Colin Snow is the Founder and Principal Instructor of Natural Step School of Tai Chi for Health and Conscious Living. He has taught Tai Chi in Europe and the U.S. for nearly 40 years. Recently, he’s been teaching winter classes at Saint Paul’s Church on Lake of the Isles and summer classes at a quiet spot in Kenwood Park. I had a chance to connect with Colin and learn more about his extensive experience teaching Tai Chi.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in 1955 and grew up a few miles from the center of London. In 2003, I moved to Minneapolis with my wife and son. Transitioning to the Midwest came with a major career change — I was a special education teacher in Cardiff S. Wales, and now I teach Tai Chi full-time.
How did you develop an interest and involvement in Tai Chi?
While walking in Cardiff city center one day, I happened to glance at a beaten-up poster in the window of a shop. It was the first time I had seen the words “Tai Chi.” The poster advertised an introductory class, open to all, so I went. Not knowing anything about it, I was instantly compelled by the flowing, slow, yet graceful movements and signed up for more. This was in the late 70s, and Tai Chi was just starting to become popular in the U.K.
Over the years, I’ve learned that Tai Chi instructors tend to fall into two categories: those who emphasize martial art in their practice, and those who, like me, focus on Tai Chi as a healing art. I’ve come to see Tai Chi as a method for self-healing and taking responsibility for one’s physical, emotional and spiritual health.
How did you decide to pursue teaching Tai Chi professionally?
As a beginner, I had no intention of teaching Tai Chi — I just attended class every week after my day job as a teacher to 35 six-year-olds with special needs. Soon enough, I was taking six classes a week and had discovered that Tai Chi was supporting my work as a teacher. It became an antidote for the complex and stressful day-to-day experience of classroom teaching.
What is your favorite part about teaching Tai Chi?
The experience of fellowship with others that arises in a Tai Chi class. My approach is to make Tai Chi accessible to all, regardless of age or ability, which has enabled people in many communities to practice with one another, explore and experience Tai Chi’s benefits to mind and body.
What are some challenges you experience in teaching Tai Chi?
In the West, we are generally taught to strive for more. This is true if we look at western exercise systems, for example “no pain, no gain” — run farther and faster, lift heavier weights, push oneself to the limit and then go further.
Alternatively, the Tai Chi approach to maintaining good health is to feel more holistic. The years I’ve spent observing people of all ages practice Tai Chi has taught me that learning happens more effectively through playful enjoyment rather than constantly striving for more.
How did you wind up teaching in Saint Paul's Church and then in Kenwood Park? Is there anything unique about teaching in these locations?
The advent of COVID meant virtual classes had to replace in-person classes. I continue to teach some classes virtually because it enables people to join wherever they may be, but once the COVID restrictions lifted, we began to meet in Kenwood Park. Once winter settled in, we wanted to continue classes indoors, and someone suggested Saint Paul's Church. It is a very warm and welcoming community, not to mention a beautiful facility.
What's a typical class like?
I prefer to teach small groups of people, which allows for deeper connections with my students.
The first thing I teach to all students in the Natural Step School is The Foundation Form. This is a sequence of postures that flow from one to another. Each movement is repeated several times before moving onto the next, and each posture is played below the speed of habit, with as little effort as possible. The more we are at ease in the movements, the more benefits arise.
You can visit naturalsteptaichi.com to sign up for classes, read student testimonials and learn more about the Natural Step School of Tai Chi.
