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To get started in Tai Chi Chuan one must find an experienced teacher. How do you find one? Ask around, visit various dojo's that instruct in Tai Chi Chaun and talk to the teacher. Ask about his or her credentials. Talk to the students that participate in his or her class. Ask other teachers about the teacher you may go to.
I have been involved in martial arts in one way or another for most of my life but have started to get serious in the study of it for 5 years now. I have been studying the art of Tai Chi Chaun for three years now and I can tell you it's no foo-foo swing my arms and move slowly type art. It's a very deadly and serious art. Yes, it is used to help strengthen your body, tone your muscles, improve your balance and coordination, and to let go and "lose" your mind.
One should probably read about Tai Chi Chaun first just to have a bit of knowledge of where it came from, what brought it into being, why it is used, etc. Of course, your teacher should explain these things to you or the class anyways. That should be part of his or her instruction.
I would have to say that I would not tell anyone to go to a You Tube type site to learn about it or to learn any of the moves for the simple reason that how could you possibly know what you are doing and why? There are meanings behind the moves that you are doing just as in the kata that are in other martial arts such as karate-do.
I am sure there are very reputable internet sites available as well as some very good books on the subject that could help in your interest and get you on the correct path to finding a qualified teacher.

Learn more about this author, J. Roy Stevens.
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