FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is Taichi an exercise for old people only?
Taichi practice is suitable for people of all ages. Traditional Taichi appeals more to adults as its main objectives are to build health through regulating internal energy flow, strengthen joints, improve overall coordination, and de-stress our busy mind. Hence, Traditional Taichi it is not very suitable for children who are full of energy and prefer something fun or competitive.
I have knee problems. Can I still do the exercises?
Listen to your body, you may have to adjust the intensity or angle of your exercises accordingly. However, you should not avoid exercises totally because you need to build lower body strength (your quads, glutes, calf muscles) to ease the loads on your weak or injured knees. Taichi can help to build lower body strength, improve your balancing and coordination to prevent falls. It is also sustainable in the long run as Taichi has little requirements and can be practiced anywhere.
I have cancer or just completed chemo. Can I do Taichi?
Many cancer patients have come to us. And many cancer patients (lung cancer, blood cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer) are on our Taichi programs. Taichi by itself is not a miracle drug. It cannot kill cancer. However, Taichi can help you in your recovery journey. After chemo treatments, many experience problems like overall weakness, loss of bone mass, loss of appetite, sleepless nights etc. Practicing Taichi can help you with better energy circulation, build muscle strength in a less demanding manner. It can improve your appetite, immunity, stamina, and sleep quality. Basically Taichi can improve the quality of your day-to-day life. It can improves your body to let your own immunity fight the cancer cells.
How long is the Beginners Course?
The Beginners Course program is 1-2 years program. This is based on a regular attendance. To really achieve its health benefits, one should practice regularly and attend routine correction classes. It is critical for the steps to be executed correctly, together with proper flow and coordination of breathing.
How long does it take to “master” this Taichi?
Traditional Taichi is an internal martial art. It takes years to learn, and decades to master. Our Grandmaster has told us in his opinion, for students whom wish to take their skill to a higher level, 5000 hours of regular practice is required. When this is achieved, he or she can naturally appreciate this art to a different level, and explore deeper into its internal elements, internal force and applications. However, every individual is different. We do not focus on putting an end point to its learning, but rather making it part of our life.
What other Taichi routine or weapons courses are available?
Our direction as an academy for Traditional Wu-Style Taichi (传统吴家太极拳) means we aim to teach in-depth and impart solid skills. Unlike most community programs where focus is more on recreational and bonding activities, they may offer different routine courses every term. We do not teach other Taichi forms since it is impossible to learn Wu-Style Taichi in just a few months and move on to learn another. We also believe in regular practice and learning, so it is not practical to carry different weapons to commute to work or classes each time.
Without grading or competitions, how do i judge my skills?
Historically, Wu-Style Taichi has been known for its wonderful health benefits, its practical applications, as well as push hand techniques. Results come in the form of improved health and a calmer state of mind, not a grading belt or a gold medal. Our training goals are long term, not event oriented. Our training objectives are not grading, competitions or stage performances.
So how do I progress a student?
Join our Beginners Classes are we will progress together. We will explore and grow in the Taichi Journey.
I have learnt Taichi before, can I start with MORE ADVANCE TRAINING?
As the saying goes, empty your cups to let it fill again. if you are interested to explore this art, we would like to invite you go through the whole program. Every art is different. We do not start new students directly to our advance level programs.
Can I do a trial class?
Trial classes are not effective in exploring Traditional Taichi. Traditional Taichi is an internal martial art, which when practice correctly over time, help to build your internal energy (QI), and improve your health, This can’t be achieved or experience in one session. We do not offer trial classes.
I travel for work sometimes, what shall I do?
Business trips are inevitable. Even for some, leisure travel can be very frequent. Most importantly you must be willing to include Taichi as part of your living, so on days you missed class, you are disciplined to do some practice on your own, and commit time to catch up when you return. It is very unlikely to wait for a window period where there is absolutely no travelling to start your Taichi program. There is no replacement class if students missed classes on their own. There will be replacement class if a school cancel classes on a non Public Holiday.
I am interested to be a coach, what shall I do?
Being a traditional school, we believed in inheritance rather than grading or certifications. Just as the art was passed down by Grandmaster Wu Kung-I to our Grandmaster Wong Choo Yam, to our Sifu Chan Lai Wah, we are happy to impart, guide, and provide intensive training for those who wish to be accepted as internal disciple, to spread and teach this art with our school. So feel free to approach us on your interest.
Is Wu-style Taichi difficult? I prefer something easier.
Learning a traditional martial art requires a lot of discipline and perseverance. Although we do not have fanciful moves or flying kicks, but back to basic is equally difficult. You need to work for your health. If you prefer something more recreational and fun, you can consider taking up community programs. Those are equally a good form of exercise and promotes neighbourhood bonding.
Can I join your classes anytime?
No. We accept students on Intake basis. You can follow our Facebook page or website for intake details.
I AM A CHRISTIAN. CAN I LEARN TAICHI?
Yes, we welcome students of any religion or race. Our Founder is a Christian, but we do not preach about religion in our school. Our School logo represents the Chinese Word “Respect”. We believed in mutual respect, harmonious living, and a gracious society. Hence, do not associate our teachings to any religions, and it is solely based on martial arts (self defense techniques), strengthening of muscle and joints, improve balancing, and overall body coordination skills only.