Frequently Asked Questions:
Discover essential information about Tai Chi Queensland in our FAQ section. It covers class details, benefits, and more to guide beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Our classes are aimed at adults, and there are no upper limits. All exercises and movements can easily be adjusted to suit every age group and ability. You don’t need any prior experience with Tai Chi or Qigong to participate. The class is open to everyone, from beginners to those with more experience who want to learn more. Children can attend classes but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please note that the lessons are designed for adults.
You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. We recommend flat shoes and loose, comfortable clothing and to bring a water bottle. Sun protection is recommended for outdoor sessions.
You don’t need a mat, as all exercises and movements are normally done from a standing position. If you need to sit down for part or all of the class, that’s OK, too. You are able to do that. Sometimes it is good to sit and watch; you might learn something new you hadn’t noticed before! If sitting is essential for you, you might like to bring your own chair as some venues may not have what you prefer. This may include wheel chairs, walking frames or just a folding chair.
If you require sitting during the class, either for part or all of it, please know that it is perfectly fine. In case sitting is essential for you, you may want to bring your own chair as some venues might not have the type of chair you prefer. This may include wheelchairs, walking frames, or a folding chair or stool. Never hesitate to sit down if you are not feeling well. Sometimes, it is a good idea just to sit and observe; you might learn something new that you hadn’t noticed before!
For the traditional Tai Chi indoor classes, it is better to attend regularly, as movements are taught in sequence. However, for the park sessions, you are welcome to attend as you wish, as movements will always be repeated. Remember, every time you do a little bit of practice (either in your class or on your own), you will be improving your health and well-being!
The best time to practice depends on your preferences and daily routine. Mornings are great for energizing and setting a positive tone for the day, afternoons are best for reducing stress levels, and evenings are perfect for calming your mind and preparing for a restful night’s sleep.
As part of the Australian Academy of Tai Chi, we practice Khor Style Tai Chi. Khor Style Tai Chi is a modified Yang Style Tai Chi. Why: Because Yang Style favours right-handed movement and lacks some left-side movements, Khor style Tai Chi rectifies the imbalance with equal left & right movements. This aligns with the Tai Chi philosophy of the Yin Yang principles.
Our comprehensive curriculum is a unique collection of the best traditional Chinese exercises for cultivating health and longevity while considering our students’ safety. Our teaching methods ensure that each person has the opportunity to obtain individual benefits without risk of injury.
We have continued on our own learning journey and will always strive to distil the essence (essential principles) of traditional Tai Chi and Qigong. Our goal is to ensure that all of our exercises lead to optimal outcomes of better health and nourishment for life.
Mindful attention to ‘the breath moving the body” creates a deep internal focus. This, in turn, settles the mind, allowing for clarity of thought. It also reduces our vulnerability to external stimuli.
Unlike the Tai Chi (traditional long form), qigong tends to be gentler and involves fewer complex full-body movements. It can also be done either seated or standing – a key benefit for many balance-challenged seniors.
The relative simplicity and high repetition of the moves in Qigong make the practice easier and more accessible for beginners to learn, whereas the larger number and variety of moves in Tai Chi (may) take considerably longer to learn.
Having said that we also have many seniors who have become very accomplished at the traditional Tai Chi forms.
There is more information in the FAQ “What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?”
Tai Chi is done in slow-motion as an art of “moving meditation.” Moving slowly enables you to access how your mind, body, and breath work together. It gives you time to accurately understand what you are experiencing, and you begin to connect the dots. You’ll begin to see the dots and then connect them to follow the energy lines in your body. Micro learning helps to increase the conections in the brain and body. Some studies suggest this can also help slow cognitive decline and protect against dementia.
Yes, it works, but only if you practice consistently.
There is a significant amount of research that demonstrates the effectiveness of Tai Chi and Qigong in addressing various health conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), falls prevention, improved cognitive performance, arthritis (osteo, rheumatoid and other), anxiety, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, improving balance, building muscle strength, increasing bone density, strengthening the immune system, and reducing inflammation and overall quality of life.
Harvard Medical School has published a guidebook on Tai Chi that outlines the various health benefits one can experience with regular practice.
These Chinese forms of exercise are based on movements made without muscular exertion or strain on the heart or breath rate. In practice, our breathing slows down. This is contrary to most forms of Western-style sports and exercises. Studies have found that Tai Chi and Qigong promote long-term health while maintaining body suppleness. Tai Chi and Qigong also gently relax the stiffened joints of sedentary older adults while increasing energy (qi) circulation throughout the entire body without causing undue fatigue. This, in turn, trains the heart and lungs to have a greater capacity without strain and enhances the body’s relaxation response.
“Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong”. “Practice only makes permanent–but–perfect practice makes perfect.” “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: On purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”
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