Nedlands JLP: No Classes on Thurs 17/9/26. Sabre Advanced Workshop on Tues 15/9/26. TC Workshop 3 on Wed 14/10/26. LHBF Workshop 2 on Tues 27/10/26.
Wetlands (Bibra Lake): No Classes Thurs 12/11/26 and Sat 12/12/26. Intro Instructors WS on Sun 4/10/26.
What is Tai Chi?
Internal Nature
The most important feature of Tai Chi is the internal nature of the exercise. Tai Chi is a set of movements using hands, feet and other parts of the body to bring about improved changes in the internal functions of the body as well as achieving external benefits. The result is better internal bodily functions like bowel movements, deeper breathing and a better body balance through flexible joints.
Tai Chi Principles
There are several principles to follow when practicing Tai Chi.
- Correct timing and slowness in movement for connection
- Movements are circular and spiralling
- Movements are directed by the waist
- ‘Transitional elasticity’ – the follow-through between moves
- No ‘double weightedness’ on the feet
- Feet rooted to the ground
- ‘Song 松’ which means relaxed but focussed
Whole Body Exercise
Tai Chi is a whole body exercise. Every movement is linked to the movement of other parts of the body at the same time. To achieve this, Tai Chi makes use of nine joints in the body known as the nine pearls. The nine pearls are the nine body joints working together like a string of pearls so that all the joints are interconnected as far as movements are concerned. Moving one or two joints will move all the others at the same time. Tai Chi movements are generated by joint rotation and joint extension, rather than by muscles pushing and pulling independently of each other.
The Nine Joints
The nine joints are, from the waist down, foot, ankle, knee and hip joint known as Kua (胯). Hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder are joints above the waist. The final ‘joint’ is the waist band, making up nine joints altogether. The waist band is considered an important joint in Tai chi because it gathers the force or power from the feet, up the leg and expresses out to the hands. Flexibility of all the joints is very important and must be the aim. Inside the waist band about inch below the navel is the Dantian (丹田). The Dantian is the engine of the body where internal energy is stored and distributed to the organs and the rest of the body. Tai Chi generates internal energy which is stored in the Dantian.
The other important joint is the hip joint (inguinal crease) or the Kua. The Kua integrates the movements of the upper and lower body. Without activating the nine joints, particularly the Kua, there is not much Tai Chi energy (qi 气) flowing, therefore no Tai Chi. In Tai Chi circles, this is known as Tai Chi ‘exercise’ or walking Tai Chi.
The Kua also enables the hips and shoulders to stay level, keeps the posture erect as well as protects the knees by keeping the knee, foot and hips stay in alignment.
Meridians ( 经络 )
In Tai Chi practice, meridians are engaged to improve energy circulations. Meridians are energy highway in our body. For example the web between the thumb and the index finger is the big intestine meridian, also known as the tiger’s mouth. When practising Tai Chi, the web is kept slightly stretched to activate the meridian. The big intestine meridian is a detox meridian in letting go of what is not needed physical as well as emotional. Activating it can improve alertness and mood.
Focus
When practising Tai Chi, focus is necessary and gradually it becomes natural. Focus means the senses are engaged but the thinking subsides. Focus also means being present which leads to mindfulness. The result is a moving meditation when practising Tai Chi.
Qigong ( 气功 )
An integral part of Tai Chi is Qigong without which Tai Chi is incomplete. Qigong means life force cultivation through breath and movements. Qigong is a simple short exercise which is built into our Tai Chi program.
How to Choose a Tai Chi Club
Understanding your needs is an important step in selecting the right Tai Chi club for you.
Tai Chi is not just exercise. It’s a way to gently change your life.
Choosing the right Tai Chi club is important for your learning experience, health, and enjoyment. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a Tai Chi club:
1. Instructor Experience and Offerings
· Look for an experienced instructor with a strong lineage form (e.g., Chen, Yang, Wu, or Sun style).
. Do they offer Qigong (Chi Kong) as part of their Tai Chi training? Qigong is very important because it’s breath training leading to better health and relaxation.
