training methods popular in the Chinese Martial Arts that are similar to and have some of the advantages of sparring such as Tai Ji Tui Shou (push-hands) and Shaolin Wing Chen "sticking hands". These exercises are practiced using a partner or partners.
