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Begin with a clear
idea
Every exercise, drill or form pattern of movement has a simple
purpose.
Determine what this is and start from there.
Many drills are training a wide variety of
fighting skills simultaneously.
Do not be put-off by this.
Focus on the most basic, simple concern and work on that.
If in doubt, ask the teacher for clarification.
Key factors/basics
Learn what the key factors are and apply these -
as best you can - to every activity in class.
Concentrated practice in
the early stages of an endeavour dramatically improves the value of future
practice.
(Michael Gelb)
Slow down
If you rush, you will make a mess of things.
Tai chi is synonymous with slowness; keep this in mind when you practice.
Being slow enables you to notice things.
Go easy with yourself
Your body will not adjust to new activities as quickly as you would like it
to.
It is necessary to give yourself time, to be patient.
You cannot force an outcome.
Step-by-step
It is common to see beginners attempting to jump ahead: trying out more
complex fighting skills prematurely.
This may be the result of enthusiasm.
Or it may be impatience.
Whatever the cause it usually results in failure.
Time
Skills take time to cultivate, explore and understand.
There are no quick fixes, no shortcuts, no sudden enlightenment.
The danger with ignoring the step-by-step learning process is that you begin
to follow the dictates of your own
ego, rather than the direction of the
instructor.
You are imposing your own agenda.
What you value and regard as being important is unlikely to coincide with
the values of your instructor.
Follow
Be simple and methodical.
Follow every exercise and drill step-by-step.
Do not deviate.
Do not add or remove anything from the instructions provided by your
instructor.
If you were capable of doing a more complex application, you would have been
shown it in detail.
Form is not easy
Tai chi form is often portrayed as being easy to learn. This is a common
misconception.
It is important not to think of tai chi form in terms of external kata.
Kata and form are ultimately not the same thing.
Form teaches 'a way of moving'. A
style of using your body. A
habit.
Kata is crude
A kata is considered 'correct' if it looks accurate and crisp.
This is not the case with a tai chi form.
A form must be performed in a relaxed manner, with attention to how the
power is being generated.
Every movement must contain peng, and would be completely useless without
it.
A comprehensive understanding of how to apply every nuance of form is
necessary for true understanding.
Review your performance
It can be quite challenging to look at your own performance and ask whether
or not is was any good.
Many students can be quite harsh on themselves and demonstrate unrealistic
expectations.
Others have the impression that they are already skilled and are looking for
confirmation of this.
We all make mistakes
Recognise that are no doubt making countless mistakes.
Accept this.
It is OK.
Give it time
Even if the instructor were to offer a list of corrections, you may not yet be
capable of addressing the points listed.
This is to be expected.
Understanding takes time.
Go easy on yourself.
Address the big problems
You need to look at your performance in simple terms.
Note obvious errors.
Correct these as well as you can.
Judgement
There is no need to be judgemental or overly critical.
You are where you are.
You are only as good as you are.
Attention is very
different from what is usually called concentration.
Concentration is usually associated with a state of over-tension manifested
by a furrowed brow and interference with breathing, almost as though one
were trying to hold everything in place so as to be able to focus totally on
a certain aspect of one's surroundings.
(Michael Gelb)
Internal concerns
In order to perform any given activity correctly, you need to unite mind,
body and emotions.
Consider:
Balance
Reach
Alignment
Relaxation
Are you moving in the
internal
way?
Gaining the ability to move correctly is very difficult, but attainable
if you are patient and show tenacity.
Take the time to be present.
Make the best of every opportunity to learn.
Practice, patience, presence
Three things hamper students:
Failure to practice
Lack of patience
Poor concentration
How much you practice is your
concern.
Everyone is different.
Just be aware that class attendance, home training and taking advantage of
all training opportunities will affect progress.
Patience is an underrated virtue in modern society.
However, you cannot suddenly become skilled at anything complex without
long-term study and commitment.
The steady, patient student makes strong progress and feels the rewards of
their practice.
Concentration enables a deeper level of focus.
Resources
We offer a lot of training opportunities for students.
There are also various resources on offer.
If you are struggling, then watch the form, exercise or drill on DVD.
Read the website.
Study the books on the reading list.
I went on to find that the solution to many seemingly difficult tasks is not
to 'try harder' but to leave oneself alone.
(Michael Gelb)
Page created
18 April 1995
Last updated
16 June 2023
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