Page 28 - Simplifying T'ai Chi Rev3 2017

Chapter 5 Choosing Your First Class 35

For several years now I have used my own Twilight T'ai Chi program which I
developed to address the issues of integrating people with Alzheimer's into the
groups. In this the movements are related to everyday activities which stimulates
activity, interaction and fun. Part of this program involves using fans to provide
focus and extend movement range.

For Children
Many traditional teachers will adopt the classic approach that children should be
taught in the same way as adults to build up their skills. While I don't disagree with
this, only a few will have the motivation and drive to use this route.
For the majority of younger children, the use of modified programs that have been
developed to take into account age, attention span and the need for fun are more
suitable. These are well worth exploring as they will progressively seed the T'ai
Chi philosophy which will hopefully remain throughout life.

Just Qi Gong - Not T'ai Chi

Some of you may decide that you really only want to practise Qi Gong (explained
on page 21), or may only be able to find a Qi Gong class. That's fine. Most of the
information in this book applies equally to T'ai Chi and Qi Gong.

Remember, I have already said that you can practise Qi Gong very effectively and
never visit T'ai Chi, but you cannot practise T'ai Chi without understanding the
basic principles of Qi Gong. T'ai Chi is a martial art developed from basic Qi Gong
movement.

Just as with T'ai Chi, there are many different types of Qi Gong, some gentle and
some very demanding, with very active movement (unlike the simple one that I
have provided in this book on on page 108) - but all demand the same basic internal
and external maxims to provide safe movement and inner energy flow.

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