Called by the Chi

I know how my student feels. I, too, was called by T’ai Chi Chih five years ago.

Outside the Nokomis Community Center, where I teach T’ai Chi Chih in Minneapolis, a lighted sign advertises various events they offer. One staff member thought I needed more students, so he took it upon himself to light the sign: “Enrich yourself. Take a class. T’ai Chi Chih.”

Since only one person enrolled for the 6:00pm beginner class, the park had to cancel it. But I still had plenty of intermediate students who were arriving for a 7:30pm class. When I arrived to teach the intermediate group later that evening, a staff person informed me that a woman, Carol, had been waiting to talk with me about the beginning class. Carol said she’d been driving by for days, seeing the sign and thinking that she should come and ask what T’ai Chi Chih was. But she hadn’t stopped. But on this particular night, Carol felt an overwhelming urge to come in. I told her about T’ai Chi Chih and invited her to see T’ai Chi Chih in action. Carol watched the intermediate students. We went through some movements and then had a full practice in a circle. Carol joined us, tried everything we did, and asked if she could come back the following week. The other students applauded Carol for her courage.

Carol still comes to this class every week. And I meet with her afterwards for individual instruction. Carol says she loves T’ai Chi Chih and really feels she was called to the practice. She had noticed T’ai Chi Chih in the parks booklet of classes being offered in the fall and winter. But when it was advertised on the sign, she accepted the notice as a “sign” that it was the right time for her. This time, when T’ai Chi Chih called, she listened. And she is so glad that she did.

T’ai Chi Chih Teachers and Teh

by Sr. Antonia Cooper, OSF, North Plainfield, NJ

The reason Justin never initiated a recertification policy is because TCC is based solely on teh – the inner sincerity of the teacher. 

A T’ai Chi Chih teacher who recently moved to Florida from the Northeast was asked by the local YMCA for her recertification paper when she applied to teach TCC there. Unlike yoga or Pilates instructors, though, TCC teachers are not required to recertify, she explained. The staff person at the Y then asked for the organization’s contact information, and the teacher explained that TCC is not an organization.

In reflecting on this, I began to realize how much trust Justin has placed in each TCC teacher by not requiring recertification. Instead, ideally, teh leads us to find ways to continually improve our practice.

Continual Education: Although it’s not required, a conscientious teacher will continue to refine his or her form by attending a conference, teacher training, intensive, renewal, retreat, or workshop. Teh, or inner sincerity, motivates teachers to remain in contact with the TCC community.

Teach TCC Correctly: TCC’s 19 movements and one pose have been passed to us through Justin’s teachings. We have both the DVD and Photo Text resources to study the principles, philosophy and, most importantly, “how to move.” To teach the form well, teachers must demonstrate it well. Students, as we know, copy every move of the teacher – good, bad or indifferent, and that includes bad habits that may have developed over the years.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Be faithful to your own practice.

Make Good Use of Resources: I invite every teacher to attend at least one major event a year. Partial scholarships are offered for the annual Teachers Conference, if needed. It would be an honor to have every teacher attend. If it’s not possible, try to attend an event in your area. If no event is offered, speak with Pam, Sandy or me about possibilities. Always begin small and watch it grow!

In the near future we will undoubtedly receive calls from institutions and groups requesting qualified teachers. My great concern is that some teachers have not attended programs or kept up with practice refinements over the years. I request that teachers keep a record of their own attendance at conferences, accreditations, intensives, retreats, workshops, and renewals to better track their connection to the TCC community and the practice.

Remember:There is no TCC re-certification. There is only teh – inner sincerity.