How to FOLLOW a Tai Chi teacher (when you don't know Tai Chi) 

I have fibromyalgia and have been unable to work for 3 years. I was a nurse for 15 years and I want to keep moving to fight off this stiffness, pain and to prevent atrophy. I and decided to look into Tai-Chi. I am so glad that I found your channel.

My name is Rose. I am on the backside of 60 (LOL) and retired for a year now. I used to do hard pounding cardio and weight workouts but now my doctor has advised me to do less strenuous exercise routines. Now I use a recumbent exercise bike for cardio and resistance tubing for strength training. I have done yoga and pilates for years but came across a flow workout by Baladera incorporating Tai Chi and Qigong and just loved it. That is what has led me to you. I find these workouts very relaxing. I have subscribed and find you to be a very kind and patient instructor. Thank you for providing these great workouts and explanation of Tai Chi to beginners like me!

This is IT. Keys to the Kingdom. Thank you for your excellent teaching.

This was really excellent! Sometimes people get so caught up in the weeds via minutae they get paralyzed and give up. It's always better to thoughtfully start moving forward, not worry about perfection, and just refine things as you move along.

Hello---I'm a 70 yr old guy. I was looking in my library database for balance DVD's and came across your workout. I had tried to get into Tai Chi, but it never worked for me. Your Balance and Over 50 DVD's have finally opened the door, and I've done several of your RU-vid workouts. FYI---I'm subscribed on another computer. Thanks so much.

Thank u for teaching the world & sharing ur love of tranquility & peace, etc. That’s God’s gift for u to share to us all! God blessings! night…..from Alberta, 🇨🇦 Canada! 🙏

I was lucky to have had a tai chi teacher that taught us through repetition similar to what you demonstrate here. He also taught us the forms. But it was always so amazing to experience the sense of calm and peacefulness created internally when performing many repetitions of just one small segment. You become immersed in the movement and suddenly several minutes have gone by and you feel lighter and the glunk is cleared from your brain. Just as my teacher trained me in this way, I now attempt to teach my students this same way. While students like the idea of the forms, the most positive comments come after executing one of these repetitive movements over and over again. Thanks for the post. Be assured I will share it with my students and fellow tai chi practitioners.

Hello David just wanted say thank you. My name is Bill and I live in the Niagara Region of Ontario in a small but vibrant town called Grimsby. Since beginning my study of Tai Chi a few months ago I have experienced an awakening both spiritually and physically which is changing my life. Your lessons, which I first discovered on The Great Courses channel have been so influential for me that I am fiinding it difficult to appreciate other teachers. At 70 yrs. of age it gets harder to find exercises which help rather than hurt.

Ifound the magic some years ago ...fifteen years..... I forgot the moves and the flow. Now I follow your steps in "100 days" wery slow day 3 today really enjoy the feeling ... thanks and love💓from Sweden

I love your spirit and the way you teach with passion and clarity. Thank you! The best teacher yet

Great video, just what I needed to progress in tai chi. Thanks David!

Started doing your videos last week and today. Thanks, this is something I've always wanted to do 😊 I've been doing the Tai Chi for Seniors at night and sleeping good; for me, Tai Chi is relaxing and a way to just clear my mind. I'm a transplant from my home state of Texas to Vegas and retired here; my husbands mother lives here. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks again 😊

I have often been interested in TaiChi...I just never got committed....got somewhat into yoga as conventional jumping jacks, et al...really didn't excite me. Then TaiChi was finally offered at my senior center! YEAHOO! Getting into things now and wish I had decades ago! My teacher is lovely, but it only 1 day a week and may disappear from our center in a month or so. I surfed for something I could do at home....FOUND YOU! I love your presentations...I really LOVE the flow. Also, I have 95.5yr old mother who I have been trying to get to exercising (many heated discussions about the need for exercise)...she's really been sedimentary, but is otherwise amazing for her age. Can't balance enough for standing. Thank you for you Chair movements! Got her started with the beginner one and then checked out the one on chair flow. Can actually get her doing it everyday without arguing! Thank you! After a little over a week I got her to walk (Dr appt) without all the "Can't dos" and big complaints...probably about 210 feet (with her cane) before sitting...little improvements daily...where will she go from here! Thank you! Thank you!/ET

Great Tai-Chi TIPS to create instant FLOW, David Dorian Ross! Keep Moving! Keep Breathing! Keep Smiling! FOCUS on Feelings rather than technique...Visualize moods & Imagery! LESS Thinking & MORE Sighing...Explore Sensations of warmth...tingling and breath! Breath always moves you into FLOW! LOVE IT! Thank you for such simple examples to practice Flow!❤️

You, my friend, are a wonderful spirit! A wonderful teacher, guide, mentor, trainer, etc. Your passion shines through every single time. Thank you!

