Tai chi

Back in late July or early August, I started taking a tai chi class with the Scientist and his mum. This all came about after I saw an offer to get four lessons for $19 on one of the new daily deal websites. The deal also offered a discount on the the remaining term should we continue on. We missed out on the first week of lessons last term but got right into it from week two.

I can’t say it’s been smooth sailing for me during the class. Some weeks I would go well in the class but others I found rather difficult. Mostly it’s been foot movements giving me the most trouble, although I found myself going blank quite frequently on the hand movements towards the end of the first term. I was seriously considering repeating the first level although the idea of starting at the very beginning didn’t appeal to me. My goal was to practice during the term break but then I had knee problems due to my subluxating kneecap.

I eventually did get in some decent practice the last couple of days before the new term started so wasn’t in terrible shape when we went back last week. I had purchased a dvd created by our instructor and while it has its problems, it did help with work on some moves. The first class for level two went far better than I expected. The last couple of moves that had really troubled me last term were suddenly feeling a lot better during the class. I still have trouble with moving my feet so that my body stays in balance but I guess I will get there.

The new move last week seemed quite difficult and complicated when we first started but didn’t seem so overwhelming by the end. I also found that moving from the previous moves into the new one was quite pleasing so maybe there is hope for some proficiency. I did find my knee was quite sore by the end of the class though. I hadn’t realised how much I use it during these movements until I’d put it through the paces for an hour.

The real test will come in the next weeks when we will be learning two moves each week. I’m hoping I am up for the challenge. Also, we now have four family members taking the class with the Scientist’s brother starting this term.