Taichido has been going long enough (and looks professional enough!) to become regarded by a few to be some sort of authority on Tai Chi. This is not so. Taichido claims no authority whatsoever, therefore I am taken aback when folk E-mail me saying "What my teacher teaches looks nothing like the video animation's on your (www.taichido.com) site". These instances have increased recently and some have even gone on as far to ask "Should I look for a new Tai Chi teacher?" My answer, basically is "No; help your teacher in the search for 'true' Tai Chi with persistent and well considered questions ... and be patient. "When the Student is ready, the Teacher will appear".

However, it is up to you to know what it is that you are looking for; and in the end it will be up to you alone that finds it. N.B. Without a Teacher (of one sort or another) progress is not measured; if unmeasured - not known.

Click here for text of my reply to one of those that asked "Should I look for a new Tai Chi teacher?"

Grace, Coordination, Calmness, Confidence, Peace and Well-being.
These and similar are the most common on the wish-list of people attracted to Tai Chi, therefore those that offer such run the largest (and most profitable) classes.

The problem with this approach is that if students are offered a certain outcome in a certain period of time they do expect that fruition within a definable time period.
Often the only form of proof of such progress is the regular awarding of 'grades' or confirmation from the teacher that "you are a Blue (Green, Black …whatever) Belt". This progress, or more correctly 'process', is almost certain and has a lot more to do with turning up every week and paying your membership fee than it has to do with learning or expressing an Art Form. Therefor, serious and determined students soon (months/6 months - depending upon the length of the course) become disillusioned and question the effectiveness of this ancient form that the teacher him/herself continues to expose as irrelevant!

Coordination
Nothing 'of the body' (Martial) can be understood until that body is understood, therefor it is this that should at first be meticulously studied.
In the rush for progress this part of the process is too often ignored and within weeks a student is striking a pose or making a move in complete ignorance as to purpose and/or origins of that move/posture. In this instant the body performing the move is not particularly coordinated (Martial) or creative (Art), it is simply aping the instructors 'version' of the move. The problem here is that the teacher is not teaching Tai Chi; he/she is teaching something that can be learnt satisfactorily in the time allocated.
The Students of today are the Instructors of tomorrow and each should respect and have patience with the other.
When I look back at the crap I spouted when I began instructing I am thoroughly embarrassed!
Therefore, to date I can claim no more progress than my most diligent and truthful students and those that demanded Tai Chi; not those content with coloured belts and simply 'what I have to say' on the subject.

Pic. Ancient Taoist talisman "Life"