I've discovered one great benefit of memorizing the 24 form (Yang, simplified) -- I can keep my neck and chin in proper alignment, an alignment necessarily broken whenever I fix my eyes on following and imitating the teacher.

This approach is great for the beginner. I started 6 months ago and have felt discouraged by not being able to memorize a sequence of 25 to 30 moves. I appreciate the slow, flowing, drifting exercise and immediately felt a calm, relaxed mental state. Thank you.

❤️ Such a wonderful reminder that I can go back and watch time and time again. I am so grateful for these lessons. Thank you.

Thank you DDR really appreciate your gentle guidance. Bless u xox

I have been practicing Tai Chi with a wonderful Laoshi and a Master. My friends have asked me to teach them what I know and am in the process of getting a way to teach them, not make them afraid and i want them to come back. This is not to make money but to share with them a little knowledge and peace I have learned and a little application that they can use in their daily lives. Relax, be strong, find your center. simple moves to start.

Well hello DDR... I've been learning Tai Chi from you since the first of the year! I bought your course from "Great Courses" - "Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong", and worked thru all 24 moves! But I have to admit, it got a little too tough, with rotations by the last 6 moves or so!! I love finding all the "Flow" segments here, and I'm glad I can check-in here almost any time and find something new. I have been "relocating" for the last 3 months, and in my displacement, it's great to find balance & grounding when I need it - every day!! Thanks for the best medicine!

Excellent tips! My favorite was “feel it, don’t think it”. I can use that.

Hi! I’m a 67 year young woman with some physical limitations. Your chair Tai Chi instructions have assisted me in safe joint and muscle flexibility. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise to those of us who are disabled or just trying to age gracefully! We

Hi David, I am so happy that I found you and you have rekindled my interest in Tai Chi. I am from Ft. Myers, FL and look forward to the journey. John

Thank you for making it click for me! I get it now!😊

I do seated tai chi with you David as I have five slip discs, broken coccyx and spondylitis, but it’s wonderful and the bit of leg exercise certainly exercises my legs. Thank you David. Kathleen hartlepool. North East England.

I began doing Tai Chi Chuan in 1985 mainly for defense since I worked with Criminals and I am a small Lady. I loved it so much I have two certifications in the Yang style. When I do your video's I know the names and how to do the moves. I also do your DVD's at home besides doing them from the Internet on You Tube. Tai Chi is my favorite form of exercise because I love the movements. My name is : Joan Burke

Thank you for this video. I wanted to learn Tai chi so I went to a class. I felt like a dope as I couldn’t get it. Your philosophy makes sense to me and I will keep trying. Thank you!

I have lots of inflammation in my shoulders. Have been looking for exercises that will improve my fitness without causing pain and this it. Thank you

Lovely tips! I'll be recommending your channel as homework for my students!

lil late to the show but i have to say im glad. im in canada and its getting cold and i suffer from chronic pain since i was very young. im now 24. today is my day 2 of learning and im in love with tai chi. i want to do it daily cause 1 my pain and 2 im a spiritual person and want it to become part of my practice. im so excited to learn and absolutely grateful to u for sharing. blessing

I just found qigong and tai chi searching for back pain relief I really enjoy your videos for back pain

Thank you so much - it does answer my concern about right and left! And sawadee to you from Thailand!

I just bought one of your introductory videos, made around 2004, from a little book store in Fullerton, CA. My computer, which is about as old as your CD, couldn't play it. I'm thankful for this because I have found your RU-vid channel and look forward to adding Tai Chi to my workout/ yoga/ meditation routine. I may have seen The Man of Tai Chi too many times lol, but my first memory was visiting San Fransisco as a child and watching a large group of people in China Town practicing at the park. I have wanted to learn ever since. Thank you for all the advice and the videos!

Hey David this is Paul from St Louis mo thanks for teaching tie chi. You help me slot.

