Looking for a good beginner Tai Chi DVD

[elegantlion]

Any suggestions? Amazon links would be great too. Thanks. 

[TianXiaXueXiao]

Do you want a long form or a short form? Yang style or Chen style? Why do you want the dvd? Is it for learning Tai Chi or for having a new way to move your body for exercise?

[elegantlion]

Do you want a long form or a short form? Yang style or Chen style? Why do you want the dvd? Is it for learning Tai Chi or for having a new way to move your body for exercise?

 

I know nothing about the different styles, what would be good for a beginner or where can I research them? I would like to learn the philosophy of Tai Chi as well as the moves. I'd prefer a DVD as that is the only way it will get done. Part of it is exercise as well as stress relief. I've tried meditation in the past, but feel like I need something where I can move. 

 

I have an older DVD I picked up years ago, but it doesn't explain much and the DVD is not the best at teaching the moves.

[Wheres Toto]

Have you looked at youtube?  I have a few marked on youtube that I do when I have the chance.   There are a ton on there.

 

[TianXiaXueXiao]

I know nothing about the different styles, what would be good for a beginner or where can I research them? I would like to learn the philosophy of Tai Chi as well as the moves. I'd prefer a DVD as that is the only way it will get done. Part of it is exercise as well as stress relief. I've tried meditation in the past, but feel like I need something where I can move. 

 

I have an older DVD I picked up years ago, but it doesn't explain much and the DVD is not the best at teaching the moves.

 

I completely understand where you are coming from and I will tell you that you simply can't achieve your stated goals with dvds or videos. Taking a class with an instructor is really the only way. If you start with a dvd, you will have a very difficult time learning this martial arts system. Tai chi (Taijiquan) is a wonderful way to get in shape and to learn martial arts, but there are so many minor adjustments that cannot be translated across the screen to you in your home. You will miss quite a bit by not having a teacher show you proper posture and technique. The philosophy is also passed down form teacher to student and just like learning anything new, you need an instructor to meet you where you are in a dialogue. You can read about philosophy but it won't inform your practice without having a teacher to help you apply it. You will also need a teacher to assist you in your progress and develop throughout the form because there is an approach to learning that starts with a beginner's understanding but will develop over time, so even though your movement and postures might appear the same, what you will actually be doing will be different as an intermediate student than as a beginner. With dvd/video you will not even reach a beginner stage.

 

I personally prefer Chen style because it hasn't been watered down as much for Western students and if you find a teacher who knows the Chen style, he will likely also know Yang style which can be easier for a beginner to learn.

 

Please feel free to pm me if you want me to look at classes in your area to help you find a good one.

 

If you still just want a dvd, I would recommend this: http://smile.amazon.com/Taijiquan-Classical-Yang-Style/dp/0940871645/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462219892&sr=8-1&keywords=taijiquan+dvd

 

Here is a short video about it.

[elegantlion]

Have you looked at youtube?  I have a few marked on youtube that I do when I have the chance.   There are a ton on there.

 

Do you have any favorites? I prefer DVD because I would like something to do when I'm not able to get online. 

 

I completely understand where you are coming from and I will tell you that you simply can't achieve your stated goals with dvds or videos. Taking a class with an instructor is really the only way. If you start with a dvd, you will have a very difficult time learning this martial arts system. Tai chi (Taijiquan) is a wonderful way to get in shape and to learn martial arts, but there are so many minor adjustments that cannot be translated across the screen to you in your home. You will miss quite a bit by not having a teacher show you proper posture and technique. The philosophy is also passed down form teacher to student and just like learning anything new, you need an instructor to meet you where you are in a dialogue. You can read about philosophy but it won't inform your practice without having a teacher to help you apply it. You will also need a teacher to assist you in your progress and develop throughout the form because there is an approach to learning that starts with a beginner's understanding but will develop over time, so even though your movement and postures might appear the same, what you will actually be doing will be different as an intermediate student than as a beginner. With dvd/video you will not even reach a beginner stage.

 

I personally prefer Chen style because it hasn't been watered down as much for Western students and if you find a teacher who knows the Chen style, he will likely also know Yang style which can be easier for a beginner to learn.

 

Please feel free to pm me if you want me to look at classes in your area to help you find a good one.

 

If you still just want a dvd, I would recommend this: http://smile.amazon.com/Taijiquan-Classical-Yang-Style/dp/0940871645/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462219892&sr=8-1&keywords=taijiquan+dvd

 

Here is a short video about it.

