Class Basics

Establishing an inclusive and respectful class culture is an important aspect in encouraging camaraderie and social interaction, which, in turn, will produce a positive learning environment.  The tai chi class should be based on mutual respect between students and instructor. Classes should be delivered in a professional manner, with the instructor displaying qualities of integrity, compassion and empathy. The sifu’s knowledge of the content should be sound and the use of appropriate teaching methodology should be adhered to. It is the duty of the sifu to plan classes which meet the desired outcomes of each student, to identify special needs and to modify content and teaching style to enhance the learning process of all students, while motivating in a positive and respectful manner.

The Salute

Before class begins (and at its conclusion) it is customary for the shifu and students to show mutual respect for one another’s skills and abilities by saluting.  This tradition of saluting (rather than shaking hands) stems from the feudal times in China, when one had to be wary of meeting and greeting others.  A hand shake could be seen as too threatening, or an invitation to attack.

The salute signifies respect for others and humility of self.  The arms form a circle at chest height and eyes look forward.  A fist is made with the right hand, thumb on the outside, The left palm covers the fist, with the left thumb bent.  The fist (yang) signifies martial ability, and in making the fist, the tai chi school will teach the martial application of postures. The palm (yin) shows civility.  The bent thumb on the left hand represents humility.  The four fingers represent Virtue, Wisdom, Health and Art.  These are known as the four nurturing elements in martial practice. 

The fist can also be described as the sun, and the palm the moon – the two great sources of lightness and brightness. 

If a student is late to class, he/she should salute the shifu and begin a warm up quietly and then join the class.  If a student needs to leave early, he/she should move away from the group quietly, salute the shifu and leave quietly.  Students should inform shifu before the session begins if they need to leave before the completion of the class.

Cueing

Cueing is a system of instructions, either verbal or nonverbal, which allows the class to know in advance the next transition, posture, direction, weight transference, etc. Many students (and in fact, all, new students) rely on sifu to guide the class with timely, consistent and clear instructions. Cueing is an acquired skill and is developed with practice and constant self-evaluation.  Effective verbal cueing uses minimal words, it is given with enough time for processing, but not too early that students will move into the next posture too quickly.  Verbal instructions should be spoken clearly but softly so the atmosphere of the tai chi class can remain calm and focused.  Non-verbal cueing (arm and hand gestures) should be done with an open palm.

Teaching Image

When teaching either a group of people, or an individual, there are two different ‘teaching images’ which can be used; participant image, mirror image.

Mirror Image

As the name suggests, this method is like looking in a mirror. Sifu stands in front, facing students, while completing the warm-up, qigong, or Shibashi.  This method can also be effective when learning a new tai chi posture.  Cueing when in mirror image can be difficult, as right and left are opposites.  Always use the participant’s right and left when cueing.  So, when stepping out to begin, sifu will step with the right foot, but cue ‘left foot’.  Mirror image is useful for simple exercises which require minimal stepping.  It promotes good eye contact and connection with students and sifu can assess the degree of difficulty the students are having with the posture. However, teaching a Tai Chi Form in mirror image is often confusing.  It’s best to teach postures first in mirror image and then turn around and repeat these in participant image.  

Participant Image

Sifu stands with back to students, so students can follow exactly – right steps forward, or left steps to the side.  Using this teaching image is often clearer for students to follow, but it has its drawbacks as sifu cannot see students and students cannot see arm movements easily.

The sifu should be adept with teaching image skills, as this will enhance the learning experience for the students.