Tai Chi Chuan is best described as a melding of martial arts with the principles of Taoism. Like other martial arts styles, Tai Chi can be used for self-defense, but is equally useful for self-nurturing practices like combating fatigue and stress, becoming more familiar with your own body, increasing your vitality and helping you toward a longer, healthier life.
Ideally you should learn Tai Chi directly from an experienced instructor; the instructor's perception and personalized teaching is as much as, if not moreso, important to the learning process as following any set of proscribed physical movements. But if a trustworthy, reputable instructor is not available, you can learn the basics of Tai Chi Chuan online.
Step 1
Decide which style of Tai Chi you'd like to study. There are five styles, each named after the family it originated with. Some styles remain more closely guarded than others; Yang style has been shared openly, which makes it the most popular and widely practiced style, and the one you're most likely to encounter learning materials for.
Step 2
Locate learning materials that suit your experience level. You can learn the basics of Tai Chi with free videos online, but once you've developed more experience you may want to purchase a set of instructional DVDs. You can also study Tai Chi out of a book or online articles, but videos are the best way of learning because they show you how to get from one position to the other--one of the most important parts of Tai Chi.
Step 3
Schedule time to practice Tai Chi at least five to six days a week, unless your course of instruction directs you differently. You may want to do Tai Chi in the mornings to help give you a positive start to the day, or as a relaxing break in the middle of the day. The regular repetition will help your body internalize the new way of moving; before you know it, the basic Tai Chi movements will be second nature.
Step 4
Dress comfortably for every Tai Chi practice. Plan to go barefoot or wear very thin-soled shoes. You can practice Tai Chi in almost any environment, but ideally you should create an open, serene place to practice. At a bare minimum, clear clutter away from your practice area, so that you can move without worrying about tripping over anything.
Step 5
Practice patiently. Martial arts like Tai Chi aren't learned in a day, no matter how fiercely you may concentrate on that particular day. In order to get the most out of your Tai Chi practice, approach it as if the process of learning and repetition is every bit as important as what you're actually learning--because it is.
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