Four Tips for Learning Tai Chi

There are a few things you should keep in mind when you start to learn tai chi.

1. It starts with you. You can't control what the teacher does. You can't control the venue. You can't control other external events. You can only control yourself. Your teacher can guide you, but it's your efforts that determine your success. Have fun playing tai chi.

2. Respect your teacher. Your teacher has spent years learning a difficult skill. Your teacher probably earns only a pittance and is teaching because he/she wants to help you improve your life.

3. Do what your teacher says. Assume that your teacher knows best. If your teacher says to step a certain way, do your best to step that way. If your teacher says to practice every day, do your best to practice every day.

4. Don't do what your teacher doesn't tell you to do. You pay your teacher for the expertise in tai chi and teaching. Don't add your own interpretations. Chances are pretty good that you don't know more than your teacher. If you do, why are you in class?

There is one other thing to keep in mind, though. Use common sense. If your teacher wants you to do something dangerous or is acting unethically, just leave. If you have knee problems, you shouldn't be asked to stomp on the floor. There is no reputable tai chi studio in the world that asks you to have sex with your teacher. Don't argue or debate, just leave. Be safe out there, folks.

What do you think? Leave a comment.

© 2012 Eric Borreson