Great like always! Love your passion!!

hAD LOOK, STARTING TO SEE AND PUT TO ACTION GOOD TEACHING ALL THROUGH THANK YOU fRANK

Just found you on RU-vid, I’m a beginner, but really enjoying your tuition. Thank you David. All the best, Sara

Thanks you David! This is great stuff, and I am a new student of Tai Chi and glad I found your video classes. From Charlottesville VA.

David you are inspirational for me

I've been doing seated senior tai chi with David Dorian Ross after I had back surgery 10 months ago and it's really helped me.Thank you.

Thank you for your guidanace and instructions with a patient manner. These are perfect for me as a beginner, never experienced tai chi before

Love your approach very very personable

I am from Brazil and love your videos. I always want to learn Tai Chi, but I was to lazy to learn all movements first. Coming into the flow is much funnier.

This Is Great DDR! Love the videos with TIPs

I'm doing the 100 days and loving it. but I'm going to take a lot longer because I want to go back and repeat each lesson until it becomes that flow you talk about. I started taking classes with a wonderful couple who teach a lot like you do. Nick always says intent is what matters. thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

Hello Mr. David Ross. Thank you for your time and to spend it with your pupils. I will be one of them, because you've cached my attention with your enlightenment. A great thanks from PT.

i love you

Good day, DDR! Love your videos.

Thank you! i enjoyed watching

Hi I'm kay from Scotland you have me hooked. Although I do have a back injury. So worry about standing for any period. But I'm going to just keep trying your moves many thanx.. K

This world is complex enough and finding DDR's simplicity style to this wonderful art of Tai Chi has brought such peace to me and many. I work in mental health/Addictions and complicated expensive videos of Tai Chi just do not work. DDR has been introduced to so many of my clients and made such a difference in their lives and mine. Tai Chi gives me such peace and grounding unlike any other exercise. Thank you so much DDR for your dedication and awesome style of Flow Tai Chi many would be lost with out it.

Just discovered your channel! I'll be really honest, I got interested in tai chi all of a sudden after rewatching Avatar the Last Airbender and learning that waterbending is based off tai chi xD but I found I really enjoy it! I also really appreciate your approach! This is only the second video of yours I've seen, so I'll definitely be checking out those "follow me" videos! Thank you!

Now that's what I am talking about.. when you put it as you did with your 3 tips. I learned, the "routine" as you put it.. lead with your eyes, always soft knees, ( no rising and falling as you do with opening the door) .. I was so concerned that I was getting the moves, and not feeling the flow.. but since starting to do the flow, and learning what it was I was feeling .. my daily practice has become much better.. I still do the 9 and 24 at times.. but I prefer, just doing the flow.. so thank you..for the tips.. It helps.. and with that let me ask.. what is the purpose of leading with your eyes?

i'm sunburst and have been doing tai chi a few months - i am the one who can get lost in certain routines the first few times - i appreciate your approach - thanks

Hi Dorian Thank you for your time in making these tutorials. Are there any stretching exercises I should do before doing the movement?

I AM NEW. FROM ITALY THANK YOU.. YOU ARE MY NEW TEACHER...WILL HEAR FROM ME SOON! I WILL SEE ANOTHER VIDEO NOW..

Not easy for some1 like me who’s had a stroke, osteoarthritic, 💓 condition, post menopausal, etc. Keep up the quiet movements, peaceful sounds too, relaxing b4 sleep 💤

Wonderful as usual! Thanks from long time follower!

Thank you so much for putting this together! I am just beginning and am working at making new and better life habits for myself as continue on my journey to learning who I am, this is definitely a part of me, as I am finding I enjoy certain exercises, (ie pilates, barre and yoga) movement (Tia Chi, Qigong, and NIA), dance and music. You have many videos here I have done about 5 of them, and do very much enjoy the follow me technique, (thank you!) although I still overthink but will am learning to just enjoy and move as I watch more and you reiterate the just flow. With that being said, how do I determine which videos are really the best to begin with and how many to go through, when to move to the next and in what sequence?

David great to be on board, I had slipped and fell on ice in NYC and bruise my lower back, with your seating sessions it has actually help tremendously. Not sure if you have session standing up for lower back and neck tightness ?

I can't thank you enough for your fantastic videos...xoxo

Hi Karen here from Champaign Illinois.

