Although much has been written about the deeds
and idiosyncrasies of famous
tai chi chuan masters and how to learn tai chi chuan, it is a remarkable
fact that very little has been written about teaching the art.
Tai chi chuan teachers have teaching methodologies which would quickly earn
them the sack from an academic institution. A typical example is the
practice of many teachers to rely upon students merely copying their
movements, and then moving on once the student can do the technique more or
less correctly. There is seldom any explanation or correction, the emphasis
being on monotonous repetition.
(Dan Docherty)
Memory problems?
Beginners sometimes struggle to remember things.
This is partly due to unfamiliarity, both with learning and with the tai chi
itself.
Learning is not a passive process. You need to pay attention and you need to
practice.
Small steps
Reading books about tai chi or watching more experienced students can be
stimulating for the beginner, but it can also promote unrealistic goals.
A beginner needs to learn the basics. And the basics are far from glamorous.
Methodically and patiently training the fundamentals is essential. Building a
strong foundation will enable you to make strong progress.
Repetition
Repeating movements in class can never be the sum total of your practice.
If you want to remember the tai chi - and improve - the practice needs to be
taken home.
Tai chi was designed to be performed on a daily basis.
You do not need to commit a vast amount of time.
Even 5 minutes spent repeating a single movement would produce a positive
outcome.
Do not be dulled by repetition.
Keep your mind on what you are doing, and perform the exercise slowly and
carefully.
Pay attention to the details.
1, 2, 3 of memory
We use a 1, 2, 3 approach to learning an exercise:
The pattern
- learn the shape, the outline, the sequence
- practice this until you can perform it/remember it without effort
The substance
- imbue the pattern with substance
- focus on alignment, frame, connection, neigong
- ensure that the correct parts of the body are generating the movement
- remove physical tension
The flow
- whole-body movement
- easy and natural
- gentle and soft, yet substantial
This is a simplified overview.
Level 1 is very straightforward. Levels 2 and 3 require
considerable work, and patience.
A beginner can pick up material quite easily, especially when they practice
between lessons.
1, 2, 3 of awareness
We use a 1, 2, 3 approach to awareness:
Awareness
- you see what needs to be done
- you recognise what you are doing, without emotion or judgement
- you see your own habits
Inhibition
- you feel the habit emerge and you stop
- you deliberately, consciously change
- you maintain a watchful eye over your practice rather than repeat by
rote
Ease
- you perform the movement easily and comfortably
- you have integrated the required qualities
- you are mindful of what is occurring and pay complete attention
This is a simplified overview.
Adapt, change, improvise
Learning patterns and sequences, memorising material - all this is
necessary but it is not enough.
Beyond the formal learning there must be challenge.
Your capacity to apply what you know must be tested.
Versatility is paramount.
You cannot train in a bubble. You must see how your skills fare under a variety
of circumstances.
The unexpected is necessary.
Your resilience often hinges upon your memory, knowledge and awareness.
There must be a willingness to move with what is happening.
Applying material by rote will seldom work when you are pressure-tested.
You must learn to go with the flow: adapt, change and improvise.
Page created 5 April 2001