TAI CHI: NOT THE EXTERNAL BUT THE INTERNAL

Of course, Tai Chi practitioners realize this is an internal art not an external one like most Kung Fu styles. So, why then all this focus on the externals?
With many Tai Chi groups it seems as though the externals are the more important, beginning with clothing We have all heard the misspoken phrase: “The clothes make the person.” Of course not, a person’s true worth is based on their values and principles, their ability to create, communicate and relate to others. These internal values are much more important than the clothes they are wearing.

This should hold true for Tai Chi as well, but that is not always the case. I have seen many so-called masters insist that their students wear a proper tai chi outfit much like the various karate and kung-fu uniforms. It seems as though once a student puts on their silk robes and satin tai chi slippers they will become the ultimate performer.

To the insistent master, the appearance of the group is everything. This is especially true of masters who extract a good deal of wealth from a burgeoning tai chi group. The flashy outfits and large external postures they believe will attract many new students. And unfortunately this is often true.
So, if you came to this website looking to find a Tai Chi group in your area, my first suggestion is to not judge the teacher or the group by their fancy duds. Most of the teachers and groups that I know as a first-hand practitioner wear basic street clothes that are loose and comfortable. One would be hard put to tell the difference between them and walkers and joggers passing by. This is true of the teachers as well. No fancy outfits, just ordinary everyday clothing. While some may have Tai Chi slippers, many are merely wearing sneakers.

These groups are not for show but for dedicated practice of Tai chi principles. And those principles are based on the development of internal energy not perfectly-correct external postures. Those types of externals are for show, to garner trophies and medals at various Tai Chi shows and performances.
Both a teacher’s internal movements and lack thereof as well as their mistakes remain hidden from view by the flowing costumes. Whereas, the teachers in casual clothes remains open for the world to see their internal principles as well as their mistakes even in full view of other teachers.

Now I’m not saying to avoid those teachers and groups adorned in Tai Chi threads. There may be some that practice genuine Tai Chi and its principles. But make sure you know what to look for. Ask questions to determine if this is a group for show or one authentically dedicated to furthering the art of Tai Chi and developing internal energy rather than external displays