Musings of a Babylon Lurker

Off topic : Teaching Tai Chi Chuan.

Sunday, February 15th, 2009 | off topic | 2 Comments

I did an exam as a Tai Chi teacher this week end – and passed.

The local master of the art in The Hague has made courses for people who want th teach Tai Chi in his name. This means a 2 year long workshop (a day once a month) with a fair amount of self practise.

Since he wants his teachers to uphold a high level, he is quite demanding of his teachers. The is compensated by him being quite the entertainer – even when he is teaching seriously.

He is now in his mid 50′s and knows that, in order for the knowledge he has to be available, he needs people, other than his family, to continue the tradition.

Since I am recovering from an injured shoulder, the movements do not look perfect, but that is apparently compensated by showing knowledge of the techniques in stead.

The first time the exam was held I had just had the injury, so I could not participate. Now the recovery is good enough to pass the exam.

Actually I have been teaching for a while, unoficially, but now I have become “certified”.

It never ends …

In order to stay ahead of the students, the teacher must learn even more, so I will be somewhat busy learning more Tai Chi still. The first level contains modern forms, and the next will be (older) – more difficult – traditional forms.

So much to learn, so little time…

Tags: Tai Chi