In the following here now frequently asked questions concerning Chen Tai Chi to teacher Mario Pöhl.
This list is only an excerpt and can be supplemented.
Ideas for further questions are welcome by email to: mario.poehl@gmx.de.

Question:
Does tai chi help against corona virus?

Response:
Tai Chi does not help prevent infection with the corona virus, nor does it fight it.

However, by practicing Tai Chi we strengthen our immune system, which in turn
enables the body to better cope with diseases.

Question:
I have been practicing Tai Chi for a few weeks now, but the desired relaxation and
and other positive effects attributed to Tai Chi do not really appear.
What could be the reason for this?

Response:
This may be due to a number of reasons. The following may be one explanation, but it varies from student to student.

When we first start learning Tai Chi (or any other form of movement), our bodies are not yet used to these new movements. We are physically quite tense and feel accordingly. However, once you are familiar with the new movements, you can better focus on relaxation.

Another reason can be that you focus too much on the results (goals) rather than on the practice itself.
itself. Thus, one’s own thoughts prevent one from progressing. This also applies to the feeling of Qi during the practice.
The focus of the practice should be placed solely on the exercise performed at the moment! This is a very important point in my opinion!

And last but not least, it is always recommended to consult with your own Tai Chi teacher.

Question:
How should I breathe while practicing Tai Chi?

Response:
Basically, it is said that when moving away from the body, exhale.
When moving toward the body, inhale.

However, we should not think about breathing at the beginning, because it only makes us tense.
Our breathing is controlled naturally. With advanced training, when the movement
sequences in Tai Chi without even thinking about it.

However, there are certain exercises, for example in Qi Gong, in which breathing is practiced/executed consciously
practiced/executed according to a predetermined sequence.

Question:
Many practitioners of Chen Tai Chi practice the forms in very low body positions.
Is this harmful or not?

Response:
The deep postures mainly serve to strengthen the leg muscles in order to be able to carry the body weight without effort
and thus to facilitate relaxation in the upper body.

However, caution should be exercised here!!! Both beginners and experienced Tai Chi practitioners (sometimes masters)
have not paid attention to correct execution in the past and have damaged their knees with their constant practice.

In my opinion, certain basic requirements must be met in order to practice deep stances:

1. one’s own body weight should not be too high.
2. static preliminary exercises should be included to strengthen the leg muscles.
3. the instructor must be consulted in any case (!).

Question:
Can I practice/learn another martial art (or martial sport) besides Chen Tai Chi?

Answer:
In principle, yes. However, if one practices an „external“ (or hard) martial art such as Shaolin Kung Fu (Gong Fu), Karate, Taekwondo, etc., in addition to Tai Chi, which belongs to the „internal“ martial arts (such as Ba Gua Zhang and Xing Yi Quan).
can cause the mixing of movement principles and become a problem. However, this cannot be generalized, because sometimes both martial arts can complement each other. Just try it once.