When it comes to Tai Chi, there are several different ways that you can view and watch the art. The best way to watch Tai Chi is always in person, but there are many people who like to watch group Tai Chi videos as well. In fact, many people are turning to Tai Chi videos not only to watch techniques, but to learn the actual art. But are Tai Chi videos beneficial in this sense? Can you learn the art of Tai Chi through a video? Let’s take a more in depth look at this question.
Just as there are for other forms of martial art and exercise, there are many videos on the market that claim to be able to "teach" you Tai Chi. And while these videos can be beneficial in several other ways, using them to learn the art of Tai Chi is not recommended. The main reason for this is because Tai Chi consists of a variety of precise and specific movements. You can usually learn the basic movements by watching Tai Chi videos, but the preciseness will come down to practicing with others and gaining instruction from a Tai Chi master.
Another reason that group Tai Chi videos are not recommended for learning the art is because they don’t allow you to put the art into practice. You can watch videos and learn the techniques, but unless you have a group of other Tai Chi students to practice with you will never be able to learn the practicality of these techniques and movements.
With all of that said, Tai Chi videos can be useful in many other ways. Firstly, they are great for practicing techniques. Once you learn a technique from your Tai Chi instructor, you can use videos to review the proper technique while you are practicing at home. They are also great for learning combinations of movements (known as "forms"). Forms combine 8 or more Tai Chi movements together, and videos can be a great way to review them outside of class.
In addition, group Tai Chi videos can be a great way to get a head start on yourself. The art of Tai Chi is not learned overnight and is usually taught in stages. Group videos can help you research what is ahead, taking a look at movements, techniques, or forms that you have not yet learned. Keep in mind that these videos should not be used to learn the techniques, but to review them and become familiarized with them.
The verdict? Tai Chi videos are a great way to research Tai Chi and gain an understanding of the different movements and techniques used. They are also great for practicing the art form at home. With that said, if you are serious about learning the art of Tai Chi, group Tai Chi videos are not the way to do it. The only way to really learn Tai Chi is to practice in class with a reputable instructor such as those within the TCSociety. Videos can be used to supplement what you learn in class.