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| Eligibility (3) | ||
| Written by Rachel | ||
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Qualifying for tai
chi chuan
Step 1 - Complete the qigong ticksheet
Step 2 - Attend 3
workshops
Step 3 - Complete the martial application form & liability questionnaire
Step 4 - Complete 2 assignments
Step 5 - The physical
If the
answer is No...
Do not be offended if we say "No". Not everyone is offered martial tuition.
Some people are just not cut out for tai chi training e.g. highly
strung, wound-up,
confrontational...
If you have a notable medical/health problem, we are not allowed to do
combat with you. If you have are just out of shape, we will help with this
(but you will have to do the work).
Insurance regulations prohibit a student from training
material that is unsuitable for their fitness/ability level.
Most martial artists retire aged 40
Risks for older martial artists:
• A fracture or medical emergency caused by
falls or other accidents
• Injury from blows to the head or body
• Risk of developing arthritis from overuse or
improper techniques
• Possible spinal cord injury from improper
techniques
• Risk of developing joint pain from improper
techniques
• Risk of developing a concussion or other head
injury
• Risk of developing stress fractures in the
bones due to physical activity
Doing martial arts is rough on the body. Many martial artists suffer
injuries. This is why over-50's eligibility is strict. It has to be. For the
safety of the student.
Ultimately, we always act with the safety and
wellbeing of the student in mind.
And if the training is too rough for you, you can always opt for tai chi
for health instead...
Kung fu for the
elderly?
Some martial arts schools offer
programs tailored for children or for the over 60's. We
do not. Teaching martial arts to those age groups requires
specialised training and insurance cover for this type of practice.
Unfortunately, we're neither trained nor insured to teach children or
seniors. Most adults can train qigong & tai chi
though.
To get the most out of
martial arts training, finding a tailored program for older adults is
essential. Some standard features that may be important for older adults
include shorter classes with more repetitions, modifications for those with
disabilities, and instructor certification in geriatric martial arts.
(Graying With Grace)
Assignments
Since there is a risk of being hurt, we need
to have confidence that a student's head is in the right place. The 'mental
component' is even more important than the physical one, and we need to be
able to confidently say that you meet the liability requirement. The
curriculum has dozens of assignments, designed to test focus, knowledge,
critical thinking, and aptitude. The first 2 assignments are very basic.
Injured? Poorly? etc
In martial arts, if you attend the lesson, the assumption is that you are
fit enough to train. If there's anything preventing you from training
properly that night, Sifu Waller's lesson is not suitable for you.
Instead, ask to train in Rachel's class until you're able to resume martial
training. For further insight please read Dave Lowry's book In the
Dojo.
Further reading
•
Know the basics
•
Getting your own way
•
How can you tell?
•
Over 50
•
Passing grades when older
•
Fitness level
•
Fit for
combat
•
Martial arts fitness
Page
created 2 March 1996
Last updated 20 January 2023
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