Questions from students - 2nd edition

Urban art, Soho, Hong Kong

Following the first Questions from students blog, I've brought over the 2nd edition. I do enjoy answering questions from students. The more complicated, original or strange the better. Questions are a way to demonstrate knowledge and be able to apply the theory into practice. It is also good opportunity to reflect. The fact that I can do this, shows I'm not regurgitating from a book. As a teacher, I don't pretend to know everything and it isn't false modesty to say I'm still a student at heart. I am not perfect and the Tai Chi journey is a matter of ongoing improvement. If you feel that you have learned everything, then you have learned everything you can learn. The journey has ended for you. For the rest of us, we keep going. Tai Chi Qigong, anytime, anywhere...

Here are a few more of the questions that have been asked.

Does previous martial experience help, when learning Tai Chi?

It does and then it doesn't. It is beneficial to have an understanding of martial arts. Having the knack for learning form routines also helps too. However, that is where the benefits of prior experience ends. Those who have never done Tai Chi before are a like a clean sheet of paper. They have no expectations and take in knowledge with an open mind. The movements may actually be cleaner. Students with prior knowledge and experience are often influenced by previous styles they have trained in. The inability to take an open mind approach, means prior experience may be a hindrance than a help.. I've seen people initiate punches like in Karate. I seen people use hard techniques found in Southern Mantis and I've seen students who are heavily influenced by Wing Chun. Previous experience in Tai Chi is no different. Whether it is the same style in train in or another. I once knew a couple who moved to Tunbridge Wells and they previously trained in Cheng Man-Ching style The problem was, they couldn't get out of their old mindset or adapt to something new. A bit of beginner's mind might help.

Why do you practice forms differently?

When I teach, I have a more textbook approach, so students can see what I am doing and try to learn from that. However, when I practice on my own, I have a freer approach. This is how I like to do it, but neither approach is wrong. I can't learn like everybody, because I am not able to follow process?

There are many ways to learn. I am happy for students to find a way to help themselves progress. In time, you will find out what you do well. That is progress too. I've seen the progress you have made in other ways, so don't be too hard on yourself. At least you're having fun.

Why don't pandas represent China?

The recognition of pandas is more a modern thing. Dragons has been associated with China for centuries. Dragon represent wisdom and strength, and these are noble qualities. Whilst dragons don't exist, myths do originate from elements of truth. If a giant fossil of a dinosaur was found, with the lack of scientific knowledge, what would people start to think?

Traditional men's outfit with a long other gown as worn by Ip Man.

Why don't you advertise? Have you tried distributing leaflets?

Let me ask you a question. When you get leaflets put through your letterbox, what do you do? Put it in the recycling. Exactly. Leaflets rarely work in the day at age. It isn't particularly green either. I don't have a huge number of classes and the right students find me through social media or my website. I have seen leaflets students have shown me. They aren't very professional looking and I am not a fan of clip art. Don't get me wrong, some leaflets are well designed and look classy. But considering that they have little eyeball time, leaflets are a waste of money.

Would you not have more students, since you're Chinese?

It doesn't really work like that. When people make choices, the decision may not be down to who offers the best proposition. The honest truth is, they look at what you look like, not what you can do. Here's an example, you're at the supermarket. You need to pay, you don't choose the nearest till because you don't like the look of the cashier, but the one with a pretty face or with the skin colour you associate with. Being Chinese in martial arts is not an advantage. However, if somebody doesn't like me for who I am, that's fine. Because then I don't have to deal with them. It works both ways.

I tried to do Tai Chi on my own, but I can't get it right?

This is common with beginners, but it also happens to experienced people too. Just do what you can. The objective is to keep doing it and keep moving. Don't break the flow. Tell me in class or email me what it is that you need help with and we can work it out. Keep up with the Qigong, the health benefits are the same. Keep moving and learn to enjoy it.

Traditional men's clothing with a mandarin stand up collars.

What is the difference between Qigong and Neigong? And what Neigong for?

In a simplistic sense, you could consider Neigong to advance Qigong. There are many differences as there are similarities. Neigong is Qigong, but the general Qigong you are familiar with, is not Neigong. You can practise Qigong to an advance level too. This may improve your health or your Tai Chi forms. Neigong gives practitioners and edge when it comes to martial abilities. In our lineage, Neigong is taken seriously and we are expected to practise Neigong regularly. It is perfectly fine to practise Tai Chi without Neigong and many do. I know Qigong is becoming more popular, but people should seek a responsible teacher, because incorrect practise can do more harm than good.

During the pandemic, when you couldn't train with other people. Was that hard on you?

Coming from a lineage where physical contact in training is regularly expected. Yes, it was difficult. Without regular pushing hands and applications, you do lose an edge in your competency. These skills need to be practiced regularly. Once the pandemic was winding down, we did attend our late master's camp. Sadly, that would be his last. Pushing hand with people again felt strange. Even after the pandemic, people weren't comfortable with physical contact.

Do you have to pay a cut to you master?

No. This is not traditional and is not a part of Chinese martial arts culture. Paying a cut is a modern concept and associated with Western lead clubs. Martial arts is an art form and not isn't a franchise. Whilst you're entitled to charge for providing tuition, money grabbing is frowned upon. At White Horse Tai Chi, we do things traditional way. We're run as a club, not a business. We're also not a McDojo. As the Romans say, Caveat emptor.

Our late master, Dan Docherty, never asked for a cut from us. And he return, never had to pay a cut to his master. If you you want to show appreciation, you gift him a good bottle of scotch. Respect is important in Chinese culture.

The traditional outfits have become what has modernised to become the essentially the martial arts uniform. Whilst associated with Tai Chi, these outfits are used by many styles.

Do you consider yourself different from others in Wudang (PTCCI)? And in what way are you different?

I do, but I don't consider myself to be better. I have always had my own directions and beliefs. Many people came to Chinese Martial arts after watching films and wanting to emulating their idols. I was brought up in a Chinese family and we were quite traditional. I was aware of our martial heritage and the culture from a young age. I don't accept everything I was told. I reflect and weigh up the information. I was never one to be spoon fed and I stood my ground. This didn't always go down well, with some people. But to make Chinese people accept something they know is not right, is like making Italians put pineapple on their pizza.

So how am I different? I'm not about fight, fight, fight! I'm not about basing my beliefs within the confines of a few books. I'm not trying to be anybody else and so yes, I'm different from a lot of Tai Chi instructors.

There are a number of Tai Chi instructors in this area. In what way are you different?

There are a number of people who have trained under Dan Docherty. What makes me different, is my approach. I am very much into tradition and foundation skills. I don't think Qigong and my culture is B*****ks and I stand by my beliefs. White Horse Tai Chi is not a McDojo, there are nothing dodgy about how we do things. We don't do fads, gimmicks, overpriced uniforms and all the cliché things modern dojos do. Have I ever sold you a t-shirt?

Your form isn't as good as your masters? His is better.

Nobody is exactly like their master. Everybody does it differently, because we not the same. However, how we express the moves differ. This is natural and that perception is subjective.

I've trained with you for a few years now. Your form has changed. Am I correct?

Yes, that you're correct. I'm always reviewing what I do and how to do it better. As your experience grows, you should use that to improve your practice.

Keep the questions coming.

Thank you for reading my blog.

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