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Learning Tai chi with Ian Sinclair.
Not every teacher is right for every student, and not every student is right for every school. However, there is lots of room for adaptation on both sides. You might never find the perfect teacher for you, and a teacher might never find the perfect student. Tai chi is all about adaptation.
There are many ways to teach. These methods change with time, with changes in scientific understanding, culture, and personal differences. Modern teachers should also be able to adapt to each student’s personality and abilities.
Tai chi has a history of confusing people with archaic terminology and esoteric thinking. I am always seeking ways to make the mysterious concepts easier for everyone to understand.
I prefer working from first principles, building on axioms and known laws of physics, from basic concepts to subtle methodology and advanced techniques. This allows students to progress at their own pace and to continue to develop their art on their own. I avoid obscure and out-dated terminology whenever possible. I want my teachings to make sense to modern students and hope that my words will continue to be understood a century hence.
Learn Online or In-Person
Courses
Personal training
Seminars & Workshops
Regular classes.
Programs designed for your goals and abilities
From older adults seeking balance and health, to Olympic athletes, actors, musicians or combat specialists. Every student is unique.
Health,
balance
&
Fitness
Relaxation
&
Self Awareness
Martial arts
&
self defence
Courses
- Reference videos (Free)
- Tai chi concepts (2020) Free
Some old lessons that will be updated in the future - Tai chi from First principles (Starting in late May)
Teaching tai chi from the ground up, based on known. - Stay Alive or Die Trying (Starting in late May)
Exercises created to improve health.
The Mariposa Tai chi Method
“Mariposa” is the sobriquet of my home town of Orillia. It is also the name I have given to my teaching method. The word itself means “butterfly” alluding to the way that subtle and imperceptible changes can have profound effects on natural systems, including the weather, people, health, martial techniques, and human relationships.
In teaching, I offer a progressive and systematic method for beginners, so that you not only learn the moves, but actually develop the skills. I could teach you dozens of different tai chi routines from several different styles. However, these routines are not the art itself. They are the context within which the art is taught. The forms provide you with a way to practise, but my job is to teach you how and what to practise. There are fundamental principles, and there are subtle nuances, and profound ways to deepen your relationship with your own mind and body. This is where the art of tai chi begins.
I have different ways of teaching students of all levels, and can create a customized curriculum for each student, based on each person’s specific goals, abilities, and experiences.
I am wary of using obscure and outdated terminology that does not translate well into modern English. I prefer a modern scientific approach, using modern language and based on first principles.
Testimonials
“One of the best.”
Having met and worked with many martial arts instructors over the years, I can say without hesitation that Ian Sinclair is one of the best we’ve encountered. The reason for this, I feel, is his ability to communicate clearly and thoroughly the wealth of knowledge he’s accumulated over the years to a wide array of people. He’s able to cater instruction to each individual in the class without taking away from the collective experience of the group. He lives his art, and his calm presence and sharp wit make for an enjoyable learning experience.
Roben Goodfellow
Writer, researcher, film maker
– Toronto
“Ian Sinclair is amazing!
In my opinion he is one of the few modern tai chi stylists who understands and researches the martial side of tai chi. His push hands skills is amazing and he can extend this ability to applications . Great job Ian!!!”
Adam Chan
Kung fu and qigong teacher. Author of “Climbing Mountains and Eating punches.”
– Vancouver
“It is very easy for me to say good things about my instructor, Ian Sinclair.
Previously, I suffered with joint pain and lack of energy. After a few months the stiffness in my joints was gone, my balance improved as well as my outlook on life. I wish I had more time to practise, but even a half hour per day makes me feel good. Ian knows his stuff and is a dedicated teacher with the proper philosophy.””
John Lebarr
Singer, songwriter, carpenter.
– Washago, Canada
“Ian has got the good stuff
and has taken it in new directions. Its a privilege to study with progressive, forward thinking instructors, solidly rooted in the traditional fundamentals. Ian’s hard work in both directions makes him a great teacher and guide.”
Sam Masich
International martial arts champion, teacher, and film-maker
– Berlin, Germany
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Programs:
Tai chi
- for mind and body
- adaptable for men and women of all ages and fitness levels
- breath, posture, balance, strength, flexibility, relaxation, circulation, vitality
- valuable training for actors, massage therapists, dancers, healers, etc.
- Tai chi is famous for its health benefits. It is not uncommon for people to be referred to my classes by doctors or other medical professionals. Many students have little or no interest in the “martial” aspect of tai chi. If this is you, I teach the principles of efficient movement, biomechanics, power, balance, relaxation, and agility. You will learn postures, breathing, and moving meditation. My goal is to teach you an exercise that will make you feel better every time you do it.
- For seniors
- The benefits of tai chi for seniors are well known. But there are more benefits than can be listed here.
- “balance, power, strength, stamina, aerobic capacity, agility, flexibility, speed, accuracy and proprioception” 1
- Clinical studies have shown that tai chi is helpful for people with COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) , fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, and osteoarthritis (for pain management). 2
Tai chi can also help with mood, focus, cognition, stress, depression, and sleep. for athletes
- subtle and profound refinement of the mind-body connection.
- biomechanics and agility for all sports.
- Over the years, I have taught professional and amateur athletes from football, tennis, table tennis, baseball, golf, as well as triathletes, jockeys, divers, swimmers, wrestlers, and more. Some are referred by coaches and others by therapists or doctors. Tai chi is used to improve performance and aid in recovery.
for martial artists
- add new dimensions to your training
- subtle and profound power training and conditioning.
- tuishou, mid-range skills to enhance your grappling, striking, and weapon training.
- For some students, it is all about the martial art. People come from around the world to further their martial skill. Half of those students are experts or instructors in other martial arts. In fact, many of my students are much better martial artists than I am, with extensive skill in striking, grappling, throwing, joint manipulation, weapons, etc. Yet they are able to apply what they learn from me to improve their existing art.
Self Defence
- customized curriculum for individuals and small groups
- men, women, teens, and sometimes kids.
- develop skills, tactics, strategies and conditioning to suit your individual needs and abilities.
- comprehensive methods, principles, tactics, strategy, and conditioning.
- short-term and long-term options.
- Learning a few techniques is not a self defence program. I offer a comprehensive and concise curriculum designed for each student to train progressive and instinctive abilities. Together we search for ways to use both strengths and weaknesses to your advantage.
For police and military
- special skills to aid in use of force
- meditation, relaxation, stress management.
Tai chi, Martial Arts, Qigong, Self Defence, Health, and High Performance.
Tai chi is a martial art only if you practise it as such. Otherwise, it can still offer tools and insights that can be applied to any endeavour.
To practise a martial art like tai chi is to delve deeply into the nature of your self and your relationship with the world. Tai chi routines teach far more than choreography, conditioning and martial techniques.
- www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/tai-chi-for-seniors
- Wayne P, Fuerst M. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart & Sharp Mind. Shambhala Publications, Inc./Harvard Health Publications, 2013.