Martial expectations
Too early in the morning? Get up and train.
Cold and wet outside? Go train. Weary of the whole journey and longing for a
moment to stop and rest? Train.
Continue on in the spirit of perseverance.
(Dave Lowry)
Expectations
Students of tai chi often want to learn tai chi as a martial art.
Having read a few books, they expect to acquire skills that exceed those of wing
chun, karate, aikido or ju jitsu.
This sounds like a reasonable ambition.
But the individual is seldom prepared to put in the time or effort necessary.
A student of judo may train 2-3 times a week in class.
How can a tai chi person expect comparative skills when they only attend 1
class each week?
Work
Every martial art requires dedication and commitment.
There are no shortcuts or exceptions.
If you expect to use tai chi as a martial art, be prepared to put in the time
and effort.
You want the skills? Do the work.
Commitment
As you move through the
syllabus, the skills are more
challenging and the volume of material increases.
It is necessary to practice what you have learned, hence the need for more
classes.
Your progress is contingent upon your level of commitment.
Home training
Partner work and corrections are vital in tai chi, so you need to attend as many
lessons as you can.
However, the majority of your training should take place at home.
Page created 8 May 1995