HOW TO SELCECT THE BEST TAI CHI TEACHER FOR YOU

The best teacher for you is one who can effectively communicate the art of tai chi in a way that resonates with you and helps you progress and grow. So, when you visit a class and speak with a teacher, watch how the teacher and students relate to each other. Here is what you need to consider.

1. Rapport and Trust: Look for a teacher you feel comfortable with and can trust. You’ll be spending significant time with them, so it’s important to have a good rapport. The teacher should make you feel seen during lessons, provide individual corrections, and be open to questions.

2. Lineage and Experience: Inquire about the teacher’s lineage and training background. While there are no official regulations for tai chi teachers, understanding their background can give you insight into their expertise. Be aware that mastering even one style of tai chi takes a lifetime of dedication.

3. Teaching Methods: Observe the teacher’s instructional style. They should provide clear instructions, explain the reasoning behind specific movements, and teach in a way that’s appropriate for your physical abilities and goals.

4. Continuous Learning: A good teacher should be part of a larger tai chi community and continue to learn themselves. This can provide you with a network of support and opportunities to practice with other students.

5. Focus on Internal Practice: If you’re interested in the meditative and health aspects of tai chi, look for a teacher who emphasizes internal practice, balance, and calmness. They should be able to help you open your energy channels and soothe your mind.

6. Alignment with Your Goals: Be clear about what you want to learn from tai chi. Some teachers may focus more on the martial aspects, while others emphasize health benefits. Choose a teacher whose approach aligns with your personal goals.

  7. Health and Safety: Choose a teacher who prioritizes your health and safety. They should be able to adapt exercises for any health issues you may have, such as offering seated options if you have difficulty standing. A good teacher should also appear healthy themselves.

8. Research and Recommendations: Do some background reading on tai chi history and styles. Start with our STYLE SELECTION PAGE and our READING LIST PAGE

9. If possible, seek recommendations from other tai chi practitioners in your area. This knowledge will help you make a more informed decision when choosing a teacher.

Remember, the best teacher for you is one who can effectively communicate the art of tai chi in a way that resonates with you and helps you progress towards your goals.

Other considerations:

Don’t be fooled by the colorful silken Tai Chi outfits and satin tai chi shoes. These do not make a Tai Chi master, only skills do. But even the best Tai Chi skills do not always translate into the best teaching skills. There have been many skillful Tai chi masters who have been poor teachers. So, again look for a teacher with whom you have good rapport and can trust his/her teaching methods to align with your ability to understand.

These next two are especially important to me. How comfortable do you feel in the setting – the building or park where you learn Tai Chi? And how comfortable do you feel with the environment? Is the atmosphere supportive or competitive, serene or noisy, calming or agitating? It’s difficult to learn any art when your spirit feels out of place. So, take your time and be completely open in your search, and success will be yours.