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Frequently asked questions

These are the questions newcomers ask most often, with short answers and pointers to the pages that go further.

What does "t'ai chi ch'uan" mean?

The name joins taiji, a term from Chinese philosophy, with a word meaning boxing or fist. Wikipedia's article on tai chi explains that the name was first written in English as t'ai chi ch'uan and shortened by English speakers to t'ai chi, while the pinyin spelling is taijiquan. All refer to the same art.

Is t'ai chi really a martial art?

Yes. It was created for combat and self-defence, and every posture in a traditional form has a practical use. Many people practise it only as exercise, which is a perfectly good reason to learn, but the martial side is what gives the movements their shape. Pushing hands and the san shou partner form are where that side becomes visible.

Which style is best?

None, in general. Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun and their branches all have strong teachers and weak ones. The teacher in front of you matters far more than the name of the style. See comparing t'ai chi styles.

How long does it take to learn?

A short form can be learned in months; a traditional long form takes longer, and refining it is a lifetime's work. Most people find the practice rewarding long before they reach the end of the form.

Is anyone too old, too stiff or too unfit to start?

Most people are not. Stances can be taken higher, steps made smaller and sessions kept short. What matters is working within your own range and building up gradually. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, or you are pregnant, talk with a health care provider before starting.

Will it hurt the knees?

It should not, if stances are kept to a comfortable height and the knee stays in line with the foot. Pain is a signal to stop and adjust. The page on knees, joints and a lifetime of practice covers this in detail.

Is a uniform needed?

Rarely. Loose clothes and flat, flexible shoes are enough. Some schools wear a uniform for demonstrations or competitions.

What is qigong, and is it the same thing?

Wikipedia's article on qigong describes it as a system of coordinated posture and movement, breathing and meditation. T'ai chi classes often include qigong exercises, and the two share many principles, but qigong is a much broader family of practices. See ch'i kung (qigong).

What is pushing hands?

A two-person exercise in which partners keep light contact at the arms and try to sense and upset each other's balance while staying relaxed and rooted themselves. It is how t'ai chi tests whether softness really works. See pushing hands.

Does practice require any particular belief?

No. T'ai chi grew up alongside Taoist ideas, and its vocabulary draws on them, but practice does not require any belief. See Taoism, Buddhism and the martial arts.

Can t'ai chi be learned from videos?

Videos are helpful reminders of a sequence you have been taught, but they cannot correct you. A teacher who can see you is almost essential for the first years, especially for stances and alignment.

How often is it worth practising?

A little every day is better than a lot once a week. Even a few minutes of the section you are learning keeps it fresh.

When do weapons come in?

Usually after the solo form is secure, because the sword and sabre forms depend on the same body mechanics. See the sword and weapons and specialty training.

Is t'ai chi good for health?

Many people practise it as gentle exercise. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health summarises research that has looked at balance, falls, pain and other areas, and is careful about the limits of that evidence. The page on what research has looked at reads the studies modestly. This guide gives general information, not medical advice.

How should a newcomer choose a class?

Watch a class first, ask where the teacher learned, and notice whether beginners are helped patiently. Choosing a teacher and what to expect as a new student go further.

If your question is not here, the list of articles may point to a page that answers it.