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What is the best way to learn tai chi?

Not every teacher is perfect for every student, and not every student is perfect for every school.
However, when each learns to adapt to the other, they can go a long way to help both improve.

France:
June 27 - July 1

Belgium
July 4 - 5

Germany
July 18 - 19

Canada
August 15 - 16, 17-21, 22-23

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A martial art?
A healing exercise? 
Artistic expression?
Athletic skill?

That is up to you.

Most people practise tai chi for health, relaxation, and balance. In the process, they often find peace of mind, coordination, strength, flexibility, and biomechanical efficiency. These things can benefit any athlete, including martial artists.

I've taught tai chi to seniors and to the disabled. I've also taught military combat specialists from four different countries, and a number of professional and olympic athletes.

If you are a devoted martial artist, then everything you do is a martial art. I have taught martial artists from around the world, including practitioners of nearly every martial style.

Tai chi is known for teaching subtle mental and mechanical attributes that are essential for high-level martial arts. That is why so many martial artists include at least some tai chi in their training regimen.

I want to point out that martial arts are not about practising violence, but about avoiding or resolving it. Every martial art is ultimately about health and balance. Your balance is what you are defending, and your balancing ability is your primary weapon.

A martial artist should be to violence what a doctor is to illness.

Violence is not the solution.
Violence is not the problem.

Violence is a symptom.

A martial art, a healing art, and any other sort of conflict resolution tool must strive to address the root cause, which is seldom what it seems.

Online, or in-person.
In Orillia or around the world. 
There are many training options

Private lessons

  • a single session
  • a series
  • occasional
  • regular ongoing sessions

Short-term intensive training

  • from 4-8 hours per day.
  • hourly
  • daily
  • weekly

Seminars and workshops

in Orillia or around the world.

Check the event calendar for seminars near you, or contact me if you would like to host one yourself.

Courses

courses

Workshops and Seminars

seminars and workshops

Private Lessons

private-lesson

Online classes

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Learning tai chi with
Ian Sinclair

There are many ways to teach. These methods change with time, with changes in scientific understanding, culture, and personal differences. Modern teachers should also be able to adapt to each student’s personality and abilities. Also, the best students learn to adapt to each teachers' methodology and quirks.

Tai chi has a history of confusing people with archaic terminology and esoteric thinking. I am always seeking ways to make the mysterious concepts easier for everyone to understand.

FIRST PRINCIPLES

I like working from first principles, building on axioms and known laws of physics, from basic concepts to subtle methodology and advanced techniques.

It is a useful teaching strategy, thought it can be a lot of work for the teacher, it saves the student a lot of time and energy. This allows students to progress at their own pace and to continue to develop their art on their own.

BEYOND FIRST PRINCIPLES

However, there is nothing stopping us from visiting some of the most esoteric and seemingly bizarre concepts. First principles can be limiting, and make us prone to confirmation bias.

Martial arts invite us to explore objective relativism and subjective realism. Ontology and epistemology are revealed in the crossing of hands.

I prefer to avoid obscure and out-dated terminology. I want my teachings to make sense to modern students and I hope that my explanations will continue to be understood a century hence. But I don't want this need to limit my students in their self-examination.

Form is the first step, yet it leads to liberation from form.

Programs designed for your goals and abilities

From older adults seeking balance and health, to Olympic athletes, actors, musicians or combat specialists. Every student is unique.

Private Lessons online or in person

Testimonials

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 “One of the best.”
Having met and worked with many martial arts instructors over the years, I can say without hesitation that Ian Sinclair is one of the best we’ve encountered. The reason for this, I feel, is his ability to communicate clearly and thoroughly the wealth of knowledge he’s accumulated over the years to a wide array of people. He’s able to cater instruction to each individual in the class without taking away from the collective experience of the group. He lives his art, and his calm presence and sharp wit make for an enjoyable learning experience.

Roben Goodfellow
Writer, researcher, film maker
– Toronto

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“Ian Sinclair is amazing!
In my opinion he is one of the few modern tai chi stylists who understands and researches the martial side of tai chi. His push hands skills is amazing and he can extend this ability to applications . Great job Ian!!!”

Adam Chan

Kung fu and qigong teacher. Author of “Climbing Mountains and Eating punches.”
– Vancouver

HPIM1287

 “Ian has got the good stuff
and has taken it in new directions. Its a privilege to study with progressive, forward thinking instructors, solidly rooted in the traditional fundamentals. Ian’s hard work in both directions makes him a great teacher and guide.”

Sam Masich
International martial arts champion, teacher,
and film-maker
– Berlin, Germany

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 “It is very easy for me to say good things about my instructor, Ian Sinclair.

Previously, I suffered with joint pain and lack of energy. After a few months the stiffness in my joints was gone, my balance improved as well as my outlook on life. I wish I had more time to practise, but even a half hour per day makes me feel good. Ian knows his stuff and is a dedicated teacher with the proper philosophy.””

John Lebarr
Singer, songwriter, carpenter.
– Washago, Canada

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Studio location

Orillia Studio

25 Mississaga St E
Unit 6
Orillia, Ontario, L3V 1V4