Tai Chi is a form of martial arts, and people practice it for different reasons. Some get into tai chi for the health benefits it can bring, while others get into it for mental fitness and better focus. Still, there are others who practice tai chi for the martial arts form that it is. Tai chi, like many exercises, involves forms and positions. And not every beginner can expect to immediately get used to the practice. So if you are a beginner in the arts, here are some useful tips for you.

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1. Choose the tai chi style that best suits your goals.

There are different tai chi styles that let people who practice it meet specific goals. Choosing a specific style for you will let you focus and accomplish your goal more easily, since you aren't sidetracked by other styles that you don't really need. For example, the Wu style is specifically for meditation purposes. If that's what you're going for, then choose the style. Ask your teacher and research on it.

2. Relax and be aware of your connection to everything around you.

"If you practice (a martial art) without paying attention to your gong (base) then it will be a lifetime of empty practice."- Hua Sheng Shyan

In doing tai chi, what drives you is your base energy or gong. If you're not paying attention to how your base energy is driving your movements, then that's not the way to go. Of course, you don't expect to get it on the first try, but the more tensed you are, the more out of focus you'll be. Enjoy the connections you have with nature, and have an awareness of how connected your body is to them as well.

3. Practice regularly and consistently. 

Of course this applies to any other exercise there is. For tai chi, practicing is taking in what you have learned, and doing it consistently disciplines you as someone who does it.  Realbuzz suggests practicing with a friend in an open space, like a garden or a park. This allows you to get support and lets you feel less conscious about people looking at you.

4. Wear thin shoes.

Thinner shoes lets your soles feel the earth, making the concept of connectivity feel concrete to you. And it's not just about how it makes you feel. The earth's energy can get to the body by having that sensitive connectivity.

5. Be patient.

Practicing tai chi is a process. It takes a while before you get accustomed to the way things are done in doing tai chi. You won't have the balance instantly, and being aware of the connections does not come easily as well. Understanding the gong and how it works in the body takes time before it becomes more than just a concept driving a series of positions. So be patient with yourself, forgive and just try again. 

TagsTai Chi, martial arts, Beginners, tips, Meditation