Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong, and Yoga Classes in Portland, Oregon.
How to Choose a Tai Chi Teacher
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing an instructor…
Tai Chi or Not Tai Chi
You can’t go to one movie and expect to know cinema. In the same way, you can’t attend one class and know Tai Chi.
Budget
Make sure you can afford it. It seems simple but you’d be surprised at how many people overspend thinking they will learn faster. A fancy studio and free uniform doesn’t mean anything if you ain’t learnin’ nothin’.
Location
If you have to travel an hour to take an hour-long class, you might reason yourself out of going. Pick a place that is close to work or home. Make getting to class easy. In the beginning this will help immensely because there are times when your Tai Chi practice will feel like treading water. If you have to travel a far distance Tai Chi easily ends up on next year’s resolution list yet again.
Instruction
No matter if the teacher is fit or fat, good looking or ugly, a certified Tai Chi Master or an old Chinese man with a white beard, it doesn’t mean they are going to teach better or worse than the next instructor. The only way to choose your teacher is to experience their teaching style. Chances are you’re on the right track if you leave class energized, excited, and wanting more. If you leave drained, depressed, and confused keep looking. (Or start asking a lot of questions.)
Reputations
Word-of-mouth is a good way to find a lead but reputations can be misleading. Rumors are just that until you experience things for yourself. Visit the school or meet the teacher and form your own opinion.
Master vs. Student
If you are growing, there’s nothing wrong with learning from a student teacher or the dedicated practitioner at your local gym. As you progress you will start to know what you need/want and where to find the right person to teach you. The more teachers, students, and practitioners you come in contact with the more you’ll learn.
Try It Out
Try several Tai Chi classes before committing. Sign up for a limited length course if possible. In the beginning, just go, be, do, and enjoy. Too many people worry that they’re not getting it. If you go to classes for a month with a teacher that matches your learning style you’ll find yourself getting it.
What style?
Tai Chi has many practitioners and, like music, there are many ways to play. Yang style Tai Chi is the most popular but Chen, Wu, Sun, and Li styles (named from the families which they originate) are worth pursuing. Sample them and find what becomes you. All that said, many people start with Yang style.
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