Tai Chi and belts

Are there levels and belts in Tai Chi?

It is a frequent question asked by practitioners who are practicing Tai Chifirst time. Another question is whether we have groups for beginners. From the results-oriented logic in which we have wrapped most of our activities today, both questions make sense. However, below we look at the disadvantages of approaching an internal practice in this way.

Tai Chi/ Chi Kung

Tai Chi and Chi Kung are two disciplines that are practically inseparably. Tai Chi is a martial art based on the work of energy, that is Chi Kung. Without practicing Chi Kung, Tai Chi would develop as a collection of postures linked by movement. A series of beautiful choreographies, which can bring us many benefits, but far long from the potential they have when we combine them with the practice of Chi Kung.

Without the practice of Tai Chi, Chi Kung - especially the more internal kind - can leave the practitioner without the structural support that a physical, dynamic and often demanding practice such as Tai Chi provides. Thus, despite achieving inner development and greater awareness, our strongest component, the body, can still suffer the physical deterioration that the sedentary habits of our current society often lead to.

How to measure progress in Tai Chi?

It depends on the goals of the practitioner and the goals of the school or instructor. Performance can be measured from several approaches, often combined. For example, student's commitment, mastery of certain techniques, incorporation of martial skills, internalization of fundamentals, etc. Each of these goals can even be established as unique or determining for a school or instructor, and different levels to be reached can be determined. In this way, grades are awarded to students as levels are reached.

Progress in Chi Kung

When we talk about Chi Kung, the markers of progress in practice can become too subjective. This is mainly due to the implicit limitations of the instructor to know the internal state of the practitioners, and especially the progress of this state. In addition, it is worth asking under what authority an instructor has the ability to assess and decide what pace is appropriate for the integration of the fundamental principles, and the development of the internal skills of a unique human being.

Degrees in Tai Chi/ Chi Kung

Degrees simplifies and can therefore shorten the scope of two disciplines with a practically inexhaustible depth for self-knowledge and inner growth. Furthermore, granting degrees runs the risk of giving the practitioner the feeling that he has finished a work that really, as other arts, has no end.

Basic exercises are always practiced. In fact, the more they are practiced, the greater the depth they reach, and the more the ability to delve deeper into more complex exercises. By recognizing grades through very specific skills, in an unconscious way, there is a risk of satisfying the students' hunger for evolution, and therefore of continuing to grow through practice.

Conditions that affect level in practice

There are students who, due to their life circumstances, responsibilities or physical or other difficulties, are not able to maintain a consistency in practice that allows them to advance at the same pace as other people.

By not reaching the different levels nor receiving recognition, they may mistakenly perceive that they are not progressing in their practice, when in fact they are. Just not at the expected pace. This leads to the risk of demotivation and the definitive abandonment of the practice.

Therefore risk of losing motivation and abandoning practice is runing for these people.

It should also be noted that for some people it can be stimulating to join a group of involved, active people, with whom they can be motivated to continue their practice consistently. However, this type of psychology is not practical in the long term. Unless, after an initial push based on the motivation of others, Tai Chi practitioners find their own motivation, and are able to enjoy the benefits that consistent practice offers.

Tai Chi/Chi Kung for beginners

At some point in the mental makeup of a Tai Chi master, he still considers himself a beginner. Able to step down from the pedestal that offers the idea of ​​mastering the discipline, and continue learning and incorporating increasingly subtle details that surround these practices.

By forming groups for beginners we assume that there is a line beyond which a person is no longer a beginner, and moves on to another group where the demands of practice will probably increase. In these cases, self-expectations naturally tend to grow. This can add unnecessary pressure to a kind of practice that often seeks to free ourselves from the pressures we are subjected to on a daily basis at work, school, sports, etc.

Furthermore, separating Tai Chi practitioners by level can create unnecessary obstacles, such as preventing beginners from observing the progress of more advanced students who have been practicing for longer and being able to observe how they have evolved through practice. In many cases, practicing together allows beginners to identify with them and be motivated by their achievements.

Conclusion

An experienced Tai Chi and Chi Kung practitioner can get a pretty good idea of ​​another practitioner's level just by watching them perform the first movement of a form. This tells us that the level of depth in practice does not lie in the number and complexity of forms or exercises that are known. A very advanced level can be developed through a few Chi Kung exercises or a basic Tai Chi form, provided that we work in the right direction, and keep in mind the fundamental principles.

This is not to say that with practice over time, it is not beneficial to incorporate new exercises and increasingly longer and more complex forms, which will help us to incorporate the increasingly subtle aspects of the practice. But this complexity should not distract us from applying the principles, nor to lose our goals in practice.