Form is not kata

It is important not to think of tai chi form in terms of external kata.

External martial arts students learn kata in order to train specific insights and skills. Learning the kata is a way of gaining a thorough, well-rounded sense of the art. Each kata is different and necessary - it imparts a new lesson - and adds another piece to the whole.

However, kata and form are ultimately not the same thing. Form teaches 'a way of moving'. A style of using your body. A habit.

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.

You do not need to learn several forms. All of the lessons and skills are contained in the one sequence.

Unlearning bad habits

We teach an 'internal' martial art and follow the teachings of The Tai Chi Classics. In order to start learning the system, a student must begin by letting-go of postural tension and the desire to use clenched muscles for strength.

For some people this is a gargantuan task because they rely on their arms for strength and do not really want to let-go. The problem is attitude, as much as body. Being open-minded and receptive is not easy.

This style of tai chi is a 'soft' martial art. It maintains a loose connection throughout the body at all times and the muscles never tense.

Experiential

Karate, wing chun, tai chi and every other system has its own inherent feel; and this unique sense of the art takes time to unfold.

Questions will not give you meaningful answers because the art can only be understood in terms of itself.

Learning a martial art involves a certain process that is not exclusive to tai chi:

1. Unlearning bad habits

2. Conditioning the body

3. Learning new habits/responses

It takes months of weekly lessons to make headway with these three concerns.

Progress is steady, notable and ongoing. 'Countering' is the first real step towards learning tai chi.

"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

(Proverb)

Substantial

Unlike most tai chi in the UK, this particular style was never simplified or watered-down to accommodate Western students.

It remains sophisticated and intricate. Most of the detail is too subtle for a new starter to grasp.

You must learn to notice small things in others and in yourself.

Allowing time

Tai chi has an exciting, complex syllabus that cannot be summed-up in a few words or a 90 minute class.

If you start a new class, open your mind and accept that you are only experiencing a fragment that lesson.

To truly understand the art for yourself takes time.

Few things in life yield their treasures quickly or easily; you need commitment, sincerity and patience when studying tai chi.

Mastery of the syllabus

Tai chi is not about a result; the entire system is process-oriented. Your attention needs to be on what you are doing, how and why.

A scientific attitude helps; strip things down and understand what makes them work. Explore their resilience.

Accomplishment

The journey is unique to each individual. We all come to the practice from a different place and have our own reasons for walking the path.

Those who persevere with the training gain a quiet sense of accomplishment. An inner surety and confidence takes root. Such people grow as their art develops and continue a journey that will change every facet of their lives. They achieve something remarkable each day, re-awakening an inner joy as they continue their training.

New starters

Experience a 2-week introduction any Monday night except bank holidays.

Theory

Tai chi theory is akin to a Zen koan: clear to the insider but indecipherable to the novice.

Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu, The Art of War, I Ching, Miyamoto Musashi, Tai Chi Classics and the actual tai chi principles themselves are all pretty hard for a beginner to come to terms with.

It is like learning a new language.

Living art

We seek to perpetuate the art of tai chi. We want to pass it on, and every lesson is designed with this in mind. As with any artist, the teacher is very particular.

We want to make sure that every aspect has been thoroughly understood and retained. The standard is very high.

How long will it take to get good at tai chi?

That entirely depends upon you. Everyone is different. There are so many variables.

Consider:

1. Have you set aside some time every day for practice?

2. How long is it?

3. Do you bring preconceptions with you to lessons?

4. What are your expectations?

5. Did you think it would be easy?

6. Are you open and receptive?

7. Do you have some plan/ambition in mind?

8. Are you studying the DVD's regularly?

9. Is tai chi part of your life or a one-a-week night school class?

10. Do you train with other students between classes?

11. Have you any existing health problems that might impede training?

12. Is your body entrenched in hard-style habits of resistance and stiffness?

13. When you train at home, is your recollection good or poor?

14. Do you respond well to corrections in class?

15. Can you admit your mistakes?

16. Do you learn from them?

17. Have you committed to private lessons as well as regular classes?

18. What is your awareness like?

19. If things do not work for you, do you become aggressive and push?

20. Where is your focus?

Your tai chi is only as good as you make it.

Tai chi syllabus

Learning the tai chi syllabus is not easy. We are not going to mislead you here.

It takes a lot of time and a lot of work.

However, you are welcome to work through the material at your own pace...

Under pressure?

Feeling to be under pressure runs contrary to the very spirit of tai chi.
Be patient and allow that things take time:

What your body remembers is what is important for you at this particular stage of development.

What your mind forgets, your body is telling you it couldn't use anyhow at this time.

(Tsuchihashi) 

Acquiring tai chi skills

People are not always happy with the reality of their situation. We teach the material, we revise it with you, we offer you practice partners and we pressure test your understanding. But only you can do the work.

This is not what most people want to hear. Tai chi skills cannot be purchased. You must use your mind and your body. And you must practice.

 I don't stop when I'm tired.

 I only stop when I'm done.

(Marilyn Monroe)

Our next induction course is Monday 7th September.

New starters are welcome! 

The presence of the Way can be intuitively sensed,

but it cannot be pinned down in any way.

(Thomas Cleary)

Natural range

In tai chi you must always remain within your natural range of movement. Any stretching is done gently and never forced; the body is allowed to open by itself, rather than be put under duress.

By encouraging the joints to be free, mobility increases radically and the body can move more comfortably. Tai chi should never strain or hurt the body.

Some movements may feel uncomfortable if you have bad postural habits and this is to be expected - your body is already used to set movements and poise - and the tai chi is gently changing these.

Context

Tai chi requires the student to perform every movement in a comfortable, relaxed manner, whilst maintaining optimal structural alignment relative to the opponent.

At no time should your use of strength exceed 4 ounces of pressure, nor should you allow more than 4 ounces to be placed upon you.

Force is never used against force. Every action should be a whole-body movement rather than independent limb action.

There are no conventional punches or kicks; the body employs a whipping action to throw the limb out when striking.

Tai chi is circular in movement and application - it must follow the way of nature, the path of least resistance.