Class Etiquette - Wind River Tai Chi Chuan

ETIQUETTE WIND RIVER IMA

Arrive on time for class, if class has not yet begun, students may engage in individual practice of forms or warm-ups prior to the Teacher’s (Sifu’s) arrival or start of class.
Honor the art, the space of teaching, the teacher and all who have contributed to it in the person of your teacher prior to beginning practice. This traditional sign of respect is done via bowing and placing the right hand over the left fist. This is a traditional practice performed in most Chinese Martial Art Kwoon (schools). This is a way to say thank you for the teaching you are about to receive as well as honoring your own potential in this ancient art. The bow is also traditionally done as a courtesy on parting or ending the training session.
Come to class, with an open mind: Suspend preconceptions, previous practices or prejudices and cultivate modesty. Check your mental “baggage” at the door: you can pick it up on your way out if you still want it.
Turn off your cell phone and all alarm/chime functions on your watch or other devices before class. If you absolutely must remain available, you may leave your phone or pager on “vibrate” as long as it is not audible.
If you arrive late, stand outside the group and wait for the teacher to invite you in. Set an example of focus and attentiveness. Even if the material seems familiar, class is a learning opportunity for you as well as for those with less experience.
Continue practicing a given exercise until the teacher is ready for the class to move on. This attitude of perseverance develops devotion and earns respect from your partner and your teacher.
Be aware of “group qi (chi)”: the shared energy of individuals who voluntarily harmonize with one another. If you allow yourself to match the timing and spacing of others around you, “group qi” can reinforce and augment your personal qi and increase your sensitivity.
Avoid correcting, teaching, or conversing with other students during class. If the teacher divides the class into small groups, you may share personal insights and observations to help others in your group– but be sure to allow others the same opportunity! If a senior student is leading the group provide him/her with the same respect you would your Sifu.
A student should not attempt to physically correct another student without first receiving both their consent and the teacher’s permission. Please refrain from teaching your own material without permission while in the class as students are working to learn difficult physical and mental movements and concepts. Just as you may have developed your own insights allow other students to find their way just as you have.
Assume that whatever is happening at every moment is for your personal benefit. A comment or exercise introduced to the class may be especially directed toward a single student and be exactly what that student needs at that time. That student might be you.
Assist others in acquiring certain skills when asked to do so by the teacher. This is for your own development as much as for those you are helping.
On your own, practice whatever you remember, as much as you remember, whenever you like, as often as you can. Even if you feel it might be “incorrect,” practicing something is better than just waiting till the next class.
Notify the teacher each time you cannot attend a class, any time events or injuries are affecting your practice, or if you plan to discontinue study.
Tai Chi Chuan study progresses in a spiral, along which the same material is encountered again and again as the student progresses into higher levels and standards.
If a real devotion to this art grows and deepens and as the desire for personal improvement increases, students are encouraged to occasionally request private lessons to assist them in gaining deeper understanding and ability in this internal art.
Private lessons must be arranged through your Sifu (teacher), who will determine how to proceed based on your needs. Keep in mind that there is an opportunity in every class to ask for clarification, or how to do a movement or set of movements you might be having difficulty with.
Gifts and teaching. Money is a symbolic form of qi. It represents a medium of exchange of the vital force of one person for the energy of another. In our culture, it is easier for students to pay a set price than to enter the complexities of guan xi (relationships of obligation and influence in Chinese society). The student offers a small gift at the beginning of the class showing respect for the gift of knowledge and skill the teacher is giving the student.