Embarking on a journey into the world of Tai Chi can be both exciting and overwhelming. This ancient Chinese practice, grounded in martial arts, offers a rich tapestry woven with elements of meditation, movement, and breath control. Before you dive head-first into this fascinating discipline, it’s prudent to invest some time in choosing the right class. While the right Tai Chi class can enhance your physical wellness, reduce stress, and improve your cognitive abilities, the wrong one could discourage you from pursuing this rewarding practice further.

Here are some critical questions you should ask a prospective Tai Chi instructor:

1. "What is your Teaching Philosophy?"

   The philosophical roots of Tai Chi extend back to Confucianism and Taoism. As such, an instructor's teaching philosophy should ideally align with these traditions. For instance, the Taoist principle of Yin and Yang, which represents the balance of opposing forces, is a crucial aspect of Tai Chi.

2. "What Style of Tai Chi do you Teach?"

   Tai Chi styles are named after the Chinese families that developed them. The major styles are Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), and Sun. Each style has different movements, rhythms, and emphasis on martial aspects versus health benefits. Your health status, fitness level, and personal interests will determine the most suitable style for you.

3. "What is the Structure of a Typical Class?"

   Knowing the structure of a class will give you an idea of what to expect. A well-structured Tai Chi class should ideally start with a warm-up, include practice of Tai Chi forms (sequences of movements), Qigong exercises (breathing and energy flow), and finish with a cool-down period.

4. "How do you Incorporate Mindfulness in Tai Chi Practice?"

   Tai Chi isn't merely about physical movements; it's also a meditation in motion. Therefore, it's essential that the instructor incorporates mindfulness practices into the class. Understanding how the instructor integrates mindfulness will give you an insight into their approach to teaching Tai Chi.

5. "What is your View on Progression and Mastery?"

   Progress in Tai Chi is a slow, gradual process, and mastery can take years, if not decades. A good instructor should emphasize patience, continuity, and gradual progress rather than quick fixes or rapid advancement.

6. "What is your Training and Certification?"

   While there isn't a single, universally accepted certification for Tai Chi instruction, various reputable organizations offer training programs. Investigate the instructor's background and certification to ensure they have a solid foundation in Tai Chi principles and techniques.

Considering the economic theory of information asymmetry, where one party (in this case, the Tai Chi instructor) has more information about the transaction (the Tai Chi class) than the other (the student), asking these questions helps to level the playing field. It provides the potential student with important information to make an informed decision about which class to take.

Statistics applied from other studies in the realm of education show that students who participate in the decision-making process of their education (like choosing a Tai Chi class that suits their needs) tend to be more satisfied and perform better. Therefore, these questions serve to make students active participants in their Tai Chi learning journey.

While these questions serve as a guide, it’s also important to trust your instincts. If an instructor or class doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Tai Chi is an individual journey and the right class is the one which resonates with you on a personal level. With these questions as your compass, you're well on your way to finding the perfect class to embark on your Tai Chi journey.