Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the Beginner Program start and how long does it run?

Our Beginner Program runs as a 10-week shared community class, with Week 1 aligned with the start of each WA school term.

Each week builds progressively through posture, breathing, balance, silk reeling, footwork, the 5 Elements / Four Postures, and the 13 Postures Chen Tai Chi routine.

For students who are new to Tai Chi, martial arts, or dance, it is highly recommended to start from Week 1, as each week prepares the body for the next stage of learning.

Students may still join midway for revision, gentle exercise, or to experience the class, but they are encouraged to continue into the next 10-week cycle to complete the full foundation program.

What do you cover each week in the Beginner Program?

• The Beginner Program now runs as a 10-week shared community class. It is designed to build progressively from basic body alignment, breathing, balance, silk reeling, and footwork into the 5 Elements / Four Postures and the 13 Postures Chen Tai Chi routine.

  Students train together as one community, but the class also allows for two learning pathways:

  Community Health & Foundation Pathway
  For students who mainly want gentle exercise, balance, relaxation, coordination, and general wellbeing.

  Advanced Taijiquan Development Pathway
  For students who wish to study Chen Taijiquan more deeply, with more correction, home practice, form refinement, silk reeling principles, body mechanics, and internal development.

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  Weekly Outline

  Week 1:
  Chen Tai Chi Qigong, basic breathing, posture, footwork, song kua, and introduction to silk reeling.

  Week 2:
  Qigong, silk reeling foundation, and Movement 1 of the 5 Elements / Four Postures.

  Week 3:
  Qigong, silk reeling foundation, and Movements 2 and 3 of the 5 Elements / Four Postures.

  Week 4:
  Qigong, silk reeling foundation, Movement 4, and revision of the 5 Elements / Four Postures.

  Week 5:
  Begin the 13 Postures routine, continuing from the foundation learned in the first four weeks.

  Week 6:
  Continue the 13 Postures, focusing on balance, stepping, waist and kua coordination.

  Week 7:
  Continue the 13 Postures, with more emphasis on intent 意, relaxation, and whole-body connection.

  Week 8:
  Continue the 13 Postures, focusing on structure, open and close, empty and full.

  Week 9:
  Complete the 13 Postures routine and link the movements together.

  Week 10:
  Full revision, integration, individual correction, questions and answers, and guidance for continued practice.

  Students who mainly want health and relaxation can enjoy the program at a comfortable pace. Students who want deeper training can use this 10-week program as the foundation for the advanced Chen Taijiquan pathway.

   

Can I join the program anytime?

Yes, you are welcome to join at any time. However, if you are not familiar with Tai Chi, martial arts, or dancing, it is highly recommended that you start from Week 1.

Even if you are generally well coordinated, like a dancer, Tai Chi uses a different body method, including relaxation, weight shifting, kua movement, silk reeling, and whole-body connection. Starting from Week 1 will help you build these foundations correctly.

Students who join midway can still participate in the shared foundation practice and enjoy the class, but they are encouraged to continue into the next 10-week cycle to complete and deepen their understanding of the full program.

What happens after I complete the Beginner Program?

After completing the 10-week Beginner Program, students may choose the pathway that best suits their interest and commitment.

For those who mainly enjoy Tai Chi for health, relaxation, balance, and community, you are welcome to continue attending the Community Health & Foundation classes to revise and deepen your foundation at a comfortable pace.

For students who wish to study Chen Taijiquan more seriously, you may progress to the Advanced Taijiquan Development Pathway, which includes more detailed correction, form refinement, silk reeling principles, body mechanics, intention 意, and traditional Chen Taijiquan training.

The intermediate and advanced training may include:

• 13 Postures refinement
• Traditional Chen-style Taijiquan Comprehensive Routine(54) 天才系传统综合套路
• Laojia Yilu 老架一路 – Old Frame First Routine
• Laojia Erlu 老架二路 – Cannon Fist
• Chen Family Weapons – such as Broadsword, Fan, and Straight Sword
• Applications, partner work, demonstrations, and deeper theory

Are there other learning opportunities?

Yes. Chen Tai Chi Academy offers further learning opportunities for students who wish to deepen their practice.

These may include:

• Intermediate and advanced classes
• Workshops and seminars
• Instructor Development Course
• Demonstration and performance teams
• Competition preparation, where suitable
• Community events and group practice sessions

The Instructor Development Course is suitable for students who are interested in learning how to teach the Beginner Program safely, clearly, and effectively. It is designed for students who have a strong foundation, good attitude, regular practice, and a genuine interest in helping others.

How much does it cost to join?

• The annual membership fee for 2026 is $40.

  Beginner classes operate on a donation basis per session. Students may contribute what they feel the class is worth and what they are comfortable giving.

  Intermediate classes are $30 per class.

  Additional fees may apply for workshops, seminars, instructor training, special events, or weapons programs.

How can I sign up?

You can register for classes via our sign-up page here: Chen Tai Chi Sign-Up.