Hi folks,
I've started this thread after reading some comments on another thread (Taijiquan Training Methods). Initially, it was an email to Tom L in regards to some of the points he raised in his last post but in case other people are also doing the same thing, I am posting my comments instead.
Recently, Michael Durkin and myself were discussing the different ways of studying, practicing and learning an art. We were doing so in relation to the difference between solo practice and learning within a class environment, along with the pro's and con's of each approach.
Some people will develop best within a class environment, some will develop best within solo practice and some will benefit best with a combination of the two. Regardless of the training method being chosen, all three solutions assume that the student is practicing correctly. If the student is not practicing correctly, then the above methodology is no longer secure.
On the other thread, Tom L wrote
I would say that every person practice depends on three classic ingredients - Method, Master and Student. Assumming that you have these three things, you then need one vital inclusion at every stage - correct practice.
If the Method is taught incorrectly, if the Master is wrong in their delivery or if the Student is not correct in their practice then things can (and likely will) go wrong.
From the above quote, the part in particular I wish to address is
In this context, the above statement is correct. The deviation arose from the Method ("Sifu Wong's style of chi kung") causing the reaction ("too much chi rose to my head"). However, it does not explain why this happenned.
Tom,
I am extremely happy to hear that you are now progressing within your chosen art and that you have now found a system that is clearly helping you with your personal objectives. I had always felt that you would progress best within a class environment.
One of the things that we always stress within Shaolin Wahnam is to relax. If you do not relax, then you are not practicing correctly. Over time, most people who initially had problems relaxing will learn to relax. Those who thought they already were relaxed will discover new levels of relaxation. And those who are having trouble relaxaing are urged to spend more time learning to relax by relaxing. We do not encourage people to think about being relaxed, to worry if they are relaxed enough or to start second guessing themselves as to whether or not they are relaxed.
The easiest way to relax is to do just that - to relax. This is the part about following instructions. If you are given an instruction when learning a new skill or technique, you should follow it to the best of your ability. If you are unsure, wondering if you are doing something wrong or maybe if you could do it better in time - stop!, you are not relaxing. The instructions are there for your benefit, not to cause you undue worry.
We have also mentioned many times that your chi will go where your mind goes - if you are catching yourself thinking too much, wondering, panicing then your chi will rise to your head. The reason is not the Method, it is not the Master - it is the Student. In this example, you did not follow the instructions.
I am extremely happy to hear that you are attending a class and learning from an Instructor who is in front of you, able to answer your questions and correct you when you make mistakes. Previously, when you contacted Sifu, then Anthony, then Joan then myself I pointed out that you were still asking the same questions and confusing yourself with attempting to understand the words of several people, instead of seeing what they were all saying. Now, since you are listing to just one person and are able to relax when learning from them I am sure that you will reap the benefits.
Please do not take my comments the wrong way, they are intended to help you in the long term and to allow you to realise that it is extremely helpfull to learn from the mistakes of the past. I hope that you will continue to post on the forum so that other people can also learn from your mistake.
I've started this thread after reading some comments on another thread (Taijiquan Training Methods). Initially, it was an email to Tom L in regards to some of the points he raised in his last post but in case other people are also doing the same thing, I am posting my comments instead.
Recently, Michael Durkin and myself were discussing the different ways of studying, practicing and learning an art. We were doing so in relation to the difference between solo practice and learning within a class environment, along with the pro's and con's of each approach.
Some people will develop best within a class environment, some will develop best within solo practice and some will benefit best with a combination of the two. Regardless of the training method being chosen, all three solutions assume that the student is practicing correctly. If the student is not practicing correctly, then the above methodology is no longer secure.
On the other thread, Tom L wrote
I've been doing well lately. Yeah, I dropped Shaolin Wahnam chi kung because I was not feeling it was right for me. Briefly, I ended up with more health problems compared to when I started. I was even in the hospital on some medications for a few weeks and had to drop a semester's worth of school. I have recovered a lot since then. My current teacher attributed it to Sifu Wong's style of chi kung. Too much chi rose to my head. He pointed out various blockages on my back as well. The current internal and external exercises I'm doing now are remedying this problem.
If the Method is taught incorrectly, if the Master is wrong in their delivery or if the Student is not correct in their practice then things can (and likely will) go wrong.
From the above quote, the part in particular I wish to address is
My current teacher attributed it to Sifu Wong's style of chi kung. Too much chi rose to my head.
Tom,
I am extremely happy to hear that you are now progressing within your chosen art and that you have now found a system that is clearly helping you with your personal objectives. I had always felt that you would progress best within a class environment.
One of the things that we always stress within Shaolin Wahnam is to relax. If you do not relax, then you are not practicing correctly. Over time, most people who initially had problems relaxing will learn to relax. Those who thought they already were relaxed will discover new levels of relaxation. And those who are having trouble relaxaing are urged to spend more time learning to relax by relaxing. We do not encourage people to think about being relaxed, to worry if they are relaxed enough or to start second guessing themselves as to whether or not they are relaxed.
The easiest way to relax is to do just that - to relax. This is the part about following instructions. If you are given an instruction when learning a new skill or technique, you should follow it to the best of your ability. If you are unsure, wondering if you are doing something wrong or maybe if you could do it better in time - stop!, you are not relaxing. The instructions are there for your benefit, not to cause you undue worry.
We have also mentioned many times that your chi will go where your mind goes - if you are catching yourself thinking too much, wondering, panicing then your chi will rise to your head. The reason is not the Method, it is not the Master - it is the Student. In this example, you did not follow the instructions.
I am extremely happy to hear that you are attending a class and learning from an Instructor who is in front of you, able to answer your questions and correct you when you make mistakes. Previously, when you contacted Sifu, then Anthony, then Joan then myself I pointed out that you were still asking the same questions and confusing yourself with attempting to understand the words of several people, instead of seeing what they were all saying. Now, since you are listing to just one person and are able to relax when learning from them I am sure that you will reap the benefits.
Please do not take my comments the wrong way, they are intended to help you in the long term and to allow you to realise that it is extremely helpfull to learn from the mistakes of the past. I hope that you will continue to post on the forum so that other people can also learn from your mistake.
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