When Sifu Waller studied with Peter Southwood he was required to
stand for 40 minutes a day (every day) at 5:00
AM.
Standing was followed by moving qigong, drills and then two hours of form
training.
He was given very little verbal tuition.
The training was primarily learning through doing.
Every qigong exercise, partnered drill and all 8 forms
had to be studied thoroughly before Peter Southwood was prepared to share
any in-depth knowledge.
Neigong and application had to be earned.
Peter Southwood used the Confucian teaching method: he showed you the example
once and expected the student to go away and practice it.
Only the diligent student was shown more.
There was a significant onus upon the individual
figuring things out for themselves.
Corrections, tips and pointers were only offered when a pattern of committed
practice had been established.
Sifu Waller used to ask students to stand for 40 minutes at the start of class.
There were many grumbles and complaints, but most people actually felt better
afterwards.
