Syllabus

Structured learning
Taijiquan cannot be approached in a haphazard, piecemeal fashion. There needs to be a framework for learning. This would be true of any subject: Spanish, cooking, carpentry, music, ballet, massage, accountancy, engineering, botany, computing, rugby...

Progress
Beginners start with basic skills and gradually build to a richer, more complex grasp of the subject. By adhering to a professional approach to learning, taijiquan students can make the most of the class, achieve tangible results and get the best value for their money.

A syllabus
A good taijiquan school will have a tried and tested syllabus in place. By systematically learning one skill at a time, the student gradually accrues information, gains physical awareness and increases the range and scope of their understanding. But this does not happen overnight. There is a considerable amount of information to learn. It must be revised, refined, honed and practiced thoroughly.

Just form?
Some taijiquan schools advertise a syllabus that only contains form. This is not a traditional syllabus. Taijiquan is a complex art. It contains a lot more than just form.

Scheme of work
Our classes follow a carefully designed 'scheme of work' that takes the student step-by-step through every skill. Everything is taught in easy, simple, bite-sized pieces.

5 levels of ability
The taijiquan syllabus has 5 levels:
1. Beginner
2. Intermediate
3. Experienced
4. Skilled
5. Advanced
Each level is broken into 4 parts.

Why do we need levels/grades?
The insurance policy stipulates that the teaching must be "appropriate to ability". This means that a syllabus is necessary. There must be an order to the presentation of the material. Grades are required.

Proof of learning
At each stage of the curriculum the student possesses clearly defined skills that can be proven in practice. Material is organised in a structured manner and taught systematically. This way, each student is free to progress at their own pace.

Open ended
With taijiquan you cannot simply pass a belt and imagine that you have 'got it'. This is the work of a lifetime. There is no final certificate, no graduation. You keep on refining and improving.

Ability is everything in taijiquan
Remember this - martial arts are a meritocracy. Ability is everything. Not knowledge. Not time served. Ability. If you can do it, then you can advance.

Be patient but not lazy
Focus on a topic, learn it and then move onto the next one. Be patient with yourself. Set realistic learning goals. Each grade involves only a limited number of topics, exercises and drills.

Ambition

Aim to pass a couple of new items every time you are assessed. Look to existing skills. Correct any mistakes and remove gaps in your knowledge.

Do not neglect material
With taijiquan, you must constantly refine and improve your basic skills. The most simple-seeming and obvious drills are with hindsight actually quite complex and sophisticated.

Improvement
As you move through the grades, Sifu Waller will be looking for increasing skill in all areas of knowledge. You cannot just learn a skill and move on. You must also go back and re-consider.

Repetition and familiarity
The only person that can train your body do taijiquan is you. Talking, watching video clips or reading books will not lead to skill. You must get on your feet and do the work. This means lessons, assessment, regular repetition of movement patterns and familiarity with partner work.