Getting Started (September 1998)

When T’ai Chi Chih first began, I did four things to help build classes in what was then an unknown discipline:

1. Three times a week I ran a two-line provocative ad in the inexpensive Classified section of the local newspaper. It ran something like this: “Inner peace, better health, longevity thru simple movement. T’ai Chi Chih telephone number.” That is all, and it got results.

2. I gave many presentations, and, because they were free, it was not hard to find acceptance.

3. Several appearances on talk radio brought big results. In Los Angeles they resulted in my teaching fifteen classes a week, but the presentation on radio must be good. Speaking about the teacher’s own experience is important.

4. Posters placed in health food and book stores, as well as on bulletin boards, brought good results, but the posters must be attractive and to the point, not wordy. Lettering should be big, and a good picture of the teacher performing a movement will help.

Using these four suggestions, and showing a lot of energy and enthusiasm, it should not be hard to build classes. TCC has a message everybody wants to hear. And, important, keep up your own practice and try for improvement.