A tai chi center is a place where people gather to learn and practice tai chi, which is also known as tai chi chuan. Tai chi is a martial art that is often practiced for its health benefits. It is a practice that involves specific positions, postures, and moves. There are a number of different schools of tai chi. The main schools are Yang style, Wu style, Chen style, Sun style, and Wu/Hao style.
Most centers that teach tai chi maintain an active course schedule. Members of the center will usually be able to choose between a number of different kinds of classes which meet on a regular basis. The frequency of class meetings is usually once or twice per week. A tai chi center usually offers classes for people at all different levels of experience. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners of tai chi should be able to find classes that are right for them in the course offerings.
Some centers even offer training for people who want to become tai chi teachers. Becoming a teacher requires many hours of study and practice, which can be logged at the tai chi center. This sort of training is usually much more intensive than training for people who are simply taking courses to improve their health. In addition, training to become a tai chi teacher is usually more expensive than the basic courses.
Depending on the focus of a tai chi center, the classes may all be in one style of the martial art or there may be a mix of more than one style in the curriculum. If the center is run by a head teacher, the classes will usually follow the style of tai chi in which that teacher was trained. There may occasionally be special course offerings in alternative styles of tai chi. The center may also bring in guest teachers on a semi-regular basis to offer new kinds of information, techniques, and training to the members. These may be one-time events or classes that meet on a regular basis for a number of weeks.
In addition to offering classes in the practice of the martial art, a tai chi center might also offer seminars of lectures in the history and philosophy of tai chi. These seminars and lectures might be led by one of the center's teachers or by a guest. These kinds of courses may also be required for any members of the center who are working towards becoming tai chi teachers.
