I am wondering, is it just me or everybody feel the same that practical method, quite challanging in learning…..
I bought the yilu and erlu instruction, and starting on the yilu part….. it’s very challenging…. and it’s very structural in term of lining up on the step and circular motion….. i am wondering, what should i do in order to make sure all my learning is correct. Any advise ??
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A: There is another video you need to get to get started if you are serious about learning the Practical Method. http://practicalmethod.com/2010/03/basic-foundations-dvd-trailer/This video will give you the foundations for further learning.
- When learning the Practical Method system, it is like learning a science so the most important thing is to follow the procedure and don’t make things up.
- You will need to fight against your instinct. Your instinct will draw you towards wrong ways of movement and you will definitely dislike the Practical Method way of movements.
Hope this will help a bit. Sincerely, Chen Zhonghua
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Learning Tai Chi, especially the Practical Method, is progressive. What you understand now will be different from what you will understand a year from now if you practice often enough. Have a good local teacher who can guide you, and go to Master Chen’s workshops as often as you can.
When I teach a beginning student, it usually takes months to have him/her understand and do such simple moves as “in with the elbow, out with the hand”. Also, you need to be patient with yourself. I often see people get frustrated easily and quickly, and eventually quit doing, citing “it’s too difficult for me.”
Master Chen laid out the systematic curriculum for people to learn the Practical Method. Follow his instruction, you will succeed. (Not next year for sure. Maybe 5, 10, or even 20 years later.)
Master Chen has a video on this website titled “how to learn taiji” that outlines the method for learning.