The Tai Chi Healthways Discussion Board

Hey all,

My name is Rob. I live in Virginia, USA. I am an unemployed 47 year old and have just started Tai Chi at a Parks and Rec class. I have no MA training. My instructor is a really nice guy and I suppose he means well with his instruction. My issues are that he seems a little ADHD in class and the class seems geared to the little old ladies. Of the six members in class I'm the only male and the ladies have at least twenty years on me. I am not much bothered by that because he will give me private instruction for any work I do at his place. There is not much in my price range close by and it seems most classes cost a butt load of money around here. I have only been studying for about seven weeks and we are working from a book called "Tai Chi, Ten Minutes to Health", which I did buy. This is Yang style. (First question) Which of Jesse's DVD's would be the best for me right now? As I stated, I am unemployed and money is very short, but I am willing to put out for good instructional material. The first three DVD's have caught my attention right off. Any suggestions?

(Second Question) Are there any kind of conferences or get togethers here in the Mid-Atlantic area? I'm like an hour from Washington DC, Charlottesville, and Fredricksburg. It would be nice to talk to some other experts face to face. Even for a moment. I understand his classes are a continent away from me but maybe somebody knows somebody kind of a thing.

(Third Question) Are there any grants or specials on Jesse's instructional items? I know "stupid question" (hanging head low) but I had to ask.

Anyway, the postures I have learned I am working on getting to flow together. I am beginning to understand the concept of feeling ji? as I work out (which I do at least an hour a day). Oh yeah, I am eat up with arthritis and hurt in most places. If I wake up in the morning and don't hurt I put a rock in my shoe to feel normal. Never had to use the rock LOL. I am not interested in simplified, easy, short, or modified anything. I feel healing will come only with using the right techniques and thought processes. NO shortcuts. Please only serious and honest replies to my post.

Thanks for listening (er reading).
Peace,
Rob

Hi Rob,

No need to have any Martial Arts training for Taichi. I would ask the instructor what form he teaches and try to find it in Jesse's DVDs. I would recommend Tai Chi Fundamentals for Beginners and Tai Chi Warm-Up 18 Forms or Qigong Essentials: Yi Jin Ching. Form 24 and the traditional Yang 108 come to mind too.
Always warm up good before practicing the form, and keep your joints warm and protected from the wind after you stop. I know it is more money but Chinese herbalist or acupuncturist can help too. Healing will come from diligent practice, and don't forget the three most important things in Taiji: relax, relax, relax. Pay attention to how you feel from the inside: tensions in the shoulders, arms, etc.

Regarding your other questions on grants or specials, only Jesse can tell. Don't hesitate to email him!

Hope that helps.

Take care

-- alain.

Hey alain,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I understand about warming up and all, I used to rock climb alot and did sports in school. Now I skydive, no exertion just gravity.LOL I know my instructor is teaching the Yang form, and it is from the aforementioned book. Just not sure if he really is doing it for the love of Tai Chi or the money. I'd say both but just not sure which is more important to him. Anyway, I will email Jesse and see what comes of it. I wished he was near because all I've read points to his desire to help. Oh well, Thanks again.

Peace,
Rob

Rob,

You may also want to check the Tai Chi Healthways Certified Instructors page (http://www.taichihealthways.com/instructors.htm). It appears there is a certified instructor named Robert Corekin in the Roanoke, Virginia area. This person may be able to help you in your Tai Chi pursuits closer to home? Just a suggestion. Have a great day!

Oolong,

I do appreciate the link but Roanoke is about two and half hours away. For me that is like walking the Sierra Divide. I was hoping someone would be closer by. Once my son finishes high school and figures out what he wants to do, my wife and I will be moving to Lynchburg which is only 45 minutes from there. That may be another year or so though.

Peace,
Rob

Hey new guy. I live in ric. try looking on line the site that comes to mind is Sacred Peaks.Don't know about the cost but there is a guy here Wilson Pitts,he's been doing this for years and seams to have quite a following.I hope this helps,there are also a number of good books out there 2off my shelf are,Tai Chi Chuan& Meditation by Da Liu,and Tai Chi Classics by Waysun Liao, there are many more out there.Seek and the shall find.

Hey new guy. I live in ric. try looking on line the site that comes to mind is Sacred Peaks.Don't know about the cost but there is a guy here Wilson Pitts,he's been doing this for years and seams to have quite a following.I hope this helps,there are also a number of good books out there 2off my shelf are,Tai Chi Chuan& Meditation by Da Liu,and Tai Chi Classics by Waysun Liao, there are many more out there.Seek and the shall find.

Hey new guy. I live in ric. try looking on line the site that comes to mind is Sacred Peaks.Don't know about the cost but there is a guy here Wilson Pitts,he's been doing this for years and seams to have quite a following.I hope this helps,there are also a number of good books out there 2off my shelf are,Tai Chi Chuan& Meditation by Da Liu,and Tai Chi Classics by Waysun Liao, there are many more out there.Seek and the shall find.