Becoming a master of tai chi, like becoming a master of any martial art, requires decades of committed study. You need to take many hours of classes, impart many more hours of instruction and perform countless repetitions of practice. Though this prospect may be intimidating, martial arts mastery is a well-trodden path. You simply need to put one foot in front of the other for as long as it takes to get up the mountain.
Step 1
Find a qualified tai chi teacher. When interviewing a teacher, ask her about her own teacher. Many people get basic certification simply to teach for money, without developing true mastery in their own right. A teacher who can speak knowledgeably and passionately about her teacher is more likely to be legitimate.
Step 2
Attend tai chi classes regularly. Practice one-half hour a day at a minimum. Read books and watch videos about tai chi, especially those by people in your particular tai chi lineage. Consistently seek feedback from your teacher.
Step 3
Help your teacher with classes as soon as she feels you're ready. You'll find that you learn at least as much teaching as you did while learning. As with learning, consistently seek feedback on your teaching performance.
Step 4
Teach your own students once your teacher feels you're ready. This will be at least a year after you've started helping in class. A good way to start is to teach your teacher's classes when she is sick or on vacation.
Step 5
Teach, practice and learn for several decades. In martial arts, the word "master" means different things to different people. It rarely comes with a certificate and formal title.
Tips and Warnings
- As often as possible, take the opportunity to train with the person who teaches your teacher. Learning the insights of your "grand-teacher" firsthand can help you make faster progress.
References
- "Zen in the Martial Arts"; Joe Hyams; 1983
- "Tai Chi For Busy People"; Keith Jeffreys; 2003
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