I teach mostly beginners and older adults interested in the health and well-being benefits of taiji . The teaching of martial arts applications I leave to others. As an occupational therapist I shared taiji with children and adults to improve balance and movements that were impaired by illness or accident. I also studied the changes in balance and well-being in cancer survivors and older adults following 6 months of taiji practice.
In addition to wonderful teachers locally like Kenny, Arthur, and Dan, I studied with teachers who helped me become certified to teach a Yang style adaptive tai chi taught by Tricia Yu (for seated and walker supported versions), and a Sun style Tai Chi for Fall Prevention and Arthritis taught by Dr. Paul Lam. I love teaching basic taiji movements and principles to beginners hoping they get hooked on the benefits and enjoyment it can bring at any age and stage of fitness.
As one of my teachers put it, “tai chi is for everyone, but not everyone is (looking) for tai chi.” When you are ready to explore taiji, you will find a teacher among the many wonderful folks in the Columbia Taiji Qigong community. Talk to other students and ask them why they keep coming back. I’m still coming back in my mid-seventies to learn from others, to improve my health, and to deepen a practice that I love to do and to share. You may find an elixor that makes you want to come back too. Just showing up is how the journey begins.