Westerners have some very good ideals. One is that they like the guts, they
want to go to the heart of the matter and get the real stuff. They don't
care about all the fluff. How does it work? Tell me how it works, then I'll
do it.
The Chinese way is to have faith, do it a long time and maybe I'll tell you
how it works.
(Allen Pittman)
A good relationship
A good relationship between student and
teacher
involves two people
travelling down the same path together, and enjoying whatever comes their way.
Although there will be countless setbacks and obstacles, both people persist
with their relationship and the tai chi improves.
One day, the student may reach a stage where the teacher feels that enough has
been taught, and the student must walk alone.
This is a time of great joy.
The student has matured in their tai chi and must take responsibility for their
own practice.
In time, the student may learn how to teach, or they may continue to study
patiently by themselves.
Demeanour
It is important for the student to have an attitude of enthusiasm and
optimism when learning tai chi.
Being daunted by the volume of material, or feeling glum about progress is
inappropriate.
Similarly, aggression and wilfulness are incorrect as well.
Frustration and whining only show that the student is failing to take
responsibility for their practice.
By complaining, they are making it their teacher's problem.
The correct attitude must be cultivated: composure, openness, softness and
consideration.
Corrections
Corrections are not criticism.
A teacher corrects the student because they care about the student's progress.
Suggestions, possibilities and alternatives all serve to broaden your horizons
and open the mind to new possibilities.
A reminder encourages the student to remember the basics, to focus upon the
underlying
principles.
The student should be grateful when corrected, because the correction offers an
opportunity for change, for improvement.
Spirit
A good teacher is concerned with the
spirit
of the art. Their tai chi should be lively and fresh, not droll.
Vibrant tai chi possesses spirit.
The teacher should look lively and expressive.
Their applications are varied and diverse, spontaneous and effective.
The art flows from them without effort. They are natural, comfortable and at
ease.
The teacher should be soft and yielding, powerful and flexible.
Everything they do should be graceful and smooth, controlled and considerate,
relaxed and unhurried.
Shen is seen in their eyes, in their wit and in the nature/quality of the
movements.
Page created 10 September 2007