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Susan Thompson

In this course you will learn key movements and principles of Tai Chi while seated.  The seated position allows those with limited endurance, balance and conditioning, to begin their journey toward improved health through Tai Chi.  You will learn a simple Tai Chi form set in a seated format.  Once you have learned this from set and are ready, you can then learn through my next course, the standing version.

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In this course you will learn key movements and principles of Tai Chi while seated.  The seated position allows those with limited endurance, balance and conditioning, to begin their journey toward improved health through Tai Chi.  You will learn a simple Tai Chi form set in a seated format.  Once you have learned this from set and are ready, you can then learn through my next course, the standing version.

Tai Chi, whether seated or standing, provides increased strength, balance, and improved posture which leads to overall improvement in health and wellness.   Anyone who wants to learn more about Tai Chi should take this course.  I have had individuals in my intermediate to advanced Tai Chi classes take this course and tell me they learned true fundamentals and postural improvements through the course. 

If you are brand new to Tai Chi, this is a GREAT starting point as it focuses on posture and upper body, simplifying the learning process.  If you are wanting to deepen your understanding of Tai Chi movement and improve your Tai Chi standing stance, this course will also be beneficial. 

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn essential tai chi fundamentals which apply to seated or standing tai chi
  • Engage seated/chair tai chi format as a starting point to develop tai chi skills
  • Move through and learn simple tai chi form set (based on yang style tai chi)
  • Understand important tenants of tai chi such as posture, rooting from the feet, moving from the dan tian
  • Improve core and postural strength
  • Develop qi flow throughout the body
  • Engage in "moving meditation"

Syllabus

You will choose the right chair, understand safety precautions in movement, learn how to follow Susan through her mirror image teaching, and most importantly develop your Tai Chi posture.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Tai Chi fundamentals applicable to both seated and standing practice, providing a strong foundation for learners of all levels
Emphasizes posture and upper body movements, making it a great starting point for beginners and those seeking to refine their Tai Chi stance
Provides a simple Tai Chi form set in a seated format, allowing for accessibility and gradual progression
Covers important Tai Chi principles such as rooting from the feet and moving from the Dan Tian, fostering a deeper understanding of the practice
Encourages engagement in 'moving meditation,' promoting mindfulness and stress reduction
Taught by Susan Thompson, an experienced Tai Chi instructor, ensuring quality instruction and guidance

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Reviews summary

Accessible seated tai chi fundamentals

According to learners, this course is an excellent and highly accessible introduction to Tai Chi, particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility, balance issues, or injuries, and also for beginners. Many highlight the instructor's clear explanations and gentle, perfect pacing. While some learners appreciated its introductory nature, a few found the pace somewhat slow or repetitive if seeking more dynamic content. However, students consistently report improved posture, core strength, balance, and a sense of calm, affirming its effectiveness as a 'moving meditation'.
Learners experience improvements in posture, balance, and relaxation.
"I've already noticed an improvement in my posture and a sense of calm. Highly recommend..."
"The 'moving meditation' aspect is real – it helps calm my mind while strengthening my core."
"The benefits of improved balance and strength are already evident."
Effective for learning and refining core Tai Chi principles.
"It truly does help solidify fundamentals, even for experienced students. My standing form feels stronger now."
"A great introduction to Tai Chi! The instructions were easy to follow, and the mirror imaging was super helpful. I appreciated the focus on fundamentals."
"This seated version really helped me focus on the upper body and breathing more. It's a fantastic complementary practice."
The instructor is praised for clarity, pacing, and supportive teaching.
"The instructor's pacing is perfect, and her explanations are crystal clear."
"Susan is a fantastic teacher."
"The instructor Susan is very clear and encouraging. I appreciate the emphasis on safety and proper posture."
Perfect for individuals with mobility challenges or beginners.
"As someone with balance issues, I found the seated format incredibly accessible."
"Perfect for my needs! I'm recovering from an injury and needed something gentle but effective."
"This is exactly what I was looking for. The focus on seated movements makes it accessible for my elderly mother, who has trouble standing for long periods."
Pace is ideal for beginners, potentially slow for others.
"The course is okay. It's very slow-paced and repetitive. If you're looking for something more dynamic, this isn't it."
"My only minor suggestion would be for a bit more advanced progression perhaps, but for what it sets out to do, it's excellent."
"Good course for beginners. I liked how it broke down the movements."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Seated Tai Chi with these activities:
Follow the tutorial titled "Tai Chi for Beginners"
Enhance your understanding of the basic principles and movements of Tai Chi by following this tutorial.
Browse courses on Tai Chi
Show steps
  • Locate the tutorial online or in a relevant resource.
  • Watch the tutorial and pay attention to the demonstrated movements and techniques.
  • Practice the movements and techniques shown in the tutorial.
  • Review the tutorial and practice the movements regularly to reinforce your learning.
Join a Tai Chi practice group
Enhance your learning through collaboration and observation by joining a Tai Chi practice group.
Show steps
  • Locate a Tai Chi practice group in your area.
  • Attend regular group practice sessions.
  • Observe and learn from the other group members.
  • Engage in discussions and share your experiences with the group.
Practice the full seated Tai Chi form set daily for a week
Deepen your understanding and improve your execution of the seated Tai Chi form set through consistent practice.
Show steps
  • Set aside a specific time each day for your Tai Chi practice.
  • Perform the full seated Tai Chi form set, focusing on precision and fluidity.
  • Pay attention to your breathing and relaxation throughout the practice.
  • Repeat the practice daily for a week, observing your progress and making adjustments as needed.
Show all three activities

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