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.

I think workshops most definitely provides the best opportunity to develop and enhance a student's understanding and practice. The format allows the student to work more closely with Sifu which I agree is invaluable. Personally, I always find all the workshops very interesting and challenging irrespective of their theme.

For the benefit and opportunity they provide, I think that it would be good for all taijiquan students to attend a set number of workshops per grade and I believe most of them will be happy to do so.

(Marc B)

Syllabus

The extent of a teacher's knowledge should be evident in their comprehensive syllabus and their scheme of work.
Ask to see this before stepping foot in the training hall.

What is exercise?

In order to exercise the body a person must work the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, nerves and cardiovascular system in a coordinated manner.
There are many different approaches.
The Western way is usually to push and punish the body.
The Taoist method is to treat the body with care and respect; to work the body gently and carefully.

A few other guys were watching a teacher of taijiquan. Never had I witnessed such deceptive power. He performed the Art with enormous dignity and force, and I realised I was seeing something which, although I could not understand, I had to respect. Mr Wang was at least fifty, and probably older. His power was fantastic.

I once asked Nakayama if he thought karate was the best of the unarmed fighting arts. He answered that he thought it was. In that case, I countered, what about taijiquan? Nakayama sensei laughed, and with a smile he said, "For human beings, karate is the best way. But there are some men who are superhuman, and perhaps a few of the taijiquan sensei are just that."
(C W Nicol)

The teacher

Every tai chi teacher possesses an in-depth grasp of the Art.
They know all about taijiquan, Taoism, The Tai Chi Classics, neigong, jing, principles, martial applications, adult learning and The Art of War.An instructor can readily interweave lessons from Taoism, taijiquan, life and cognition in an insightful, thought-provoking way.

I have recently being working through form applications. Surprisingly, they all felt quite easy and straightforward. They also worked very well. No difficulty at all. How come? Daily form practice. Sifu Waller did not have to waste time correcting my form during application practice. We could simply focus on the applications themselves. Correct form meant smooth, powerful, controlled, effective applications.
(Rachel)

I have been interested in the internal arts, specifically Taiji and Bagua for many years but realised how hard it is to find someone teaching the authentic art. With Sifu Waller I finally found what I was looking for! Sifu's understanding and knowledge is outstanding. The syllabus is both deep and broad allowing a structured development of each student as they progress. This is a martial art that is subtle and effective, using body structure and biodynamics to achieve success. Anyone that thinks Taiji is for old people has clearly no idea what the total art is about. I can highly recommend this class for anyone with the passion and dedication to learn a true martial art.
(Chris)

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
 
 (Confucius)

What your body remembers is what is important for you at this particular stage of development.
 What your mind forgets, your body is telling you it couldn't use anyhow at this time.

 (Tsuchihashi) 

Something else

It is common for people to see taijiquan as just being another night school class, 'alternate therapy', a martial art or perhaps even dance.
Taijiquan is far more than this.
It is not an alternative to yoga, karate, Zumba or line dancing.

If you were to study Pilates for decades it is unlikely that the system would fundamentally change your temperament, world view, relationship with others and provide a viable system of combat.
Pilates may improve your quality of life, health and posture.
But that is all.

Taijiquan begins where the other exercise systems finish.
The physical work is just the start of your training; most of the real work is psychological.
Learning the system may completely change the way in which you live and to regard it as purely exercise is to see only what you want to see.
The training is also concerned with replenishing your life energy (qi).

Moderation

Taijiquan advocates moderation; not taxing or tiring the body.
Rather than train for a lengthy period of time, aim to practice little & often.
20-30 minute increments, with rest breaks in-between is ideal.Instead of pushing your body hard and putting it under duress, just do a little exercise.Resting will keep your concentration sharp and offset fatigue.

Happy Chinese New Year!

The real deal

Although many classes claim to be teaching taijiquan, very few are.
In order for the Art to qualify as taijiquan, it must adhere to the essence of the Art:

1. Move your body in accord with The Tai Chi Classics 
2. Train all 13 areas of study
3. Follow Yang's 10 Essentials
4. Maintain medically-sound body use
5. Functionally apply the Art in a skilful 'taijiquan' way
6. Employ the taijiquan principles at all times
7. Embody the teachings of Taoism
8. 13 energies should be made manifest at all times
9. Every movement is a whole-body movement

Providing these criteria are met, you have an immense degree of freedom for personal expression and individual interpretation.

Sarcopenia (muscle loss with aging)

Adults over the age of 50 lose approximately 1% of muscle mass each year as a natural consequence of aging.
The only way to offset this is to engage in a strength building regime that can be sustained throughout your natural life.
Qigong and taijiquan qualify as ideal methods for accomplishing this goal.
However, daily practice is a must.

Tai chi or taijiquan?

What is the difference between taijiquan and tai chi for health?Taijiquan is a martial art.
Tai chi for health is a non-martial health exercise adapted from taijiquan.

Medical proof

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi is one of many reputable books detailing how taijiquan can improve the health of virtually anybody.
Extensive testing around the world suggests that taijiquan is the nearest thing we have to the 'perfect exercise'.

The benefits of taijiquan emerge gradually over time. They are significant and long-lasting.
Taijiquan can be practiced throughout most of your life.