The number one thing on my bucket list is to get healthy before I die, I am 82 years old so I don't have much time. I like your style and think you can help me. My mind doesn't follow you when you are facing to the front. I always seem to go to the right when you go to the left or vice versa. Would you please turn around so that your back faces the camera when you are demonstrating a movement. My two left feet would appreciate it very much.

I'm 60 years old and have always wanted to learn tai chi. This video makes me believe I can. What video should I watch next? Thank you for sharing

I am a beginner but have taken classes that didn't stick. I am more interested in the health benefits of meditation, strengthening my body, and breathing. I'm not gonna lie, I love kung fu, so baby steps for me as I attempt to take your 100 days of tai chi to learn a couple moves at a time. Thank you for sharing.

Perfect!

Hey DDR, thanks for showing ist the way of Taiji. My Name is Pepe, I’m 18 years old and I’ve been praktising Taiji Quán in my home country Germany for some years now. In my school we’ve been learning the 108 Yang style form. Now I have a question. Should I keep practicing fewer, simpler movements like “taming the horses mane” or “cloud hands” (which are in the 2nd part) till I “mastered them” or can I continue learning new higher movements like the “lotus kick” (which is in the 3rd part)? Which way is better to practice Taiji Quán?

What is the difference between tai chi and qigong? Do you ever teach qigong? Is it easier to do qigong for elderly? I love your enthusiasm and teaching style! Thank you, Kathy, Manhatta

Hey there dad 🌬💙😊👩‍💻

Dave, at 4:45 you state that "Breath is such a big part of Tai Chi...." And you're totally correct. The problem is that nobody actually TEACHES proper Tai Chi dantien breathing and chi circulation ! That is the FIRST thing I teach my students, part of their foundation building.

Hi MR ROSS, my name is Shaikat and I am from Bangladesh. I am 17 years old and I watch your FOLLOW ME tai chi videos every day. At first I felt That Tai chi is useless, but after practising it daily, I feel like i have no stress at all. I can easily concentrate on my studies easily. I need your help with something . I want to start a Tai chi class this month in my hometown. How will I start it? Please give some suggestions

Can you show some gentle tai chi for m.e / cfs please.

My name is Sean Chandler I'm from Texas. I do not currently have any questions....but I"ll be watching your channel for the next hour. So I might at the end!

I’m 74 and a beginner, recommended by my daughter. I’m enjoying the moves, but would be nice to see more of what your feet are doing. (Camera angles) Arkansas

Ken in the Coalfields of Virginia, I am looking for a way to rehab from hip a replacement. Low impact and staying limber. I played small college football years ago, did rock climbing and became disabled from a work related injury. I want to keep moving & doing more importantly healing up from this surgery. Others may be in a simular situation. Any advise will be great appreciated, I like the KISS principles you are using: Keeping It Simple Students.

My son needs this so much he is so stressed, your videos have helped me so much already. I’m giving him one reason a day why he needs it. He thinks he doesn’t have time. He is taking two ice cold showers a day because I found that right before I found qigong and tai chi Do you have any suggestions?

Hi DDR. My name is Thomas, I'm a tank engine from the island of Sodor. Sometimes, when I'm on my branch line, I just don't feel the flow on the train tracks. Can you help me with that?

🙏🏻☀️

Thank you DDR. 👍 👍 👍

Is there an easy way to learn taijifit 24 form

Please include some tai chi or qigong if you’re lying down...

Is it better to perfect moves before moving on or better to know the basics of all the moves and have a library of moves at your disposal early? One more quick question is it better to learn the 108 so you dont end up only knowing the 24 for a simple time saver and convenience as apposed to dedication required for the full health benefits of what I've heard can be attained by the full experience of the 108?

I've lost count of the times I've burst into tears, frustrated, because the instructor faced the camera the entire time. Once they pivot to the back and exchange arms, I can't follow them. I can pick up choreography easily, but when someone's facing me, forget it.

Question: Do you maintain your physique and your health exclusively by doing Tai Chi OR do you also run, lift weights, or anything else?

I have a hard time following them if they are not mirror image.

Will Tai Chi help vagus nerve?

Thank you DDR!

?

Ifound the magic some years ago ...fifteen years..... I forgot the moves and the flow. Now I follow your steps in "100 days" wery slow day 3 today really enjoy the feeling ... thanks and love💓from Sweden