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Focused
learning
Japanese martial arts are usually taught in a very methodical, thorough way.
There is a clear syllabus, steps of progress, grades and some degree of
ongoing continuity.
A lack of focus
Chinese internal martial arts are rarely taught in a focused manner. Often
there can seem to be no discernible syllabus, no continuity and a generally
vague approach to teaching the material.
A syllabus seldom exists.
Mish-mash
Many tai chi people train with a variety of teachers or gain material from
different sources. This can lead to a mish-mashing of potentially
incongruent, conflicting or incompatible ideas.
Although common, this learning approach is inefficient and seldom leads to a
high level of skill.
There is an Indian folk tale
about six blind men inspecting an elephant:
The first man encounters the side of the animal
and believes it to be a wall.
The second man imagines the tusk to be a spear.
The third man thinks that the trunk is a snake.
The fourth man considers the leg to be a tree.
The fifth man feels an ear and believes it to be a fan.
The sixth man finds the tail and is certain it is a rope.
(Zen story)
Structured learning
Tai chi cannot be approached in a haphazard, piecemeal fashion. There needs
to be a framework for learning.
This would be true of any subject: Spanish, cooking, carpentry, music,
ballet, massage, accountancy, engineering, botany, computing, rugby...
Beginners start with basic skills and gradually build to a richer, more
complex grasp of the subject.
By adhering to a professional approach to learning, tai chi students can
make the most of the class, achieve tangible results and get the best value
for their money.
Syllabus
A good tai chi school will have a tried and tested syllabus in place.
By systematically learning one skill at a time, the student gradually
accrues information, gains physical awareness and increases the range and
scope of their understanding.
But this does not happen overnight. There is a considerable amount of
information to learn. It must be revised, refined, honed and practiced
thoroughly.
Just form?
Some tai chi schools advertise a syllabus that only contains form. This is
not a traditional syllabus. Tai chi is a complex art. It contains a lot
more than just form.
Scheme of work
Our classes follow a carefully designed 'scheme of work' that takes the student
step-by-step through every skill.
Everything is taught in easy, simple, bite-sized pieces.
At each stage of the curriculum the student possesses clearly defined
skills that can be
proven in practice.
Material is organised in a structured manner and taught systematically.
This
way, each student is free to progress at their own pace.
Access for all
The aim with 'differentiation' is for all students to access the curriculum
relative to each individual's ability.
This means that those who struggle are assisted, those who do fine are
developed and those who do well are challenged further.
Natural talent?
A lot of people still believe in the notion of 'natural talent'. According
to scientific research detailed in a number of books published in the 21st
Century, there's no such thing...
Ability begets ability
People who excel, do so because they put in more time and commit to greater
practice than other people do. They also receive regular feedback, learn
from their mistakes and get better (continuously).
Read Grit, Smarter Faster Better, 5 Elements of Effective Thinking
and Peak... Find out for yourself.
Expectations
Martial arts usually attract students who are committed to getting fit and
working hard. Not so with tai chi. The student is often less sincere. They
are not expecting nor prepared to get fit.
Dedication
Physical exercise in a tai chi class is
frequently met with lacklustre enthusiasm and no sense of dedication. A
lot of modern people think that attending a weekly class is in itself a
major commitment.
Hard work pays off
An earnest student can learn all of the foundation material in just one
year. This guarantees a starter level of fitness and reduces the risk of
injury.
After that, technical skills may be taught because the student possesses the
necessary physical ability to actually undertake the training.
Deliberate practice
Hard work alone is not enough, though. Simply working hard will not
necessarily lead to progress.
It needs to be deliberate, focused improvement designed to improve your
practice by developing key skills outlined by your instructor.
The student must implement corrections, study the recommended books,
undertake assignments and challenge their comfort zone.
Have perspective
Tai chi students usually stumble at the onset and fail to even get through
the very first form, yet complain because they were denied combat training.
If they can neither coordinate nor remember a simple sequence what hope have
they of neijiaquan combat skill?
Revision & refinement
As a student becomes more skilled, they look back at existing material and
re-examine it from a higher level of understanding.
This is vital, as the student uncovers new insights and gains a deeper
comprehension.
2 approaches
These are listed in order of
difficulty:
Students
may train at whatever level they are
capable of doing. Our program is entirely self-differentiating.
I've done some martial arts before including tai chi but Sifu Waller's
syllabus is so beyond anything I've seen it's ridiculous! Practically all my
previous training has not helped me at all and I'm just grateful I found
Sifu Waller when I did. Having trained (on and off) for over 14 years in
tai chi I know that Sifu Waller is one of a kind in his commitment to his
students, and really respect his approach.
What I really like about the class is its friendly atmosphere with excellent
teaching and a clear syllabus that means everyone makes progress. It’s
challenging but accessible. Everything is explained to the level you want
and obviously Sifu Waller really demonstrates what is possible in the art.
As a school 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.
What I find most amazing about the syllabus is how everything is
interlocking and interconnected.
(Tim, maths teacher)
Page created 2 August 1995
Last updated
16 June 2023