What Should I Teach My Intermediate: Advanced T’ai Chi Chih Class

This has been a frequent question asked by teachers who want to offer their beginning students an opportunity for further study. The ideas I’ve outlined below are meant only for intermediate/advanced or continuing T’ai Chi Chih practice groups. The last suggestion about sitting meditation should be employed only by teachers who are grounded in the practice themselves. The recommended meditation method is the “Great Circle Meditation” as outlined in the T’ai Chi Chih text, pages 130-133. Those who would like a more thorough explanation of a particular T’ai Chi Chih principle, procedure or area of focus can write me at the address below and I’ll be happy to respond.

Emphasize Grounding and Centering:

Grounding (“rooting”) and centering are literally the foundation of T’ai Chi Chih practice. The “bubbling springs” (acupuncture points) or soles of the feet and moving in a low stance (“sinking”) with relaxation, particularly in the abdomen, are primary considerations which should be continually cultivated. There are a variety of methods that help develop these principles.

Extended Use of Single Movements:

By practicing one movement for a long period, certain insights about it may dawn, improved performance and alignment may be accomplished, a more potent stirring of Chi is likely, and the “meditation in motion” aspect may be more deeply experienced. In short, prolonged practice of a single movement will help bring one to the Heart of the movement and will allow for the most complete and powerful experience of it.

Perform Movements Very Slowly:

Slow, methodical movements help quiet the mental activity, allowing clarity or unencumbered awareness, and seem to mobilize Chi on deeper levels of being to activate cleansing (this has been my internal experience). Also, by moving slowly the afterglow of the practice lasts for quite awhile. By performing the movements at various tempos their influence changes. Moving slowly is yang and moving quickly is yin. Experiment with various tempos to feel the results.

Connect Movements Together:

Some T’ai Chi Chih movements combine very naturally and are enjoyable to connect. For instance, “Daughter on the Mountaintop” and “Daughter in the Valley” connect in a flowing manner and seem to increase the potency of these movements when combined. Using these two movements, change the pattern every third weight shift to the front, alternating until perhaps 18 repetitions of each has been accomplished. As long as the principles of movement are kept intact, T’ai Chi Chih movements can be combined or mixed with benefit. In Part II of my T’ai Chi Chih video presentation there is a demonstration of “The Connected Form” which is one way that T’ai Chi Chih can be practiced while mixing movements. This may be a good reference for you, and many teachers have learned this particular practice format from the tape and are teaching it regularly.

Meditate Together:

Group meditation can be a time of deeper communion and a period for tuning into personal feelings and states of consciousness in an intimate way. Sitting quietly following T’ai Chi Chih practice is a wonderful complement and helps take the experience of T’ai Chi Chih to a subtler level of knowing. In a sense, meditation can be the “icing on the cake” of T’ai Chi Chih practice, though T’ai Chi Chih is certainly a “meditation in motion” and need not be supplemented with sitting meditation. I would suggest that meditation be practiced during the last 15 minutes of class, either seated in chairs or on the floor. Practice the “Great Circle Meditation” at the beginning for several rounds, then simply sit silently with steady focus at the Tan Tien or “Spiritual Eye” for the remaining minutes, allowing the mind to settle, while “listening” within. Then let everyone have enough time to feel fully integrated and grounded before leaving class. Also, I would discourage excessive talking following meditation so that possible benefits will not be dissipated. Excuse the group quietly, being friendly, supportive and appropriate.

I hope that these ideas have been helpful. In addition I would remind you that thoroughness and quality best convey the T’ai Chi Chih spirit. Never feel that you must entertain students or come up with “new tricks” in order to make class interesting or hold their attention. If you discover that there are restless, anxious personalities in your group, continue to be a good representative of T’ai Chi Chih. If certain people are not meant to study with you they will naturally drop away from your class. You don’t want nervous energy or immature students disrupting the group. You want to attract those who are respectful of the teaching and of you. Please let me know if I can clarify anything further for you.

– Steve Ridley
Denver, CO