just saying

[Bubbles]

I found some puzzling statements in two publications of a well-known teacher:

 

In one book : " ****** completed his further studies of tai chi chuan in 24 patterns,

tai chi sword in 32 patterns, tai chi knife and tui Shou (Push Hands) at Beijing

Institute of Physical Education, Beijing, People's Republic of China, from August

4, 1981 to September 10, 1981. He is qualified to be a coach"

 

In another: "In 1981 he was the first Westerner to be certified in Beijing

by the People’s Republic of China to teach the complete system of Tai Chi Chuan".

 

 

Did I read well?

 

The 24 form + 32 sword for + knife and tui shou in a PRC certificate = " The complete system of Tai Chi Chuan" ?

 

He must be kidding...

 

My problem is now that I don't feel like re-selling the books I own from this man because it would be making money with lies. Looks like I have been screwed.

 

Just sayin'

Edited November 7, 2012 by bubbles

[GrandmasterP]

Beijing Short Form is the main approved form in PRC, it's also the most popular set taught by TCUGB teachers if you check out their offers on the website.

I've been having a go at learning it and it's jolly good, bit energetic for my QiGong tastes but it's nice to learn new things and the TCUGB (Tai Chi Union Great Britain) teacher is a sweetie. It's the main form trained in China.

Anyone can go to China and be trained to teach that form, there are package tours on offer and it is as complete in itself as any other cultivation. All Tai Chi is in the set same as all QiGong is in 8 Strands of Silk Brocade. Always provided they are cultivated regularly, with intention and for many years.

Chopping and changing cultivations like one changes socks gets no one anywhere.

Someone will be glad of those books and might do well from them. You could yourself if you just learnt one thing then kept at it. It takes nine-years minimum at one form before any noticeable benefits begin to manifest, prior to that you need discipline and stickability.

Try those bud, they are sure remedies against this unharmonious discord you are currently contending with.

Edited November 7, 2012 by GrandmasterP

[Bubbles]

GmP,

 

Thank you for your well-intented post but it may be a little off the mark : I have no doubt about the benefits of any of the practices you mentioned, be it PRC- 24 form, Baduanjin or whatever as long as one sticks to them for a substantial amount of time.

 

What I am saying is that when this well-known teacher is pretending to be trained in “the complete system of Taijiquan” after being certified in the PRC-24 form (even if you add some tui-shou, knife and a 32- sword form), it is a complete joke and probably just a way of marketing himself and his business.

 

This certificate may have some value, but come on….”the complete system of Tai chi chuan”…??

 

In Yang style, there is 37 fundamentals patterns repeated to compose the 108 traditional form, not 24 patterns.

The traditional Yang curriculum has 108-long form, tuishou ,sanshou, straight sword, saber and staff. It looks to me that it would take a westerner decades of rigorous practice before pretending to be well trained in the “complete system of Taijiquan” not a one month training in Beijing in a simplified form.

 

When it comes to Chen style , the curriculum is also very impressive: http://www.chenbing....urriculum01.php

 

I was never convinced by the well-known teacher I am talking about, but I now just distrust him completely.

Edited November 7, 2012 by bubbles

[寒月 Hanyue]

The 24 form + 32 sword for + knife and tui shou in a PRC certificate = " The complete system of Tai Chi Chuan" ?

 

 

Bruce's bio has always had a somewhat 'maleable' aspect to it. Especially when you read different versions published over the last 30 years.

 

While not defending Bruce, most who know him know he tells a great story (and stories always get exaggerated in the telling, doesn't matter who the story teller is). You should bear in mind that much of what gets published from Bruce these days was edited by his Energy Arts office. They do often have a way of changing the wording of things when re-releasing them that doesn't quite fit what was originally said. Over promotion? Just slightly

 

A lot of what comes out of Bruce's mouth I simply can't stomach, and I can stomach less now than I could years ago. The truth is easily lost in the re-re-re-telling IMO.

 

Best,

[Bubbles]

Thanks, snowmonki.

[GrandmasterP]

Who is Bruce?

Certificates such as they are tend to be issued by particular schools or teachers or organisations.

There's no accepted standard or norm and no overarching body unless you accept the PRC state office that issues those green ribbons and certs to approved teachers of the state sanctioned forms. The CHQA opened an outpost here in the UK but it has not caught on to any great extent thus far because to all intents and purposes it is just another school with rather expensive insurance for instructors.

Tai Chi and QiGong traditionally never really went in much for belts and grades along the lines of our MA cousins . There's the CHQA Duan descriptors but that's more to do with job description, length of service and teaching roles. As far as I know; and not that it matters anyway; there are very few above 7 anywhere in Europe.

These one man band 'Masters' can print out any old certificate and claim whatever they want but in real terms titles with any real meaning are those awarded by satisfied students.

Students call you master you are one, masters call you master and you are a grandmaster. Most though prefer 'teacher' or better yet just their first name.

Edited November 7, 2012 by GrandmasterP

[GrandmasterP]

Www.healthqigong.org.uk

 

If anyone's interested. Same insurance they offer is half the price direct from Holistic Health Insurance Co. though.