Looking To The Future Of TCC

Justin often talked of the importance to “recognize, deeply feel, and accord with Impermanence.” In his book, Spiritual Odyssey, he writes, “Once we accept the idea of impermanence, it is not too difficult to experience Who and What we are.”

With regards to impermanence and our T’ai Chi Chih community a segment at conference this year was, “Looking to the Future of T’ai Chi Chih.” Here is what was presented.

• At the 2013 conference there was discussion about deleting the one-year Vital Force subscription for new teachers which is included in their teacher training course fee. This was suggested in lieu of raising the course fee. There were strong feelings in the community not to do this, so The Vital Force subscription will remain. While costs continue to rise, the teacher training course fee has been $450 since January 1998 (a span of 14 years). Therefore the decision has been made to raise the cost of the course beginning January 2015 to $525.

• The intensive course fee will become $250 in January 2015.

• Scholarships for the teacher training (TT) course will be $275. For the intensive, it will be $125 for anyone attending, both students and teachers alike. Scholarships are given on a financial need basis.

• The T’ai Chi Chih International Foundation, which provides the scholarships, is implementing a new scholarship for teachers who fully audit a TT course. Since auditing a course is free to teachers, the scholarship amount of $275 is to be used toward room and board. This only applies to teachers who attend a full five days of the course. (In Dan Pienciak’s last TT course three teachers said they received so much from it that they felt they should be paying to attend.)

• A new view of auditing a TT course was presented. In the past teachers attended with the idea that they were there to assist and be of help to the candidates. Since implementing the two-signature referral process, and providing intensive courses, which were specifically designed for preparing candidates for the TT course, candidates are attending better prepared than in the past. Teachers auditing can now turn their focus from helping the candidates to working on their own form. It is an opportunity for teachers to work together with each other using the material presented at the course. This is a powerful example for the candidates of what a good and sincere teacher does – continuing to explore and refine their practice no matter how long ago they were accredited. Teachers are still encouraged to audit a TT course and participate, as their experiences and knowledge can enrich the process and be of great benefit to the candidates.

• The scholarship money given by the International T’ai Chi Chih Foundation comes from the generous donations of teachers. Those who have benefited from a scholarship to further their journey with TCC are asked to consider reciprocating in some way. Maybe you have a talent or skill that may be useful to the community. Maybe at some point in time you may be able to contribute to the scholarship fund. Maybe you can prepare and host an event. Maybe you can lend a hand at the next year’s teacher’s conference. The TCC community runs and flourishes through volunteers. Please support the community that supported you.

While the majority of the above information is dealing with money issues, there were several other matters dealing with the future of TCC that were talked about at conference.

We discussed how we could bring more diversity into the community. There was discussion on considering the language we use to advertise classes and what impact particular words might have attracting men to our classes. These were valuable conversations that will continue at next year’s conference. There were also discussions among teachers wanting to attract younger people to the practice and exchanging ideas on how that might be done.

Looking to the future, next year’s conference had a good start this year and many of the discussions started this year will continue as we gather in North Carolina on August 6-9, 2015. Come be part of the conversation. Help our community to grow and flourish by being involved in whatever way your time, talents, or experience can express themselves. As the community grows, fresh ideas and new eyes will keep TCC vibrant.