Clumsy
She did not consciously think, "Ah, today I learned this and that; I gained this much." You do not do it step by step that way, by adding on coatings of varnish, or new paint. When learning becomes you, then it appears as you need it, when you are being you. Sometimes true learning surprises you when it emerges.
(Chungliang Al Huang)
Sensitivity
If your aim is just to brutalise everyone with your powerful strikes, you are
training the wrong art.
Our classes are not about fighting.
Nobody wants to be injured. No one wants to break an arm or lose their front
teeth.
Being careful with the people you train with indicates respect. You care about
their wellbeing.
It makes you look better as a person.
You come across as strong, but controlled. You have the power but you use it
sparingly.
Brutal
Our
classes place a far greater emphasis upon framework than other classes do.
This will be particularly evident in the later self defence syllabus.
Your internal power should continue to increase as your body becomes
stronger and more connected.
The danger here lies in your ability to manage this strength.
Slamming into everyone is simply not skilful. It is clumsy. It makes you seem
oafish and brutal.
Your power needs to be controlled.
To do this you must use the least amount of force at all times. Keep it smooth
and soft.
Listen to what is happening, be aware of the sensations, interpret the feedback.
Clumsy
Clumsiness is an indication of low skill.
As you progress through the syllabus you must demonstrate a growing capacity to
use the tai chi properly.
Ineptitude speaks for itself.
If you cannot gauge how much force to use then you have no real skill.
Imagine picking up a glass...
If you cannot determine the necessary degree of pressure to apply, you will
either drop the glass or crush it in your hand.
Neither is acceptable.
Page created 5 August 1999