. Do they offer seperate classes for other Tai Chi arts like Sabre training and Lok Hup Ba Fa as part of their training at no extra cost?
· Check their Tai Chi background – How long have they been teaching? If the Tai Chi club is relatively large with many centres, check out the principal instructor’s skills and experience by attending his/her class. A reputable club should offer at least one no obligation and free of charge class to any new prospective member. Do they conduct regular workshops for their instructors and members?
· A good instructor should emphasize proper posture, breathing, and relaxation rather than just movements.
2. Style of Tai Chi
· Different styles (Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun, etc.) have different focuses (slow & gentle vs. more martial).
· Yang style is the most common for beginners (slow, smooth movements).
· Chen style includes more martial aspects and fast/slow transitions.
· Ask which style the club teaches and whether it matches your goals (health, meditation, self-defense, etc.).
3. Class Atmosphere & Approach
· Visit a class to observe: Is it welcoming and patient with beginners?
· Does the instructor adjust students individually or just lead the group?
· Avoid clubs that feel overly competitive or rigid if you’re looking for relaxation.
4. Class Size & Student-to-Teacher Ratio
· Smaller classes allow for personalized corrections.
· Large classes may mean less individual attention.
5. Location & Schedule
· Choose a club with convenient class times and location to maintain consistency.
· Regular practice (at least 1-2 times a week) is key to progress.
6. Trial Class or Introductory Offer
· Many clubs offer a free trial class—take advantage to see if it suits you.
· Observe how you feel after the session (relaxed? energized? confused?).
7. Reputation & Reviews
· Check online reviews or ask current/past students about their experience.
8. Health & Safety Considerations
· A good instructor should ask about injuries or health conditions and modify movements accordingly.
· Avoid clubs that push students beyond their comfort level too quickly.
9. Cost & Commitment
· Compare fees—some clubs charge per class, while others require long-term memberships. Beware of clubs that charge excessive fees.
· Ensure the pricing is transparent and fits your budget.
10. Your Personal Goals
· For health/stress relief: Look for a club emphasizing meditation and Qi (energy) flow.
· For martial arts: Find a club that includes push hands (Tui Shou) and applications.
· For seniors/gentle exercise: Ensure the instructor has experience with older students.
Final Tip: Trust Your Instincts
If the class feels right and you enjoy the instructor’s teaching style, you’re more likely to stick with it. Tai Chi is a long-term practice, so finding a supportive, knowledgeable environment is the key.
About Us
Tai Chi Internal Arts Inc. was formed to share with anyone interested in learning Tai Chi and related arts or in deepening their Tai Chi training and experience. It is hoped that the teaching videos are able to help you to train your Tai Chi as a group or individually. Our volunteer instructors are carefully chosen by our founder Banyin Lee (师傅李文彦) to ensure that they have the correct Tai Chi ethos and skills to share with our members. Our instructors understand that to teach Tai Chi in our organisation is a privilage they truly value and appreciate.
Tai Chi Internal Arts Inc. runs regular classes in Qigong, Tai Chi, Lok Hup Ba Fa, Sabre and Tai Chi Introductory Classes in Western Australia, Queensland and New Zealand. Please refer to the Classes section for class times and venue.
Our Manifesto:
- To provide a safe and friendly environment for members to gather and practise Tai Chi. To make Tai Chi internal arts available to all at an affordable cost. To help others to set up Tai Chi clubs by providing advice and free workshops. To assist our Tai Chi associates in Queensland and New Zealand to improve their Tai Chi practice by providing free workshops in these two regions.
- Genuine non-profit, non religious organization for the benefit of members and the community.
- No membership or workshop fees payable by Accredited Instructors and Committee Members who are volunteers.
- Workshops are generally of 1 or 2 days’ duration. Workshop fees are set at a minimum amount to encourage participation. Currently we are charging $20 to $30 per member per day.
- Interstate and overseas visitors are welcome to participate in our classes and workshops. No workshop fees are required from these visitors.
Read more at “What is Tai Chi?”
Learning LHBF
Start here, if you are interested in learning LHBF. Use the PDF below which contains links to the learning videos. This file will be updated periodically as more videos become available.