Tai chi is an exercise program that originated in China and shares many qualities with martial arts such as kung fu and wing chun. Although learning tai chi in a class environment will produce the best and fastest improvement, not everybody has the time or the money to attend such a class. Online resources can teach you the basics.
Training Space
Before beginning your online training, you will need to establish an open area for practice. If you live in a warm climate, you can always use your yard. In regions that are less sunny, it will be necessary to establish an indoor training space. A 10-by-10-foot clear area can be large enough, but 20-by-20 is preferable. If this means training in your garage, it's a good idea to put down some mats or scrap carpet to help guard against fatigue in your knees and ankles.
Advantages of Online Training
Online training in tai chi is flexible and inexpensive. You can train when you can, for as long as you want without worrying about the class schedule at a local school. There are enough free Internet tai chi resources that you can make a lot of progress without even spending a dime above what you already pay for your Internet connection. For some, the ability to practice without being observed is a major plus. If you feel self-conscious while practicing, an online training program can help you avoid that stress.
Disadvantages of Online Training
Lack of feedback is the chief disadvantage of learning tai chi online. When you learn by watching a video, and then practicing what you see, you're responsible for judging your own performance. As a beginning student, you won't be the best candidate for the job. What's worse is that many of the important concepts in tai chi practice are subtle. It's easy to miss them on a video, meaning you could practice a move incorrectly for months without ever realizing it.
Online Training Resources
There are four major online resources for tai chi study. Some websites provide detailed information on tai chi and related arts, complete with videos, photos and descriptions. You can also find lessons on free video-sharing websites. The third resource is home pages for tai chi schools. It's common practice to post some training tips or a mini lesson as a promotional tool. You can also find forums dedicated to tai chi or to martial arts in general. These will include posts by experts, who can respond to your questions in real time.
References
- "Tai Chi for Busy People"; Dr. Keith Jeffrey; 2004
- "The Tao of Jeet Kun Do"; Bruce Lee; 1975
- Jason Brick; Martial Arts Instructor, Bushido Martial Arts; Hillsboro, Oregon
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