FAQ
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-Tao, A Way to
Enhance Your Life
Welcome to Tao Tai Chi Studio. We encourage you to explore the ancient art and the philosophical basis of Tai Chi. We hope that your studies improve your overall wellness and help you to find your own Tao, a peaceful path.
As one of many martial art styles, ancient Tai Chi training encourages students to attain higher life goals in addition to exercising one’s mind and body. Growth will be slow and steady, our goal is to make it an enjoyable experience. The following information may be helpful for those of you who have questions.
Q: Do you teach fighting skills?
A: Our focus is on improving wellness in your Tai Chi practice and not focusing on the fighting skills that other Tai Chi schools may offer. Our training involves Qi Gong, meditation, and some martial art applications which will help you to understand Tai Chi concepts.
Q: Do you provide practice videos for students?
A: We respect that many teachers today share Tai Chi through online videos, and we see value in that approach for spreading awareness and interest. At Tao Tai Chi Studio, however, we have chosen a different path that reflects both traditional teaching and the philosophy of Tai Chi itself—seeking balance and harmony.
Educational and movement science research shows that real-time interaction and feedback are the most effective ways to learn practices that integrate body, breath, and mind. Videos can demonstrate movements, but they cannot replace the subtle guidance of a teacher who can adjust your posture, breathing, or flow in the moment.
Just as Tai Chi teaches the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity (天地人和), we hope our students can experience not only the forms themselves, but also the living connection—with the teacher, with fellow students, and even with the natural environment during practice. This human and environmental interaction brings a depth that videos alone cannot provide.
That’s why we focus on in-person classes, small groups, and one-on-one sessions. These settings give space for questions, corrections, encouragement, and authentic exchange—helping students cultivate balance both within themselves and with the world around them.
In this way, our approach is not about rejecting modern methods, but about offering a learning experience that is more aligned with the essence of Tai Chi: connection, presence, and harmony
Q: Can you recommend literature on Tai Chi?
A: Yes, of course. Many students enjoy reading about Tai Chi, while others prefer to learn mainly through direct experience in class. Both approaches are valuable—as long as the choice comes from your own interest and joy.
From the perspective of learning science, reading can support the mind by giving concepts and inspiration, while practice can train the body and nervous system, which always needs more time and repetition than the mind. Tai Chi is ultimately about the integration of body, breath, and awareness—so whatever your learning style, the most important step is to experience it with your whole self.
For those who enjoy reading, here are a few classics and modern works that many students find meaningful:
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Tao Te Ching by Lao Zi — the translation by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English is clear and poetic.
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Cheng Tzu’s Thirteen Treatises on T’ai Chi Ch’uan by Cheng Man Ch’ing — timeless insights from a great master.
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Chi: Discovering Your Life Energy by Master Waysun Liao — a gentle introduction to energy and awareness.
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The Power of Tai Chi by Master Shao Zhao-Ming — practical and accessible.
And a gentle reminder: whether you read deeply or not at all, your body will always be the final teacher. Give it patience, practice with presence, and let both reading and experience guide you toward balance and harmony.
Q: Do you offer private lessons?
A: Our main focus at Tao Tai Chi Studio is to create a harmonious community where students can learn and grow together. Group classes are at the heart of this vision, because practicing as a community not only enhances motivation and joy, but also reflects the Tai Chi philosophy of balance and connection.
At the same time, we respect that every individual’s situation and learning style is unique. Some students—such as those with very full schedules, corporate groups, or individuals with a strong personal wish to dive deeply into a specific form—may prefer a more personalized setting. For these cases, we do offer private or small-group lessons, designed to honor their commitment and support their path.
Research in education and psychology shows that both group learning and individualized guidance have their place. Group practice nurtures shared energy, encouragement, and social connection, while private sessions can provide tailored feedback and flexibility. By offering both, we hope to serve students with different needs—while always keeping the community experience as our central path.
In short: we warmly welcome everyone to join our group classes, and for those with a very strong intention for private study, we are here to support you with respect and care.
Q: Do you offer online classes?
A: We currently do not offer online classes. Tao Tai Chi Studio incorporates traditional Chinese methods to guide in-person students in order to allow them to gradually attain inner strength and to challenge themselves.
Q: I did research online about which style is the best for beginners, but I soon discovered that there are many options. Which style is best for me?
