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| Value (2) | ||
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Our values
Applying our own value system to unfamiliar
situations has serious pitfalls.
In the case of tai chi, the art already has
criteria.
Seeing the art through our own agenda
merely serves to impede learning.
We see only what we want to see.
Blind
Instead of understanding tai chi in its own right,
we filter our exposure to the art through our own
opinions and
ideas of what tai chi is about.
This prevents us from learning.
Validating our own viewpoint has taken
precedence.
Comparison
Comparison assumes that you are judging
like with like.
Yet this is seldom the case.
Size
and strength do not necessarily determine a person's ability to defend
themselves - small women have been known to successfully fight off a bigger
and stronger attacker. Many women are fitter, brighter and quicker than
their male counterparts.
(Barry Davies, SAS)
Virtue
In Taoist terms 'quality' refers to an inherent feature or
attribute, to the nature of something.
The qualities of water might be wetness, flow, transparency and that it is has
no shape.
The way, the how, the nature, the character is what
matters in Taoism.
Forms of exercise
Modern society offers all manner of
exercise.
Some are mindful and will gently improve your
fitness whilst others are
harsh and may cause
injury.
Visiting the gym or going
running is not the same as
learning
tai chi.
You attend the gym to use the machines or participate in a scheduled workout
session.
Active learning
Tai chi is not like the gym.
People attend lessons in
tai chi.
Then they go home and they
practice what was
taught in that
lesson.
Medical evidence
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi is one of many reputable
books detailing how
tai chi can improve the
fitness of virtually anybody.
Extensive testing around the world suggests that tai chi is the nearest thing
we have to the 'perfect
exercise'.
The benefits of tai chi emerge gradually over time. They are significant and
long-lasting.
Tai chi can be practiced throughout most of your
life.
Martial arts
Most martial arts classes will
offer meaningful combat skills.
Usually the
instructor is
pretty nice too.
The real questions
are: what are you personally
looking for?
What do you value? What is important to you?
Your agenda
If you are over 40, this should be taken into
consideration when
choosing a martial arts
class. You may feel like a twenty year old but
injuries will take
far longer to heal.
If you are younger and just looking for
fun, pretty much any class that appeals to you
could be suitable.
A sophisticated art
If you are seeking a more sophisticated martial art,
then tai chi is worth
considering.
But be warned; you need to read the
small print:
•
The
internal martial arts were designed to be practiced
daily
•
They are very
hard to learn
•
You must take responsibility for your own
progress and
development
•
Not every instructor possesses a
meaningful
syllabus
Criteria
When choosing a tai chi class it is important to
consider the criteria being applied.
This will determine the basis for any comparison.
It will enable you to determine what you value and what you are looking for
from a tai chi class.
Convenient
tai chi
If you are just looking for the cheapest class or the one that
is closest to your home or is
held on a particular night, then these concerns will
hold sway.
This criteria is solely based on personal convenience.
Quality
tai chi
If you are interested in quality, then your criteria needs to be
much more informed.
You must learn how to contrast the different
tai chi classes in your region.
Find out which values are relevant to
tai chi.
Determine what constitutes 'quality'.
Be prepared to do some research.
As a teacher I am continually impressed with Sifu Waller's teaching system, resources
and the time he takes with classes. I often feel like emailing him to thank
him for another outstanding lesson but a) this could happen most weeks and
b) I do actually feel guilty for not being a good enough student.
(Tim)
Page created
18 June 1997
Last updated
04 May 2023
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