Admonition

T’ai Chi Chih teachers must do TCC well as well as teach it effectively. No matter how sincere the teacher is, if the movements are performed badly the student will suffer. Students will naturally follow the teacher’s form in doing the movements. Moreover, for the teacher to give an effective presentation, he or she must perform well enough to impress the audience and influence it to want to learn and do TCC as well as the teacher does. One cannot say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”

One cannot go to the Air Force Academy and say, “I wear glasses and have poor depth perception but I’m sincere and want to become a pilot.” There are certain necessary qualifications for undertaking a flying career and these must be met. Everybody can get benefits from TCC practice, but to teach students one must lead by example.

Originally, the idea was proposed to have accreditation last for a limited length of time, after which the teacher would be re-examined to make sure he or she was performing and teaching correctly. This plan was obviously not practical.

When we consider that more than 1000 teachers have been accredited worldwide, it becomes obvious that it would cost a fortune to send someone on continuous trips to check teachers. So it becomes necessary for teachers to police themselves and frankly evaluate their own performance. One way to do this is to attend the annual Teachers’ Conference. There must be a sincere desire to do TCC well, which requires more than just moving the arms and the legs. There must be a flow of the body from the center, complete yinning and yanging, and the ability to excite admiration from audiences by performing TCC movements in a pleasing manner.

This may seem somewhat harsh, but the teacher does not only perform TCC for his or her own benefit. Taking the Teachers’ Training Course and being accredited means dedication to helping others, and the first step consists of doing the form well. Teachers, be sure you do TCC in an outstanding manner! Be tough and frank in evaluating yourself. Help is always available.

Source: New Mexico TCC News, May ’96