Your First Tai Chi Class

Tai Chi for a Better Life

At the end of each month, students register for the upcoming Tai Chi Classes. These classes are held at Richland, Washington Community Center. You may wonder what that first class will be like. Here’s what you can expect:

You see twelve or more students who have advanced beyond beginner stage, and one to a few “newbies.” If I see that you are new I will try to welcome you as you enter the room. Students will be visiting, standing or seated along one wall.

Meditation
When it is time for class to start, an instructor will strike a sound on a “singing bowl.” Students will spread out and stand with feet at shoulder width to start meditation. This is one of my favorite parts of the class, as I find it so delightful and peaceful.

You are welcome to join in this ceremony. If you choose to, place the left hand down with palm-facing-up. Position it in front of you about four inches below the navel. Then the right hand on top of the left, also palm up, and thumbs lightly touching each other. You don’t need to memorize this. The instructor will show you how to do it. In Tai Chi we learn a lot by observing and imitating advanced students.

Meditation as we practice it is not some weird, esoteric challenge. In the beginning stages you will mostly concentrate on breathing. You will be instructed to breathe in slowly. Do it naturally, first filling the diaphragm (tummy), then into the chest. Finally, fill the lungs. Next, slowly breathe out, emptying the lungs and the diaphragm.

Why breathing exercises? We are practicing for our health. Tai Chi originated in the martial arts. In martial arts, correct breathing is very important. It helps us deliver power when and where it is needed. As we practice breathing better, we become healthier and our Tai Chi forms are perfected as well.

Meditation lasts about three minutes. I like to clear my mind of any distracting thoughts and become calm and peaceful inside. I leave behind the stress of the past and enter a calm place.

After Meditation comes Stretching. The entire class will do a few minutes of special exercises. These exercises are designed to enhance Tai Chi and, hopefully, prevent injuries. As you practice, never do anything that hurts you or goes against your medical practitioner’s advice. If you feel dizzy or can’t continue, don’t fall down. Sit down where you are. If you can, find your way to a chair and sit down. If you have any particular medical issues or special needs due to a physical condition, please inform your instructors. They will suggest different stretches or activities.

After stretching, an instructor teaches newer students the Tai Chi Walk. This skill is basic to all of the forms and postures that we use. After a few sessions you will likely be capable of keeping up with a larger group. I hope you will enjoy your time in Tai Chi as much as I do.

Author: Frank Ellsworth Lockwood (with help from AI).

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