How do you know whether you are learning?

by Chen Zhonghua Taiji Academy on 2012/03/25

In terms of learning  the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method system, the assumption is that unless you have a special method, you are not learning. You might disagree with this assumption and believe, like many others, that you are learning and making progress. Your beliefs and conclusions are based on criteria that are not taiji, therefore, they are not valid.

What are the criteria that are invalid?

  1. I have been studying taiji for a long time (10, 20, 30 or more years).
  2. My teacher is famous.
  3. I am part of a famous and proper lineage.
  4. I know many forms and weapons and I can push hands.
  5. I have won many medals in various competitions.
  6. My taiji is very smooth and people like it.
  7. My master said my taiji is of high quality.

Measurement of learning or progress must be based on concrete criteria based on taiji principles such as:

  1. Having a center.
  2. Elbow does not point up or sideways.
  3. In with elbow; out with hand.
  4. The knee does not move sideways.

Whether you are following the principles must be established not by what and how you feel but by a physical standard. Here are two simple methods you can try:

  1. Try to use a yoga block (or something similar) to ensure the knee does not move. http://practicalmethod.com/2011/02/the-new-usage-of-yoga-blocks/
  2. Video tape yourself every three months to see if your form performance has improved.

These are simple observations, analyses and methods in helping you achieve REAL learning in Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method.

About Chen Zhonghua Taiji Academy

Chen Style Taijiquan 19th generation disciple. International Standard Bearer of the Practical Method system of Hong Junsheng. Second generation master of Hunyuan Taiji. Been teaching internationally since 1985. Educated in the West with a Master's Degree in Education. Highly accomplished through the lineage of two great masters. Disciplined, precise and powerful. He teaches a complete system of taiji based on the principle of yin yang separation; indirect power as a core concept; movement and tranquility as the source of action. In both theory and practice, his taijiquan deals with the problems of double-heavy. He is a real treasure of the heritage of taijiquan.

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Kelvin Ho February 9, 2014 at 1:15 pm

Leave a Comment
Leave a comment on the content only. For admin issues, please click the "contact" button on the top left.

Previous post:

Next post: