The Levee Tai Chi School--FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about The Levee Tai Chi School

• What do I wear? Comfortable, loose clothing and tennis or other low, soft-soled shoes. Nothing restrictive, as you need to be able to freely move. Yoga clothing is fine, as is scrubs, jogging suits, or shorts and a tee shirt. No bare feet.
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• How fit/healthy/young do I need to be? I welcome and teach ALL participants of all ages, health and fitness levels. If you feel comfortable walking through the grocery store or the mall then you're fit enough for Qi Gong and/or Tai Chi. Naturally if you have any concerns about your health please check with your doctor.
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• Do you assign belts or ranks? No. While Tai Chi is a recognised Kung Fu form, Qi Gong and Tai Chi have no belt or sash ranking system; the only person you are “competing against” is yourself. The only goals you need to meet are the ones you set for yourself alone.
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• What do I call my teacher? If Paul is leading class, then “Paul” is fine. I don't expect honorifics and bowing in and out, etc, which would be expected in a formal kwoon (school) setting. If you would prefer to use an honorific, you can call me “Lao Shi” which means “respected teacher” in Cantonese.
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• What type of forms are we learning? The Qi Gong form is the Eight Silken Changes, or the Eight Pieces of Brocade Silk, called the Ba Duan Jin in Cantonese. It was developed centuries ago as a means to increase Qi energy flow, improve strength, balance, and increase mindfulness in a moving meditation form. The Tai Chi form is Professor Cheng Man Ching's 37 Posture Yang School Short Form. It is a shortened, simplified version of the venerable 103 PostureYang Style, which was first formalized in the early 1800s. It focuses on relaxation, develops grace and balance, and both are characterized by soft, expansive, circular movements without shart impacts. I am a fifth generation student in a direct lineage from the Professor.
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• How long does it take? Learning the 37 Posture Tai Chi form, on average, takes about 20 - 24 months, as accuracy and technique are vitally important aspects of any Tai Chi practice. Regular participation and practice at home can, naturally, shorten this time. Learning the 8 Pieces of Brocade Silk Qi Gong form can take as little as two classes.