(Q) Why are you called the "School Without Walls"?
(A) Currently, our major class sessions are conducted at the Carefree Sundial in Carefree, AZ. However, on occasion, a group of registered students have organized weeknight classes conducted at their home. We are open to those arrangements depending on circumstances and availability.
(Q) How are classes at the PTCCC currently offered?
(A) Each class meets once a week and consists of 10 lessons. As we use what we call a "revolving system", students may start at the beginning of the semester or they may join an existing class at any time without being left behind.
(Q) I'm overweight and do not exercise regularly. Do I need to be in great physical shape to learn T'ai Chi Ch'uan?
(A) No, you don't. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is considered "low impact aerobics" The movements are very slow and gentle and you progress at your own speed. Sessions are always preceded by a short period of gentle warm up exercises.That being said, we DO however ask that you share with us any significant medical issues you may have, e.g. cardiac (heart) problems, hypertension (high blood pressure) arthritis etc. In such cases we may elect to modify a particular posture to accomodate the issue.
(Q) What will T'ai Chi Ch'uan do for me and how long will I have to practice?
(A) Generally speaking, it has been our experience that the "average" individual who puts in at least 30 minutes a day of correctly done form will experience positive physical and mental changes within two weeks. Again, this is only an average and varys widely from person to person. The individual who makes T'ai Chi Ch'uan practice a part of their daily life will tend to have increased energy, mental focus, improved balance and gait. Daily practice also reduces stress levels by altering the way one deals with everyday stressors.
(Q) Do I have to take tests and/or perform in front of people. I tend to be shy and stuff like that bothers me.
(A) Actually, yes. However, we can assure you that ANY fears you may have now will disappear probably within the first few lessons. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a gentle art and the accepted methods of teaching it are no exception. To pass from level to level a small verbal and/or written test (multiple choice) are given. There are no time limits and the tests are "open book". As far as peforming in front of people, at some point in time you will need to demonstrate an ability to do what you have learned by yourself. There are MANY ways do do that, and not all are in front of a class. Students also tend to become close during training and extremely supportive of each other.
(Q) Do you award belts?
(A) No. Nor do we award sashes, pins, hats, belt buckles, secret decoder rings etc. Seriously though, we DO award a Certificate of Achievment after sucessful attainment of each level.T"ai Chi Ch'uan does not and never has used a belt system for ranking. In some of the old schools in China, colored sashes were awarded but that is uncommon nowdays.
(Q) How does the PTCCC reach 100 Students?
(A) If 25 people know three others that may be interested in learning, or if 50 people know one other person who may be interested, the goal of 100 students is easily reachable.
(Q) What is the difference between the Saturday Guided Practice Sessions and Classes?
(A) The Saturday Guided Practice, from 11:30 AM until 1:30PM, is for registered students taking Classes. Registered students will be receiving personal instruction, but guests are welcome to watch, participate, and ask questions. Classes may be held on Saturday, or on a weekday. Classes consist of registered students who have signed up for a 10 week session, and are working towards a Certificate of Achievement. Registered students receive a booklet containing lessons and charts for the various movements and exercises learned.