New teacher has questions for Justin Stone about Master, TCC vs. Chi Kung

Dear Justin,

Thanks for your note. I had been considering writing to you. Ed had encouraged it. But then, I thought perhaps my questions were better addressed to other teachers. Your note provided the encouragement I needed!

My background: I’m 47 years old. I’m a CPA, a CFP, and most recently in my past life, spent 11 years with Dean Witter as a VP of Investments (AKA broker). You know better than most how lopsided my life was! WAS. In 1992, my husband and I remarried, bought a 41′ sailboat, and now spend nine months of the year cruising AND maintaining a 41′ sailboat! In May, 1997 Joanna Foltz joined us for 10 days in the Bahamas, and I asked her what she was doing on the bow of the boat. She told me she was an accredited Tai Chi Chih instructor, and what it offered. I wanted it. She taught me in the remainder of her visit. Eighteen months later, at the encouragement of my husband who witnessed the change those 18 months made in me, I contacted her about becoming a teacher. I became accredited in Chicago in early October.

Most of my practice has been isolated. Chattanooga, Tennessee and Melbourne, Florida were not added to the “Teacher Location” list until I arrived on the scene. My friend Joanna lives in California. Since October, I have completed private instructions for three students. I now have a Tai Chi Chih group with which to practice!

Question 1: What is the best way to get a student to take a full stance, both in the forward movements and in the side-to-side movements. Does a short stance violate a principle? I personally feel the further the energy moves the more conscious I am of it. Is that valid for most people?

Question 2: Exactly what does the term “Master” convey? I was aware during the teacher’s instruction classes that the term was not used in connection with “accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor.” I am also aware the term is used for teachers of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. Is this a term you prefer we not use? (I don’t consider myself a “Master” at this time, anyway!)

Question 3: How does T’ai Chi Chih compare to Chi Kung?

Question 4: Has anyone to date had success in teaching T’ai Chi Chih to Attention Deficit Disorder children? Could you give me their name(s)?

Lastly, thank you for T’ai Chi Chih. It has given me a center from which to live.

Fondly,

– Trish [Winger]