T'ai Chi Beginning Practice

Tai Chi Beginning Practice, with David-Dorian Ross. Keep in mind this is my first outing with Tai Chi (never tried it before, absolute novice, but I am reasonably fit and do enjoy yoga):

*The Solo Forms - Tai Chi*

Good Things -

The setting is lovely - in an aspen forest in the Rockies of Colorado.

High production values.

The instructor has a nice, gentle voice, serene manner and seems like a good teacher.

When I was able to get the moves right, I felt elegant and graceful. I think I will be able to grow into this DVD.


Less Good Things -

Sometimes the high production values get in the way of being able to follow what the instructor is doing. If the camera wasn't circling around or closing in on David's face, I might be able to figure out what direction I am to be moving into. :)

Sometimes David gets his right and left switched up, which is EXTREMELY hard to handle...since it's tough enough to figure out the right/left in the first place (he is facing you).

David moves a bit too fast for a novice (like me). I am sure the pace will be fine once I know what I am doing. My husband, who had at least some beginners Tai Chi experience, also found this hard to follow. Figuring out your left and right when someone is facing you is really a tough nut to crack.

I spent a lot of time in this segment just standing and watching in yogic Tree Pose, waiting for something to cycle around so that I could follow again.

I would have preferred the DVD to show us a split screen or insert with him NOT facing the audience. I am thinking of actually watching this DVD in the mirror to be able to follow along. I am hopeful this will be helpful!

*Flowing Practice Demonstration*

It was a good idea for the DVD to include a segment on how the forms are supposed to look, all flowing together, by a master. I appreciated this addition.

*Qigong/Chi Gong Extra*

There is a bonus segment on the DVD, a Morning Chi Gong practice. This is set on a beach and is very easy to follow; a very soothing and wonderful addition to the DVD.

I think for some people the DVD is worth getting for this part alone. I have never done chi gong before and I think this is fabulous - anyone can do it.

I was a little bit distracted by the waves creeping up to his feet, but it's ultimately neat that the wave only actually laps David's toes during the final move. How did they plan that? heehee

*The Upshot*

The total time on the DVD is 1 hour and 10 minutes. I would recommend that beginners with some experience be patient with the right/left issues (maybe watch in a mirror). For complete novices, this may not be the best starting DVD, unless you are really patient with your own frustration levels. Personally, I plan to use this DVD a few times a week, and believe each time will be easier and more graceful.

That said, and this bears repeating: the Chi Gong bonus segment is wonderful for anyone at any level. As you stand in one place through the whole movement, you don't need a large space to work in (as you do with the Tai Chi segment). This is a plus for people with tiny living rooms! :)

Starts with the basics, takes you through a beginning routine that introduces the kinds of moving and breathing that make Tai Chi so profound.

There are way too many cuts and edits in this video to see the whole routine through. Even playing it at half speed I'm having trouble seeing the full body positions.

There needs to be static shots of the person teaching you. This one constantly cross fades and only has half body shots. Can't see his feet, can't see his other hand. Not helpful at all.

There are several problems about learning tai chi from a video. The most important is that no matter how good the video, it can never tell you when you are doing it wrong or when you could hurt yourself. I teach tai chi and you would be surprised how many people fail to follow a move correctly even after repeated, detailed instruction. People are not very conscious of their body and they may think they are doing the moves right when they are not. The benefits of tai chi come from following the form correctly and not doing so can result in injury.

Another problem is that people tend to be distracted by the motion of the hands and they miss everything else that is happening in a particular move. They concentrate on the arms and hands and miss what the rest of the body is doing.

There are many forms of tai chi and each has different forms. Most videos fail to mention the form they are based on which is very confusing to people who try to follow videos for different forms.

The correct use for any tai chi video is as a reference. Attend a class and ask your instructor if he/she recommends a video. You can then use the video when you practice at home. Do not rely on any tai chi video as the sole form of instruction. You need an experienced instructor that will teach you patiently and give you gentle corrections when necessary.

I really like David Dorian-Ross but when you are teaching beginners they need to be able to follow the movements. That is why aerobics instructors lead the class behind them.

If you are a beginner it is too hard to follow the movements facing the instructor. I have to follow the DVD in a mirror or I get lost.