Teaching TCC

Students should be instructed that it is best to approach learning of TCC movements in a relaxed, meditative state of mind because 1) the patterns will be easier to learn 2) they will be easier to retain. When the mind is busy making tensions, learning TCC can be difficult.

While leading practice our T’ai Chi Ch’uan master used to ask that we let go and give our full attention to him, thereby enabling him to move us through the forms. (And, he had the development and energy to do this when we submitted properly.) He was asking us to surrender all thoughts about ‘doing’, in order to avoid inhibiting the learning process. So, instead of focusing on how difficult the movement sequence was or feeling self-conscious or worried about making a mistake, we endeavored to “let go and let it flow.” The more relaxed we were, the easier it was to feel and assimilate the practice.

As teachers, we set the tone for each class. Putting students at ease should be a priority. Then learning and practicing is not only more effective but also joyous and freeing.

Here are a few ideas you might try if you haven’t:

• Play soothing music to greet students as they arrive.

• Talk informally with students until everyone has settled in.

• Do gentle breathing and stretching exercises to help release tensions and open the body, prior to practice.

• Form an inward facing group circle and enjoy Rocking Motion for a few minutes, taking time to ground, center, soften, and open to the collective energy exchange.

• If students become overly frustrated while attempting to learn a particular movement, pause for awhile and change the focus of the class, then the movement can be re-visited later, calmly.