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Searching for a Teacher

Learning Taijiquan is an investment in your own well being. As is usually the case with any investments you will want to do your homework in order to make your best possible choice. You know that if you don't do your homework and make a fully informed decision then you may well later discover that you have got poor returns on your investment at best and wasted considerable time and effort at worst.

First one must ask the question what is a "good" teacher?

In our opinion a good teacher must have a minimum of Taijiquan skills, principles and theory; and must be communicate these skills in a practical fashion. Good teaching skills unfortunately are not common even amongst those teachers who have excellent Martial Arts skills. A teacher with a good teaching method will be creative in their passing on of knowledge, they will have the confidence that comes out of an in depth knowledge with the principles to adapt their method to whatever works in a particular environment.

A teacher with a good teaching method recognises that different students learn in different ways. "One size fits all" might be ok for many students in the class but by no means all. This is an understandably easy way to teach but a good teacher makes the extra effort to go further. In time a good teacher will start relating to students as unique individuals. They will use their imagination and teaching experience to discover the best way to help each student progress on their chosen path.

European or Chinese?

Many Chinese teachers possess English only as a second language. It can be difficult to accurately communicate the subtleties of Taijiquan�s principles and theory in a way that can be understood by European practitioners, the problem being much more than a matter of words rather it is a whole system of thought. Always keep in mind that any learning is confusing to start with - even when teacher and beginner share the same culture and language.

If the teacher is European you must realise that he probably learnt from a Chinese Teacher. If you are European then a good European teacher may be able to communicate and explain much better - especially as they will have been through exactly what you are going through but with more difficulty due to the language barrier. They should have had the time and experience to work out and adapt Chinese concepts and systems of thought in a manner that makes sense to Westerners yet remains true to the source.

Sometimes European teachers, enthusiastic and knowledgeable though they appear, have a simplistic view of what they have learnt from the East. An appeal to vague, almost magical descriptions of Taijquani concepts (eg "Qi") may indicate that imagination is filling in the gaps between facts. Therefore you need to "cross check" and authenticate things for yourself. This is not easy and will take time.

A good teacher will also regularly correct students in an appropriate, friendly manner. Beginners and advanced alike should be open to such timely advice, even from ones peers. On the road of learning there is much to be gained from helping each other whatever one's level of attainment.

There is often a tendency to compare oneself with similar styles and practitioners - usually to the advantage of the one comparing! Criticism of "others" (along with excessive adulation of one's own teacher) is often a sign that such a person has strong isolationist tendencies that still need to be worked on.

Teachers will always have imperfections in whatever they teach and practice. Beginners must be aware that this is so both in their own teacher and later, in themselves. The important thing is to choose a teacher that has a healthy spirit of openness.

When you know nothing (or next to nothing) about a new undertaking, as in most spheres of life, Authority, Reason and Experience are probably your best and only guides. Each of these has its own weaknesses and strengths so good choices come from being alert to the weaknesses of each approach. Obviously a decision that is based on all three of these guides has the best chance of being successful.

Authority encompasses such considerations as your proposed teacher's credentials, what other students think of him/her, what their former students have to say and so on. Remember that lineage is not a guarantee of a good quality teacher.

Reason is the emotional and intellectual strength to observe, to enquire, to ask questions. Take responsibility for what you learn and how you learn. Are the students happy, can you relate to the senior members for they usually reflect the attitudes of the teacher, can you relate to the teaching method? Do the students who have been there for 12 months or more look like they are getting the hang of it and progressing? Are their movements becoming more fluid and flowing, less wooden and stiff? Is everyone helped according to their ability. Do students receive occasional and regular correction/feedback on their our own form? Does the organisation appear to be interested in quality teaching (theory, applications, practice)? Are there signs of generosity and an openness of spirit. A good teacher will possess these qualities and such a one is likely to fully pass on their skills as a student becomes ready. Not all teachers will do this.

Are your teacher's movement�s liquid, relaxed and flowing? Do their arm (and leg) movements appear to start from his torso and "spread out" rather than the other way around? Does the teacher practice the Forms and the ancillary silk-reeling or standing exercises every day? Does he engage students in "Push Hands?" Do they teach Applications?

Try not to over analyse and don't expect to get a quick or even a clear understanding of what is going on right away. There will always be pluses and minuses - the important thing is probably to understand what you are getting into and whether you think you can live with it and grow.

Experience, in the final analysis this is your final judge as to whether your proposed teacher is any good for you. The problem here of course is that you won't know the answer until you have invested a significant amount of time (and money) into your endeavour! However there are two points here that may be helpful for you.

First, your quest for a "good teacher" is not a once and for-all decision, maybe it is good to regularly review how you are getting on, whether you think you are progressing, whether your teacher really is as good as you were led to believe last year? Don't unrealistically expect your teacher to be good in all areas. An intelligent student can still get a lot from poor teachers - at least at the lower levels.

Second, it should be clear by now that a "good teacher" should not only have the requisite martial art skills and knowledge - they must also have good teaching methods and generous human qualities as well. For beginners it is really the human and teaching qualities and skills that are more important because if these are present you will learn the basics very quickly and get lots of encouragement.

In conclusion, if you take Taijiquan seriously and your ambition is to learn the highest internal skills then you will come to a point where you must realise that you are your own Teacher.

You should be willing to study and search out and learn from others who are further ahead on this path than you. Your own experience will allow you to recognise their ability.

You will have to learn how to teach yourself and this will require intelligence and good character - in addition to a great deal of discipline. .

Be aware that at the beginning to intermediate stages good learning requires a stable relationship with your teacher. Constant shopping around, picking bits here, bits there, is no way to begin serious training in Taijiquan. Once you have chosen a teacher commit yourself for good periods of time regardless of the shortcomings you will inevitably discover.

If you eventually find you must leave this teacher at the end of your chosen time you will now know why and your integrity will be intact. This knowledge is itself good learning. You can now make a better-informed decision for your next stage of learning.

Much later you may come to a stage where your teacher can offer you little more that is new and you may need to seek others to assist in your progress. This should not necessarily mean a break in your relationship with your teacher but rather a natural change of direction and perspective.

Some questions to ask yourself throughout your practice and learning;

a. Is the teacher clear, does he she understand and teach principles rather than just forms,

b. Is there a clear knowledge of the health and self defence aspects of the arts being taught;

c. Is there and understanding of the difference for example between Martial and Medical Qigong;

d. Can you ascertain how well they know there system and are they open to questions and ready to give answers;

e. Do you feel comfortable in the class?

f. Are the classes taught with joy and learning intertwined;

 

We hope this is of benefit and that you enjoy your search and the learning process.