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Best for Beginners: Tai Chi Online Classes
Key Specs
- Price: $40 monthly;$395 annually
- Format: On-demand videos; Facebook group
- Duration: 2 year course
Why We Chose It
If you’re just starting out on your tai chi journey, the Tai Chi Online Classes are your best bet for getting your foot (and arms and legs) in the door. We selected this program because it takes just two years to complete, which is a bit shorter than some of the other, more in-depth and lengthy courses available online.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Learning from an experienced instructor
- Access to many videos upfront (no waiting each week)
- Facebook support group
Cons
- A two-year course might be long for some
- No live classes
Overview
This course, designed by 7th Generation Lineage Holder of the Imperial Yang Family Tai Chi, Sifu Michael Paler, will help you learn the basics of tai chi (and beyond). With a subscription to Tai Chi Online Classes, Paler will personally instruct you according to ancient teachings developed in China during the early 1800s.
With over 100 instructional and informational videos ready to view upon subscription purchase, the program will cover tai chi stretch and warm-ups, Yang style tai chi 108 form, basic skills, stances, weight-position exercises and drills, 13 Jins, Qigong exercises, and so much more. Although not required, for those interested in a Tai Chi Certification, year one of this online course covers all of the information required for Level 1 Certification.
In the second year, you will deepen your practice with intermediate and advanced training, where you’ll learn principles such as the Three Rings of Yang Jianhou and other training methods exclusive to the Yang Family. The course covers solo exercises including intermediate and advanced Forms training, Jibengong training, and more advanced 100-day Inner Door exercises. Additionally, you’ll learn two-person drills and exercises for Jin development and much more throughout your second year of training.
There are multiple payment plans/subscriptions available. The Automatic Monthly Membership payment plan charges around $40 per month, where you will receive instant access to month one's classes. Then each month, you’ll have access to the next series of videos for your next level of learning. Plus, you will gain personal access to Paler through the Members Only Forum.
Another option is to sign up for the Year One Instant Video Access, which costs around $395 for 12 months. You receive the same benefits as the Automatic Monthly Membership, but instead of having to wait for new courses each week, you will receive all of year one’s videos upfront.