A: That’s a wonderful question, and one that many new students ask. At Tao Tai Chi Studio, our approach is always neutral and respectful toward all styles and lineages. Each tradition—whether it’s Wudang (武當), Yang (楊式), Chen (陳式), Wu (武式), or Sun (孫式)—has its own beauty and wisdom. None is “better” than another; what truly matters is how you learn, practice, and grow with it.
From the perspective of learning science, research shows that before choosing a specialization, it is most effective to first develop fundamental motor skills, body awareness, and balance. In Tai Chi, this means beginning with basic postures, breathing, and stepping patterns, which will support you in any style you later pursue. Think of it like learning the alphabet before writing poetry—once the basics are alive in your body, you’ll be able to appreciate and benefit from any form more deeply.
All Tai Chi styles share common foundations: Qi Gong (breath and energy work), meditation, pushing hands, self-defense applications, and solo hand or weapon routines. Once you have practiced the essentials and experienced the feel of Tai Chi in your body, you’ll naturally be able to sense which style resonates with you—whether for health, martial skill, meditation, or artistic expression.
At Tao Tai Chi Studio, our classically trained instructors will guide you step by step, always in a supportive environment. Once you’ve built a solid base, we’ll help you explore and discover the forms or styles that best fit your interests and personal journey.
In short: Every style is good, but the foundation is what makes any style meaningful. By respecting the basics first, you will gain the freedom to choose wisely later.
Q: Do you offer sword forms and traditional long forms?
A: Yes, we do. Many students are curious about Tai Chi sword, fan, or long forms at the very beginning. These practices are beautiful and rewarding, but they are built on the foundation of basic Tai Chi skills. Without that foundation, it can be difficult to experience the real benefits and may even lead to frustration.
That’s why we kindly ask new students to first complete about 30 hours of beginner training (including the Zhang San Feng 13 Form). This helps you develop balance, body awareness, and relaxation, which are essential for more advanced forms.
If your goal is to study a long form such as the 115-segment Yang style, or traditional sword or fan forms, we recommend at least 100 hours of study over two years, ideally after completing three beginner courses. This way, your body and mind will be ready to enjoy the practice fully.
For those who want a more personalized path, private sessions are always an option, where we can adjust the learning pace according to your background and interests.
In our experience, starting with the basics not only makes advanced forms easier, but also allows students to feel deeper physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Step by step, Tai Chi becomes not just a form you practice, but a way to transform your whole being.
Q: What if I need to stop attending classes for a while?
A: If you decide to take a temporary absence from your Tai Chi instructions, you are welcome to return whenever you are ready and depending upon there being an open slot.
Q: Which class should I choose?
A: Tai Chi is not about forcing progress but about moving with the flow of energy, developing inner strength, and unlocking potential through wisdom and skill. That’s why we offer five structured yet flexible training paths, allowing you to grow at your own pace. Feel free to inform me when you are ready to move to the next level, and we will discuss options. Read more Here.
Q: Do I need to attend classes every week?
A: If you have goals to improve your Tai Chi skills, yes, you need to attend classes every week, and you also need to practice daily at home. For your safety, we suggest that you gradually increase your home practice session's frequency, intensity, and duration. For those who have never learned the fundamentals of Tai Chi, consider dividing your daily practice into short sessions from 2 up to 10 minutes during the first month. We will always take the time to correct you when you are taking a risk in a class. At home remember, "Don't practice if you are not sure."
Q: Do I need to practice at home?
A: If you have goals to improve your Tai Chi skills, yes, you need to attend classes every week, and you also need to practice daily at home. For your safety, we suggest that you gradually increase your home practice session's frequency, intensity, and duration. For those who have never learned the fundamentals of Tai Chi, consider dividing your daily practice into short sessions from 2 up to 10 minutes during the first month. We will always take the time to correct you when you are taking a risk in a class. At home remember, "Don't practice if you are not sure."
Q: What if I come late to a class?
A: If you are late, please walk in quietly without disruption. If you need to miss a class please do not worry if you do not have the time to message the instructor.
Q: Can I bring a friend to a class?
A: We offer a limited class size, so you would need to ask your instructor prior to class. You may bring a friend to private classes, and special programs for family and friend groups.
We have learned much from our students and we are grateful to be in a position to help each of you enjoy your Tai Chi journey and establish your own short or long term plans. Feel free to email taotaichistudio@gmail.com or text 845-214-8579 with questions, comments or concerns regarding your schedule.
Tao Tai Chi Studio
Jing Shuai