Finding the Right Instructor

Here’s a clear, practical guide to choosing a good Tai Chi or yoga instructor—the kind of process that helps you feel confident, safe, and supported in your practice. I’ll break it into steps you can actually use, whether you’re evaluating someone online or in person.

🌿 How to Choose a Good Tai Chi or Yoga Instructor

1. Check Their Training and Credentials

A strong instructor doesn’t need a wall of certificates, but they should have:

• Formal training in a recognized lineage or school

• Continuing education (workshops, mentorship, advanced courses)

• For yoga: a reputable training program (e.g., 200‑hour or 500‑hour certification)

• For Tai Chi: clear lineage or training under established teachers

Red flag: Vague bios like “I’ve been practicing for years” with no specifics.

2. Look for a Teaching Style That Matches Your Needs

This is where most people go wrong—they choose based on reputation instead of fit.

Consider:

• Pace: slow, structured, or fast-flowing

• Tone: calm and supportive vs. athletic and intense

• Focus: health, meditation, martial applications, flexibility, strength

• Accessibility: do they offer modifications for back, knee, or balance issues

For example, if you value back-friendly, structured, confidence-building instruction, you’d want someone who emphasizes alignment, gentle transitions, and clear explanations.

3. Observe How They Teach, Not Just What They Teach

A great instructor:

• Breaks movements down clearly

• Demonstrates from multiple angles

• Gives practical cues (“soften the knees,” “lengthen the spine”)

• Watches students and advise adjustments

• Encourages rather than pushes

Avoid an instructor that:

• Rushes

• Talks in vague metaphors most of the time

• Doesn’t notice when students struggle

• Over corrects or under corrects

  
  

4. Evaluate Their Approach to Safety

This is essential for both Tai Chi and yoga.

Look for:

• Warm-ups and cool-downs

• Options for different bodies and abilities

• Respect for pain signals

• No forcing, yanking, or “push through it” mentality

Especially for Tai Chi: A good teacher will emphasize upright posture, joint protection, and smooth weight shifts.

5. Try a Sample Class

This is the most revealing step.

During the class, notice:

• Do you feel rushed or supported

• Do their cues make sense

• Do you feel better afterward

• Do they create a calm, focused atmosphere

• Do they respect your boundaries

Your body will tell you more than any website bio.

6. Assess Their Communication Style

You want someone who:

• Listens

• Answers questions clearly

• Doesn’t make you feel judged

• Explains the “why” behind movements

• Encourages curiosity

If you ever feel dismissed or confused, that’s a sign to keep looking.

7. Check Their Philosophy and Values

This matters more than people realize.

Ask yourself:

• Do they emphasize mindfulness, breath, and presence

• Do they respect tradition without being rigid

• Do they avoid making medical claims

• Do they create a welcoming, inclusive environment

A good instructor teaches people, not just poses or forms.

8. Look at Reviews or Ask for Recommendations

Not for popularity—but for patterns:

• Do people mention feeling safe

• Do they praise the clarity of instruction

• Do they say the teacher is patient and grounded

One glowing review means nothing; ten consistent comments are more helpful.

9. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off—too intense, too mystical, too salesy, too vague—walk away. If you feel calm, seen, and supported, that’s your teacher. A teacher that is NOT right for you does not mean they are a bad teacher, it means they are not right for YOU. Don't disparage an instructor because they may be the perfect fit for someone else. In this instance I'm talking about their style of teaching. It's okay to say "That class is too intense for me" or "I have a hard time following the lesson so I am going to keep looking."

🌟 Quick Checklist

A good instructor will:

• Have clear training and lineage

• Teach at a pace that feels right

• Offer modifications (important!)

• Explain movements clearly

• Prioritize safety (important!)

• Create a supportive atmosphere

• Make you feel empowered, not intimidated (important!)

  
  

A great instructor will:

• Help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to your body

• Make the practice feel accessible and meaningful

Last But Not Least:

Beware of anything advertised to bring quick weight loss and flexibility and claiming that you only need to devote a few minutes a day to yoga or tai chi. I recently saw a commercial (that has several versions) for an online class. Some of the moves looked "off." A quick search uncovered comments that complained that AI was used to make people look better and behave in a more athletic way than reality would dictate. That said, there are wonderful online programs that require a modest amount of time per week. After a short while, honest programs WILL help you to achieve your goals. Yoga and tai chi are life long pursuits that you can start at any age.

Peace

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