T’ai Chi Chih Materials: How to Use Them in Class

Photo-Text Book:

This is the main teaching tool for my beginner’s class. Many students comment that they will buy the photo-text book but don’t know how to effectively use it at home. Each beginner class I always pull out the photo-text and read something aloud to the students to demonstrate how to get the most from their investment. After that we all talk about what I read and what they got from it. I always encourage my students to purchase the photo-text and read it at home. Often times I will use the photos to demonstrate proper form of the movements and read the instruction written by Justin. My favorite part of this book is “Notes on Movements Just Learned”. I often use the book at the end of class and read from that section [about] some of the movements we had gone over during that class.

Justin Instruction and Practice Video:

The second tool I always recommend is Justin’s New Instruction Video. During the first class of the beginner’s course, I always bring my 13″ TV/VCR combo and play the introduction of this video for my students. They get the idea, right from the start and directly from the originator, on how to move correctly. Justin also explains some of the principles and three confirming signs of TCC. My student’s responses to that are always the same with “I want to be able to do TCC mentally”. I tell them they can eventually achieve that over a period of time by coming to class each week and do what Justin says, “Practice when you feel like it and practice when you don’t feel like it.”

Another way I use this video is to suggest my students purchase one for themselves and work with Justin each day with the movements that we did that week in class. Once they are familiar with that week’s lesson, I will then suggest they practice with the four teachers at the end of the tape. Finally, I have them sit down and watch each of the four teachers “flow” through each movement and [see] how effortless it can become. This usually helps them with their own practice.

Justin Speaks on TCC:

In my opinion, this is one tool that is usually overlooked by teachers and students. I use this cassette during all of my intermediate classes. I will play a section of it during the middle of class and then one by one each student will discuss what they learned. I encourage students to purchase a tape for themselves and use it at home. The information on this cassette is so valuable and always brings up great discussions on the principles and philosophy of TCC.

Carmen Brocklehurst or Pam Towne Practice Video:

Since I usually teach about 8-10 classes per week, it’s challenging for me to constantly move with my students. I will use either Pam or Carmen’s practice video for the students to follow while I go around and work with them individually. Each video is nice since all of the counting, guidance, and important points are made during the video. This gives me the opportunity to really see what’s going on with each student and what he or she need to work on with their movements. Also, I usually sell several at the end of each class for students to bring home and practice with (but only after they have purchased Justin’s Instruction/Practice Video). I recommend that students use one of these videos a couple times per week, in conjunction with silent practice, Justin’s video, and weekly class.

Interview Video with Justin and Carmen:

If there were one TCC resource I wish students would take advantage of, this would be it. When I have my TV/VCR with me, I will always show one or two of the segments to my students. Watching Justin speak about each one of the 13 topics is such a gift. After we all watch, I will follow with a discussion. This usually brings a new focus and gratitude for TCC that was not previously with the students. They begin to realize there are many deep levels of TCC to explore and it is more than just doing movements.