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trace. copy. re-create.
Jack Yan compared the stages of learning the taiji sequence to learning Chinese calligraphy. First, the student traces the characters, to learn the strokes. Second the character is drawn free-hand, copied from an example in a textbook. Lastly, the character is re-created from memory without the need to consult a book.
Many Taiji students can trace the postures then copy their teacher as a routine is practiced. But to re-create taiji, students need to free themselves from looking at mirrors and from needing to follow others. While these things can be helpful in the earlier stages, they will hold you back in this third stage.
(photo by Jonathan Crowder. Click image for his Flickr page)Posted on June 24, 2011
Discover the Internal Arts
Classes in Qigong (Qi Gong), Taiji (Tai Chi), Xingyi (Hsin i) and Bagua (Pa Kua) in Guelph, Ontario. Learn these
traditions in an open, non-competitive environment.
Information on the club, class schedules and resources for students can be found in the navigation bar above.
I hope the blog entries below provide interesting reading and food for thought for everyone interested in the internal arts.
