Martial athlete

Many people who commence taijiquan practice are essentially 'daydreamers'.
They have fanciful notions of becoming a martial artist but entirely lack the grit and determination required to accomplish the task.
Instead of committing to a challenging regime of on-going comprehensive, rigorous training, the student is contented with the dream.
Combat is not easy and there is a risk of injury if the student is unfit. This is true of any martial art.

To reach a high level of skill, the student needs to take a lesson from sport. 
They must become a martial athlete.