Just woke up this morning and practiced my Wu (family name) Tai Chi Chuan (Grand Ultimate Fist) slow and fast forms. It feels so good to do this practice the first thing in the morning. The slow, focused, relaxing postures of tai chi chuan energize yet relax, they focus yet clear your mind and balance your out for your day. Many people only know of tai chi chuan frmo seeing it in documentaries about China. It is one of the oldest forms of exercise and practiced by many. It is also a very effective form of self-defense but many practitioners and, even, instructors don't know this! It is one of few forms of exercise where you can improve and get stronger at until you are well into your older years. Tai chi chuan is non-impact, doesn't strain your heart- It strengthens it, it improves your balance, coordination, focus. Tai chi chuan can lower your blood pressure. It is self-defense that requires no muscular strength, only proper practice. It is not easy to learn and once undertaken you will learn that you will always be learning and practicing and improving.
When you look for an instructor you should make sure that they are knowledgeable and don't only teach the common "24 Step International Form". Does the instructor know it is a martial art and understand the applications? Are they 'picky' in their teaching? Tai chi chuan requires what we call exactness, which is just what it says! And, contrary to what many hear, it is not easy to learn. It is, and should be, challenging. It may not be very physically difficult (though many would give a different opinion on that since your definition of physically challenging may be different) but it is mentally.
Take a few tai chi chuan classes with an open mind and remember that the question you shouldn't ask is "How long does it take to learn it?"
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