I’m an Instructor at the Camberwell centre and am privileged to teach the beginners class of Tai Chi students at our centre.
Recently we had an interview session with a few of these students where we asked how Tai Chi was good for them and their comments about coming to the Camberwell class.
The following are some thoughts and comments I gathered, These are not the exact words said, because I’m too slow to record the exact words of conversations, but rather the thoughts and moments that were personally important to our students.
“I feel so good after a session at Tai Chi class. I find it hard and frustrating to practice at home trying to remember the steps. Coming to class encourages me because I find I’m not the only one struggling to find my way learning this interesting and ancient form of exercise.”
“One of my legs is a little weak and sometimes when I am out walking I’m very aware that I need to be careful, so that I don't fall. Tai Chi has help me because I find now that when I’m out walking, I notice that I am not thinking about my weak leg as much.”
“Tai Chi has help me too, pretty much the same as what others have said , but I must confess that the reason I come to Tai Chi classes regularly is that I like to catch up with others. It’s good to catch up with those who have a common interest in Tai Chi,…. my new Tai Chi friends.”
On hearing some of these thoughts and reasons, there is not one that results in me having a bemused, unsympathetic look on my face,( I’m always smiling anyway, no poker face me!). Although, I might offer a bemused look if someone claims that Tai Chi has so miraculously healed them that they can now walk on water!
However back to being why I am not bemused. Of all the reasons given for the benefits of Tai Chi and Tai Chi class, I completely understand where everyone is coming from. Why? Because I, personally, have experienced a little of all that was shared. The physical benefit of strength and flexibility; the mental benefit of focus and centering of one’s mind, and the social and emotional benefit of practising, learning and sharing with others in class.
So, what about me? How has Tai Chi and the Tai Chi class benefitted me?
I’ve been involved with Celestial Tai Chi College for some years now (albeit on and off at times). I count it a privilege to be involved on the instructing team. Teaching is perhaps one of the greatest ways to deeply learn anything, especially Tai Chi, because as many would know, one’s knowledge and understanding is put to the test.
Although Tai Chi is not always easy to teach, it is always personally rewarding.
For me, the ingredients of instructing the beginner class is simple, learning the moves of Tai Chi is about forms and transitions. (flavoured with basic core principles and fundamentals). The forms are easy as they are static like a pose, you can look at the pose and adjust a hand here, a foot there, head position, eyes etc. However, transition from one form to another form is more difficult especially for beginners where arms and legs just seem to be a jumble.
To keep the group spirits up I often quip and joke. My favourite quip is, “you’ve seen the movie Lost in Translation”, (Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, which most have).
I would joke and say “hey, I think we’re Lost in Transition!” But sometimes in my own mind I might question my own teaching skills and conclude, maybe there is something lost in translation in my communications ability.
Anyway, the students and also the instructor have a great time together, until time is called and we head back to the main group for the “cool down, close off” session.
To those trainee instructors out there, may this be an encouragement to those who may have been approached and invited to help in the class. Remember you are asked because it is deemed that you probably have what it takes to help and instruct.
I’ve now had the privilege of instructing many beginner’s classes. I have learned so much, as I have progressively spent time with the new students and getting to know them. I have slowly come to the realisation that I have not so much a “class of beginners” but rather an enthusiastic group of learners who are “beginners with Class”.
In the end I am still just a student too. Forever learning.
Steve Chan, Assistant instructor
Camberwell Centre
Updated: 2 June 2024
