The Tai Chi journey so far

This year has really flown by and I haven't really sat down to relax and have a proper think about how things are. When you run a martial arts club, evenings and weekends are theoretical concepts. Even before I was teaching, all my free time was invested in training. Now that I'm teaching, I spend time thinking about how can I help my students can progress and make the classes enjoyable. The role of being an instructor does not end with the class, there is the admin to do. There are questions and enquiries from existing and prospective students. Teaching about giving and passing knowledge. Yet I still find time to train regularly too. I train as much as I used to when I was competing, but what I now do is different.

Whilst I'm no longer competing, the experience gained, I value. There are new challenge and there are things I would like to try. I enjoy learning, because it keeps me occupied and grounded. The more I learn, the more I understand how little I knew. The more I train, the more I gain from my Tai Chi and Qigong. It is true what the wise say and hindsight is a wonderful thing. Once you've learned it, you practise diligently. You don't ask or count, you just make practise a regular activity. This is the Tai Chi life.

Only recent had I had to remember how many years have I been practicing Tai Chi. I can say that from January 2025, it marks my 20th in Tai Chi. From September 2025, it'll be my 10th year in teaching. Life hasn't always been easy. I've struggled with my illness and personal issues. Yet, I did not let my problems get in the way of progress. I've met some great people and many I consider to be my friends. I've done quite well from competitions and I've done many other interesting things. Teaching wasn't something I originally planned, but it came as part of a path of progression.

I'm thoroughly grateful to those who've helped me. I'm also grateful to those who haven't, because that gave me the motivation to train and work harder. Despite the hardship, I never gave up and if I fall, just get up and carry on. Whilst I mentioned previously about practising diligently, please do remember to have fun. Medals and gradings aren't everything. Sure, others have had more success, but do I have to do what other people have? Success comes in many forms, as does sacrifice. Do your own thing, let go and importantly have fun. That is the Tai Chi journey.