Questions from students - 1st edition

Neon lights of Hong Kong

I enjoy my interactions with students. Whilst martial arts is not a democracy, without cooperation and understanding, there's no meaningful progress. Discussions are important, because it gives students a chance to express and contribute to the class. Learning is part of the Tai Chi journey. Learning is not simply reading a few books, but beyond.

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

Chinese lanterns

Do you laugh at your students?

No I don't. Why students aren't doing well or do what is expected, is fault of teacher. Our abilities differ and we can't expect every student to progress at the same rate. Teachers were students who struggled once upon a time. If I laughed at my students, then I'd need to take a hard look at myself.

Is Tai Chi the origin of all martial arts?

No, Qigong would be the origin and foundation of Chinese martial arts. Which in turn influenced martial arts in Japan and Korea. Qigong is actually a broad concept and covers many things. Moving your arms and legs slowly isn't necessarily Qigong.

Are all the concepts like pushing hand and applications related?

They are, because you are practicing all the principles of Tai Chi.

Can you practice Tai Chi fast?

You can do it at any speed, but so long as you practice with the Tai Chi principles. If you do it fast, you'll find it hard to manage the flow. Do it too slow and it'll test you patience. Tai Chi isn't simply about slowness.

Peacocks

What is Seven Stars?

Seven stars is mentioned several times in our Tai Chi forms. It is also mentioned in Qigong. In the Qigong lineage I also practice, there is set called Revolving Seven Stars. Seven stars is a motif that is used in many aspects of Chinese culture. Seven Stars is better known as the Big Dipper.

In our Tai Chi hand form, Seven Stars is mentioned several times, but each time, it is different and it is therefore a different application. Seven Stars is also the name of our classic guard. Still the answer has not been answered, ok each point in the arms relate to a star.

Why do other experienced martial artists poo-poo Qi?

This comes down to the understanding of Qigong. Chinese people are many things (keep the negativity to yourself), at best, we are practical, so why would we carry on talking about something for thousands of years if is not true and has no value?

There are those who add a spark of mysticism to what they teach, or make spurious claims. I can see why this has lead to misunderstandings. But like with cults, just because there are a few bad eggs. You can't drag legitimate religion in the same light. At the end of the day, don't slander what you don't understand. At the end of the day, we're all entitled to our own points of view.

Here are just a few questions and answers and more will come, but I'm not sure when.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Disclaimer 

If you like what you see, please consider subscribing or buying me a coffee. It would be highly appreciated.