Keeping TCC True

I recently read “Volume 1, Number 1” of The Vital Force, dated “Summer Solstice 1984,” as I was wanted to know what Justin shared with the community in that inaugural issue. He wrote that the journal was an important way to connect with teachers and about how T’ai Chi Chih can harmonize the Outer and Inner, the mind-body continuum. He continued: “I have tried to keep TCC as pure as possible, even at the expense of my earning a living. It is important that we prevent deviations in the Teaching and the Practicing.”

It sounds like Justin would have had the opportunity to make more money if he had compromised the movements. I surmise that he chose not to deviate, to keep the form pure. I have heard some teachers say there are two ways to do the movements, and that there are regional differences. In essence, this sounds like giving permission to make deviations.

When Justin saw people doing TCC, he would often say, “Bend your knees, turn your waist, remember the hip swivel” – in his loud, wake-you-up voice. He said the Chi will flow and you will receive the benefits when you do the movements correctly. When he saw us deviating from the form, he gave us corrections.

We need to be aware of how to properly do the movements. I’m grateful we have the textbook and Justin’s DVDs. I don’t want to make or teach deviations. When we hold the intention to do the movements the way he taught us, we can be aware of deviations and correct them. Practicing with a group open to corrections is a great way to heighten awareness of how one is moving.

Some people may say it’s not a big deal if some minor deviations seep in. I respectfully disagree. Many believe the centuries-old T’ai Chi Ch’uan initially consisted of 36 movements, then people started to deviate and add movements, and now there are 108. Would the originator of that form even be able to recognize it?

Justin said he tried to keep the movements as pure as possible. If someone is physically capable of doing the movements the way Justin taught them, but they choose to deviate, what is causing that? I think deviations hold us back since we are not receiving the complete benefits. We all deserve all the benefits. It’s about intention, integrity and teh.

Keeping TCC movements pure is the way towards world peace. Justin has said that if everyone were doing TCC, there would be peace. Let’s share the pure and powerful movements with the world; everyone deserves it.