“No Teaching” To Vets

For the purposes of David-Dorian Ross’s Tai Chi for Vets program, let’s look at the rule and exceptions about teaching. We may verbally instruct students about anything that promotes safety and well-being. We may give limited verbal clues while moving. We are encouraged to include humor in our instruction. Instead of demonstrating movements in detail as in a “traditional” class, we should rely on multiple repetitions and perhaps exaggerate with funny gestures or limited language. We should not make individual corrections. We should not expect or encourage participants to memorize the movements or strive for any level of mastery. With DDR’s definition and demonstration, I am convinced I can be an innovative and effective teacher to this group of underserved and most deserving population.