The First 800 Hours

I often read in The Vital Force about teachers teaching since when Justin taught them 35 years ago. Their stories enrich our thinking and understanding of how to evolve our study and teaching. They offer invaluable insight into what Justin would say. But what about us novice teachers as we emerge from accreditation?

I was accredited with Lesley Nell by Daniel in 2018, and the process dismantled my practice and built it back up. I caught the plane home with host April’s words echoing that opportunities would unfold. The day after I returned, buzzing, I turned up to help Tina Wells at an event that I’d committed to. We were showcasing and demonstrating T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) to local businesses and organisations.

An hour after I arrived a lady approached and said, “You are just what I need. Call me.” She represented a group of colleges that offered classes to community groups. Through the work with her and private classes, my reach grew very quickly. 

Since then, I have taught able-bodied students, those in wheelchairs, people with mental health challenges, children, people up to age 94, and a group in the local mosque. I have done 1- and 2-hour classes, half- and whole-day workshops, and attended workshops with teachers and students. Every instance taught me something different. I’m certain that how I teach now is quite different to how I taught in 2018. 

In 2021 I was accredited by Pam to teach Seijaku, and again, it deepened my practice and helped me understand how to communicate the movements more effectively. I endeavour to create a welcoming environment whatever the audience, and I want people to feel the movements as soon as possible. I came to TCC because it provided a missing link in my toolkit for clients. Many people don’t want to or simply can’t sit and meditate. But in moving, they can connect with the Chi and turn down the noise of their daily lives. 

My mantra is “essence over form” because I’ve taught people with physical restrictions. It’s also been shown to work to say: do the best you can or watch me and imagine you’re moving with me. Each finds their own way to bring Chi circulation and balance through softness and surrender. 

I continue to teach between three and five hours a week and will be developing workshops for different audiences next year. We are delighted to have more new teachers in Europe, and we will continue to grow this community. Thanks for all your help in understanding “what Justin would say.”