Once again Master Chen found it necessary to tell us how to learn. Many of us were practicing as he was teaching. And of course, I was one of them. He was giving each of us a private lesson and we should have been listening intently. At that point, practicing was just a distraction. Yes, practicing is totally necessary, but not when the teacher is telling us the important things that other teachers would call secrets and probably wouldn’t even teach. If we’re at all smart, we’ll take advantage of the wonderful opportunity Master Chen is providing.
Something I particularly remember is that all the movements of the upper body are to be powered by the lower body. Wherever you find yourself you should have gotten there by having pushed into the ground and the power pushing up through you. And then if you want to do another movement it has to start by again pushing into the ground.
Another thing I remember is that when we look down it’s because we don’t have a partner to work with. It’s certainly true for me. My wife is constantly telling me my neck is bad because I’m looking down. Not having a partner, I need to find the target for all the movements and keep my intention focused on it. Looking down would not help me in a fight!
Chen Zhonghua Taiji Academy Phone: 780-413-0454
Chen Taiji Practical Method and Hunyuan Taiji practical_method@outlook.com
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Hello Steve Doob!
I hope this reaches you, I learned Tai Chi from you at RCC in the late 70s, early 80s. Also you painted an old station wagon for us…a Ford…yellow. Anyway it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do the entire form, but I’m doing “cloud’s hands” as part of my daily routine and I’m so grateful for your instruction. Take care, be well.