Which style of Tai Chi is right for you?
Fall Prevention Tai Chi, adapted from the Sun 73 Forms tai chi style, is a wonderful introduction to tai chi. It has 3 levels or parts, each of which adds some new challenges. Most people find this is a great place to start their tai chi journey.
Above you’ll see a large goup practicing “single whip” (occurs in Sun 73 and Fall Prevention Tai chi)
Below to the right you see Anne leading a group practicing Yang 24 forms. Each of the movements looks “different” on each person.As in all tai chi, we each make the adjustments that suit us and keep us comfortable. In this picture you see us practicing “snake creeps down.”
A BIT OF TAI CHI HISTORY
Chen is the oldest and most martial of the tai chi styles combining slow and fast moves, kicks, turns, punches.
Yang is somewhat younger and is currently the most popular form worldwide. The earliest versions had 108 moves or more, but nowadays many of us enjoy Yang 24 Forms which was created in the 1950’s at Beijing Sports University.
Sun style is one of the youngest styles, with its distinctive “follow steps” and moments of dedicated deep breathing. Sun 73, which many of us practice does require a good bit of memory work, but with practice the sequence of moves becomes familiar.
Fall Prevention Tai Chi is a short form based on Sun style, and very similar to Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis. It can be done standing or seated.
Recently a lot of newly invented tai chi forms have arrived, and you may find one or more of them fun.
Below, Ellie Hayes leads a group practicing Sun 73 forms, doing “brush knee.”
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR?
People who have taken tai chi sometimes realize they are ready for a new challenge–perhaps a new form, but perhaps becoming a tai chi teacher! Tai Chi Vermont, Inc. is a non-profit that offers training, certification, and mentoring throughout the state.
Skills needed to become certified to teach: Good communication skills, some tai chi and/or teaching experience, interest in helping others (especially seniors) maintain and improve their health, willingness to put time and effort into earning the tai chi moves and teaching techniques Tai Chi Vermont uses. For more information, explore the website: www.taichivermont.org or you can speak Anne about this possibility; she is a Trainer with Tai Chi Vermont.
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