 

I understand what you are saying, but I absolutely cannot afford more recurring expenses, as I'm living as a broke college student for a few more years. Thank you for the links. 

[Wheres Toto]

I like this Qi Gong -

 

and the videos from Mimi Kuo-Deemer. Here's one but she has a bunch:

_

 

I did take classes but they stopped offering them at our local Y, and another local teacher basically admitted he was going to be late every time, and that just annoys me so it defeated the purpose for me. 

 

Even doing it myself and not perfectly, I find it very relaxing.  Once I do a video a few times, I often play my own music instead of listening to the instruction. 

 

[elegantlion]

I like this Qi Gong -

 

and the videos from Mimi Kuo-Deemer. Here's one but she has a bunch:

_

 

I did take classes but they stopped offering them at our local Y, and another local teacher basically admitted he was going to be late every time, and that just annoys me so it defeated the purpose for me. 

 

Even doing it myself and not perfectly, I find it very relaxing.  Once I do a video a few times, I often play my own music instead of listening to the instruction. 

 

Thank you, those look great. 

[Slache]

Tai Cheng has been great for me. It covers technique well. Amazon link.

 

 

 

The Great Courses Tai Chi covers the philosophy well if you can get it through your library. It does not cover technique well and is so not worth $200+. I am a beginner.

[TianXiaXueXiao]

Tai Cheng has been great for me. It covers technique well. Amazon link.

 

 

The Great Courses Tai Chi covers the philosophy well if you can get it through your library. It does not cover technique well and is so not worth $200+. I am a beginner.

I don't mean to be rude or insulting but tai cheng is not taijiquan. It is a new exercise program with characteristics that appear similar to Tai chi but it is not Tai chi. Edited May 3, 2016 by TianXiaXueXiao

[umsami]

I think I had one years ago featuring David Carridine.  LOL

 

A more recent one I've owned is by Lee Holden.  Although I bought a DVD, he's all over youtube.  https://youtu.be/bRs0nFgvcOQ

[Wheres Toto]

I completely understand where you are coming from and I will tell you that you simply can't achieve your stated goals with dvds or videos. Taking a class with an instructor is really the only way. If you start with a dvd, you will have a very difficult time learning this martial arts system. Tai chi (Taijiquan) is a wonderful way to get in shape and to learn martial arts, but there are so many minor adjustments that cannot be translated across the screen to you in your home. You will miss quite a bit by not having a teacher show you proper posture and technique. The philosophy is also passed down form teacher to student and just like learning anything new, you need an instructor to meet you where you are in a dialogue. You can read about philosophy but it won't inform your practice without having a teacher to help you apply it. You will also need a teacher to assist you in your progress and develop throughout the form because there is an approach to learning that starts with a beginner's understanding but will develop over time, so even though your movement and postures might appear the same, what you will actually be doing will be different as an intermediate student than as a beginner. With dvd/video you will not even reach a beginner stage.

 

I personally prefer Chen style because it hasn't been watered down as much for Western students and if you find a teacher who knows the Chen style, he will likely also know Yang style which can be easier for a beginner to learn.

 

Please feel free to pm me if you want me to look at classes in your area to help you find a good one.

 

If you still just want a dvd, I would recommend this: http://smile.amazon.com/Taijiquan-Classical-Yang-Style/dp/0940871645/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462219892&sr=8-1&keywords=taijiquan+dvd

 

Here is a short video about it.

 

 

I understand that the full benefits of Tai Chi may not be achieved without a master teacher.  But, both the instructors I've had mentioned one of the great things about Tai Chi is that it's possible to modify the movements for your own comfort, especially if you have any disability or limitations.  One also spoke often about how it could be done anywhere, at any time without special equipment or attire.

 

Even doing it at home through videos and imperfectly, I find Tai Chi very relaxing and stress relieving.  Since even doing it imperfectly is unlikely to cause injury, that works for me at this point of time.  Someday I do hope to go back to classes although  I actually find doing it at home in the quiet more relaxing than a class, but that's my introverted, socially awkward self.

 

One class I have been taking lately is NIA.  It seems to be a mix of Tai Chi, yoga, and dance. 

[elegantlion]

 

 

If you still just want a dvd, I would recommend this: http://smile.amazon.com/Taijiquan-Classical-Yang-Style/dp/0940871645/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462219892&sr=8-1&keywords=taijiquan+dvd

 

 

 

Sorry I didn't respond sooner. Thank you to everyone for links and recommendations. I opted to start with this one. I might look into the Great Courses one too.