Classics

Although T'ai Chi has traditionally been a practice that emphasized direct transmission of information and experience from master to student, there have been a certain number of T'ai Chi masters who have seen fit to put their insights and understandings down in writing. Thank goodness for us of later generations, for it is through these writings that we are given the timeless standard for correct T'ai Chi practice.

Starting with Chang Sang-feng, legendary founder of T'ai Chi , and down through the centuries, masters have described and developed their personal understanding of the  principles of the practice. This insight into the principles of T'ai Chi is what is so important about these traditional writings. Not once in all of these essays and poems (and granted, there aren't that many) is there mentioned the idea that one style is better than another even though the Classics contain writings from proponents of all T'ai Chi styles. The emphasis is completely on the understanding and development of principle, which is exactly where it should be.

It is through the teaching of the Classics that we have a bridge across the centuries that enables us to limit the loss of information that can take place over generations. Not every student is as talented as their teacher, and not every master of the art is talented as a teacher. If these instances were the case over a number of generations (which certainly has occurred) then the result would be an irreparable loss of information. With the Classics we have the opportunity for any student to refer back to these truly timeless masters and take advantage of their wisdom.

The value of the Classics is not meant to negate the importance of studying directly with a qualified teacher. It is my personal experience to have learned more from simply feeling the touch of a true master's hand on my body than I will ever learn from reading. But I also feel that the nature of T'ai Chi teaches us to take advantage of any and all learning opportunities. Certainly the Classics represent one of these learning opportunities.