We have had a surprising response to restarting Tai Chi classes recently, which means that now we need to have another class to keep the numbers down and maintain our 2 metre social distancing – so I have arranged to run a weekly class on Thursdays commencing on Nov 5th.
This will be a one hour beginners drop in class to compliment the existing Monday 1-2 pm class and the Sunday 6.30 class
Now all the halls are closed I am going to give it a try with some personal outdoor training, weather permitting – if you would like to join me there will be no charge and you will be welcome on your own responsibility – which includes “social distancing”.
There are a couple of possible areas at Diggswell Park which is the large grass park adjacent to the STMA in Shefford – one is next to the picnic tables which is convenient and another a bit more remote/secluded – if you look from the car park to the left across the field on the left is the picnic area and beyond is a line of trees – at the end is another nice spot.
I will be there on Sunday at 3.00pm and again on Monday at 2.30pm probably for an hour each time – although if I feel like it I may stay longer – or leave earlier if the weather determines! I am thinking of wearing layers and taking a flask for myself as it may well be cold.
I will just be doing usual exercises and form, much as I have experienced in the parks of China.
It is my hope that the following will help “first timers” better understand and enjoy their early Tai Chi classes since I frequently come across beginners who attend Tai Chi sessions with absolutely no knowledge or understanding of what it is or how classes work – and it seems that this sometimes can lead to an unnecessary disappointment, and that the problem is really about expectations brought into the class – perhaps this piece will help align those expectations with the reality of a class without scaring anybody off – there is no reason to be put off, Tai Chi really is a gentle, caring activity – but it is important to understand that Tai Chi is “what it is” and not what you expect it to be coming from the outside. One might reasonable expect that by going to a class one is going to learn about Tai Chi and indeed of course one will – but the subject is so large and the range of expectations/behaviours so great that it cannot all be encompassed in an introductory class – or possibly a lifetime.
Perhaps the best single piece of advice I can offer is to “learn to look after yourself” in all the possible ways that implies and learn to work within your comfort zone – but that is a lesson in itself.
I was reflecting today on my (arguably variable) abilities as a teacher of Tai Chi – wondering how to better “get it across” to my classes of likewise variable ability, age and education – and was struck by the observation that actually the biggest problem I have is with students who think they know it all. They may exhibit this immediately or it may take a year or two.
I recall advice from one of my teachers in Hong Kong to “be humble” and finding that being humble simply means to have a realistic understanding of ones ability. Such otherwise closed mindedness is a sure barrier to learning on a personal level but worse it can poison a whole class if only by taking up excessive resources and creating distraction – if you are bored or think that the teacher doesn’t know what they are doing then please leave and seek another teacher – or preferably keep quiet, then stay and seek to understand by redoubling your own efforts, rather than blaming someone else.
Classes will be re-starting in Shefford Community Hall on May 17th at 2.30pm! I look forward to seeing you!
http://www.taichiblog.org/shefford-tai-chi-classes-restart-in-community-hall/
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