The tai chi chronicles

• Source: Global Times
• [10:47 July 27 2010]
• Comments

Teaching in English or Chinese?

Shanghai-born Zhang Yi learned martial arts, including tai chi, at a special academy in Shanghai where masters select their own students. He admits that very few tai chi masters speak English, and that language can sometimes be a barrier to imparting a deeper understanding of tai chi to expats.

"Some people from other countries come here for one or two classes and I feel they don't understand what tai chi is. I had one student who asked 'Is it like a party, or like yoga?' I say 'sorry, no; If you don't know these things I can teach you. But if you don't want to know these things how can I teach you?'"

"Tai chi is a martial art; it's very simple."

Like Zhang, many of Chen's students are expats from countries as diverse as Cyprus, Malaysia and South Korea. As a result his classes are taught in English or Chinese, or sometimes both languages.

"Many Japanese students love this because if they want to study Chinese they need to spend money to learn Chinese in class," said Chen.

Although Chen mostly teaches in the studio or at students' homes, he says he still visits the park to do impromptu tai chi classes when the mood takes him.

"Sometimes I play in the park and many people join in. I prepare the music for their enjoyment. It would be miserable if I wasn't able to do this. I can't imagine not doing tai chi."