The Aftermath of Accreditation

As a newly accredited instructor from the June 1993 training in Alameda, I said to myself, “What am I going to do now?”. When do I start teaching? Where do I start teaching? Who do I start teaching? Why should I start teaching? Fortunately, my instructor, Elizabeth Salada, gave me the opportunity to assist in her classes being held in Fremont, CA. Not known for my prolixity, my primary function was to serve as an additional role model for the T’ai Chi Chih movements.

After a few months had gone by, I thought to myself “Say, why don’t I start leading free practices in the park?” This would give me an opportunity to hone my verbal skills before I actually start teaching classes. With the help of my friend and teacher candidate, Lana Blake-Seaman, we began leading monthly practices in the park. Wow, I was actually talking and moving at the same time! Well, I was at least announcing the name of each movement. Fortunately, I think everyone had completed a beginning class.

Almost a year after accreditation, I said to myself “Just do it!” So, I made up some flyers, passed them out, and waited. And waited. And waited. I think two people might have called up to inquire about my class. Hmm, I guess I had better not quit my day job.

Meanwhile, I had started taking kung-fu lessons a few months earlier and my sifu made the comment that he had felt my chi flowing. Ah hah, so it wasn’t my imagination! Shortly thereafter, he asked if I would be interested in teaching in his studio. Of course I said yes! Around the same time, my former voice teacher, who knew I was looking to start classes, mentioned that perhaps her church might be interested in hosting T’ai Chi Chih classes. Who said when it rains it pours?

Well, to make a long story short, in July of 1994, just over a year after my accreditation, I started teaching not one, but two classes on Sundays. The words aren’t quite flowing yet, but I am at least speaking a bit more freely. Oh, by the way, it helps if you have a security blanket. Mine happens to be Lana, who co-teaches with me in both of the classes. With almost two years experience, she helps me to provide a more complete picture of TCC for our students, while hopefully giving her valuable experience in preparing her for the June 1995 accreditation course in the San Francisco area. So at least for now, another happy ending for T’ai Chi Chih!