Simple and proven methods to make tai chi accessible to everyone
225 Pages & 81 color photos
An Australian family physician, Dr Lam is one of the most experienced and respected tai chi teachers in the world. He has trained over five thousand teachers using his unique teaching system based on more than 30 years’ experience, the latest research relating to learning, tai chi philosophy and medical knowledge. This system, along with his teaching method, has been adopted by tai chi teachers worldwide, resulting in dramatic reductions in drop-out rates and greater student and teacher enjoyment.
Within these pages you will find:
• an analysis of an effective teacher.
• a practical and comprehensive teaching system, illustrated with real life examples.
• a treasure trove of useful teaching tools.
Now revised and updated with a new section designed to guide the teacher working with people of different ages and conditions — from people with arthritis to Parkinson’s to children, pregnant women, older adults and people in the workplace.
“This remarkable book needs to come with a warning: ‘Beware, Dr. Lam’s extraordinary passion for Tai Chi and creating teachers will change you and the world". It could not come at a more opportune time as we search for practical and effective solutions to the epidemic of chronic disease. The role of Tai Chi to influence the course of most if not all chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease has very much come front and center as an important healthcare strategy. Bravo, a new day cometh.” John H. Klippel, M.D., President & CEO, Arthritis Foundation, USA
“Here is wisdom distilled from decades of experience in the art of Tai Chi. Dr. Paul Lam's insights into this art, and its instruction, resonate with profound beauty and simplicity. Through these meditations and their lessons, both the destination and the pathway are illuminated." Vincent Lam, M.D., author of Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures, winner of the 2006 Scotiabank Giller Prize, Toronto, Canada
“Medical research supporting Tai Chi's health benefits has greatly fanned its popularity. A new generation of Tai Chi instructors, armed with both practical and professional skills, is needed to teach this art to an increasingly diverse population. Teaching Tai Chi Effectively is an invaluable resource for new instructors wanting to develop their Tai Chi teaching skills and for seasoned teachers wanting to deepen their craft.” Peter Wayne, Ph.D., Director of Tai Chi and Mind-Body Research Programs, Harvard Medical School
“Dr. Paul Lam’s revised edition of Teaching Tai Chi Effectively presents a systematic collection of comprehensive and practical advice from one of the world’s top Tai Chi experts. This advice is applicable for Tai Chi teachers of all levels, as it covers all aspects of teaching Tai Chi, not only instruction of a class, but also marketing and financing considerations— items which most Tai Chi teachers must handle themselves. Particularly noteworthy is the section on how to differentiate teaching for various types of students: small children, teenagers, pregnant women, people in working setting, and people with chronic conditions and limited mobility. Complimenting the advice are Dr. Lam’s and his certified trainers’ real world experience found in the Teaching Tips, Food for Thought, and My Story snippets. These help the reader to better apply the given advice. This book contains a rich mine field? of knowledge. The American Tai Chi and Qigong Association strongly recommends it to Tai Chi instructors of any level or of any style.” Gary Jiang, President, American Tai Chi and Qigong Association
“I have found Teaching Tai Chi Effectively an excellent teaching resource. It focuses on topics so often neglected in Tai Chi Manuals, such as how to; encourage learner’s confidence, give feedback on performance, work at learner’s? individual pace, and create a positive learning environment.” Dr. Alastair Black, Consultant Psychotherapist, UK
"As a research rheumatologist and having conducted extensive research studies of tai chi for arthritis and related conditions, I know it is of vital importance when teaching tai chi to people with arthritis to do so safely and effectively. Dr Lam is an experienced family physician as well as a tai chi teacher. This book is a must read for teachers who work with older people or people with chronic conditions such as arthritis.” Chenchen Wang, MD, MSc, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
19 Reviews
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A great educational resource
A well written knowledgeable book on the principles of tai chi. A great resource for tai chi.
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A great educational resource
A well written knowledgeable book on the principles of tai chi. A great resource for tai chi.
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Essential for aspiring and experienced teachers alike!
This book is such a great resource! It is well set out, split into four main sections, each with their own sub-sections. So as well as being a brilliant cover-to-cover read, teachers can find relevant chapters easily, making Dr Lam's 'Teaching Tai Chi Effectively' a very handy "go-to" reference. As an adult educator of 20 years experience, I found the sections on learning theory consistent with the wider world, written in an easy to digest manner. Supported by anecdotes, drawings, thoughts of other experts and, of course, an explanation of the Stepwise Method, this book is a winner!
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Read, Learn, and put into Practice
I have recently started assisting our beginners in our Tai Chi class. Whilst I have taught for many years in business Dr Paul Lam’s ‘Teaching Tai Chi Effectively’ has provided me with new teaching insights that I am sure will enhance our beginners experience and hopefully develop for them a lifetime commitment to Tai Chi. And further good news, it has provided further motivation to me to continue my Tai Chi journey and share my experience with others. I thoroughly recommend this book to any person genuinely wanting to share and promote Tai Chi.
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Great teaching aid.
Loved your book and especially the anecdotes and examples included. Great to find that we are already doing the right things and will include your watch me, follow me, show me steps in all our classes. Was surprised to find that students were willing to "show me" and all, including our retarded lady h unaided and has inspired the rest of the class.ave performed at leastpart of a routine alone. One 75 year old lady completed a whole routine
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Teaching in a Nutshell
Very easy reading with relevant knowledge and great tips for teaching
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Teaching Tai Chi Effectively
Dr Lam’s classic text is a must have for anyone wishing to help others learn. It is clearly written and includes practical information about how to set up a class, how to relate to your students, as well as deep philosophical information that will expand anyone’s perception of Tai Chi. This book is a superb guide to leading from behind, gently guiding your class/es to better health and wellbeing, using positive feedback, communication and simple Stepwise lessons. It even includes information about ethics, safety and how to advertise and support your class in the long term. I will be referring to this book for many years to come!
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Inspiring teaching resource
Teaching Tai Chi effectively is not only a marvellous and inspiring teaching aid for Tai Chi but its principles can also be practised in every day life. Doctor Lams simple and sensitive approach to facilitating a Tai Chi class has covered every scenario and type of student you would ever encounter. I feel so much more confident and enthusiastic to begin my own classes with the tools Doctor Lam has so generously shared in this masterpiece of Tai Chi knowledge. My daughter is a high school English teacher and uses many of the principles in this book when dealing with bored or disruptive students. She also employs the stepwise method for teaching in difficult areas that students are having trouble understanding. In my personal relationships I am finding it so much better to be able to " step back and absorb the incoming force'. There is just so much wisdom in this book, it should be on the best seller lists. Thankyou Doctor Lam for sharing all your experience and wisdom.
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Best Teaching Tai Chi Guide
I found the book to prepare me for teaching Tai Chi in the most Effective method. If you have ever experienced a negative teaching style you will grab this book because this will shift and sort through tried and tested methods that work for students and teachers. Tai Chi is easy to learn but not for everyone to teach. Get this book not only if you want to teach Tai Chi but also if you want to improve your ability to share and connect with the principles of Tai Chi
