Our new season begins in October 2023! Join us for Tai Chi and Qigong at the Regent Centre on Locke Street South.

FAQ

Are your in-person classes back on again?
As of 2022, and conditions willing, yes, they are. There is a little bit of risk associated with being together in a studio class. We're working to make it fairly safe by following provincial guidelines and requiring that participants be fully vaccinated. We're taking other measures, including tracking who attends each class and using a HEPA filter in the studio. Read more about in-person class safety here

What's currently on the schedule?

What if I just want to try Tai Chi or Qigong without committing to it?
Classes are $15 + HST if you want to come try it out. 

Do I have to live locally to Hamilton, Ontario, in order to practice with you?
Pretty much! In the past I've offered Sunday workshops that would allow you to attend for one afternoon, but what I teach really benefits from regular class attendance.

What makes your classes different from other Tai Chi or Qigong classes?
I wrote a blog post about this here. In short, I value and am deeply committed to each of my students, and I offer a high level of expertise in internal martial arts, Qigong, and the energetic and spiritual aspects of these arts.

I want to learn Qigong. How do I start?
Weekly Qigong classes are always open to beginners. Go here to view the list of classes. 

I want to learn Tai Chi. How do I start?
Tai Chi requires a real commitment to learn. I run a course called Tai Chi for Beginners. Check the Tai Chi for Beginners page for the next start date, or contact me by phone or email.

What is Tai Chi?
An old Chinese method of exercise and meditation that is also a martial art. Learn more here.

What is Qigong? 
An even older Chinese method of exercise and meditation that is not a martial art. Learn more here.

Should I do Tai Chi or Qigong?
Yes. If you want to choose one or the other, learn the difference here.

Wait. Why do I want to do any of this?
Lots of reasons.

Tai Chi isn't really a martial art.
That's not a question, and yes it is.

Why do you move so slowly when you practice Tai Chi or Qigong?
So we can really relax for real. 

Where are you located?
Regent Health Centre, 150 Locke Street South in Hamilton, Ontario. If you are driving, there is metered parking behind Starbucks (next door to the Regent Centre) or reasonably priced street parking; free street parking can be found in the streets surrounding the Centre if you're willing and able to walk for a block or two.

What do I wear to class?
Comfortable clothes you can bend and stretch in. Basically, what you would wear for any workout. Shoes are optional, but running shoes or training shoes that you would wear to the gym are good. The Regent Centre studio policy is no outside / street shoes, so bring a pair you can change into if you want to work out in shoes.

How much do you charge?
A very reasonable amount.

Do you have special rates for seniors, students, and people on ODSP / OW?
As of Fall 2021, I've had to put special fees on hold for the time being. Once I get a sense of how classes are going, I'll be able to make a decision about how to incorporate reduced fees into the program again.

Do I need to contact you before I join?
Yes, so you can receive instructions about how to join and ask any questions you have. You need to sign up for classes before you come in order to ensure you've got a spot and for contact tracing purposes. If in doubt and you can't get hold of me before class, call the Regent Centre front desk at (905) 523-4999.

I am dealing with pain, an injury, or other physical limitation. Can I still do Tai Chi or Qigong?
This post is about Tai Chi and physical limits, but it applies to Qigong too. If you're worried about how your body is going to take Tai Chi or Qigong practice, and especially if you have balance issues or trouble standing on one foot, start with Qigong. If that sits well with you, then give Tai Chi a shot. Unless you're fierce and refuse to be intimidated. In that case, dive into Tai Chi or both.

I am dealing with serious illness. Can I still do Tai Chi or Qigong?
In my opinion, you not only can do Tai Chi or Qigong, but you need them more than most people. I think it is possible to rehabilitate, but it does require serious commitment. This series of posts on Tai Chi and Qigong for health recovery is for you.

Are Tai Chi and Qigong Related to Taoism?
Yes. This is how I understand the relationship.

My Mom / Dad / older person of my acquaintance needs to exercise, and I heard Tai Chi or Qigong is good for seniors. Can they attend your classes?
Absolutely they can, but if they haven't asked you to contact me or research this on their behalf, chances are they won't want to. My best suggestion for a reluctant exerciser of any age is that you offer to attend classes with them, and make it an experience that you can enjoy together. They *might* figure out that they like it, or they *might* attend because they enjoy spending time with you. However, Tai Chi and Qigong take a lot of effort and commitment to learn. Someone who doesn't really want to do it is highly unlikely to agree to come to class or continue attending. 

Last updated July 28, 2022

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