DMP #32 - The Yogafication of Qigong

Summary

The speaker argues against short teacher training courses for tai chi, believing they produce subpar teachers lacking skill and unable to build chi properly. He draws parallels to modern yoga's commercialization through simplified techniques and attractive marketing. Warning tai chi may follow a similar path, he advocates for deep study over years to produce ethical, obsessive teachers, avoiding improper or abusive instruction.

Takeaways

• 😕 He is against short teacher training events/courses for Qigong because they lack depth and proper vetting of teachers
• 😯 He sees Qigong becoming commercialized and simplified like contemporary yoga has become
• 👎Short training courses don't allow enough time to gain true skill or test commitment
• 😠Lack of vetting means untrustworthy people can become teachers and take advantage of students
• 😤Believes teachers should be obsessed and dedicated practitioners, not people looking for a certificate
• 😡Sees animal frolics being changed into flowing sequences similar to yoga asanas
• 🤨Think month-long retreats are used as easy money-makers under the guise of teacher training
• 🙂His school has a lengthy screening process for teachers, requiring years of dedication
• 😌Doesn't believe any body movement builds qi - that comes from meditative stillness
• 😌Checks his own behavior and teachings with his teacher to ensure high ethics

Q & A

What are some of the reasons Claude is against short teacher training courses in tai chi?

He believes they don't allow enough time to truly learn the art in depth. The standards and quality of teaching will be poor, students won't know if they can sustain consistent practice over years, and there is no way to check the character and ethics of potential teachers in such a short timeframe.

How does Claude compare the popularization of yoga to what is happening now with tai chi?

He sees tai chi going through a similar process that yoga did - being simplified, focusing mostly on the physical postures, and being marketed in a commercial way with month-long teacher trainings and certifications.

What does Claude see as some of the core issues with short tai chi teacher training courses?

They don't allow time to gain true skill which takes years of practice. Students likely won't be obsessed and dedicated enough to the art. It is fraudulent to teach people you don't know well. And there are no checks on the character and potential psychological issues of new teachers.

What does Claude suggest to people who ask him about short tai chi teacher trainings?

He advises them not to do the short courses and instead find a trusted teacher they can work with long-term to learn the art in an authentic way, without the incentive of quick teacher certification.

Why does Claude think it is important for teachers to be obsessed with the arts they teach?

Obsessive dedication leads teachers to study the art extensively and reach high levels of skill. It also shows they are passionate enough to keep practicing consistently over decades.

What does Claude say is the danger of certifying teachers you don't know well?

You risk putting abusive or psychologically unwell people in positions of power over students. Even good people can be corrupted by sudden power.

How does Claude try to discourage student projections of being a guru?

He works to come across in a down-to-earth way, chatting with students casually. He also directly tells people he is not their guru or there to save them.

What is the importance of having oversight on teacher character and ethics?

It allows abusive and unethical behavior to be identified and corrected early before real harm is done. All teachers need some form of supervision.

What does Claude predict will happen if quick tai chi teacher certifications continue?

The quality and authenticity of the art will decline. Unethical behavior will increase. It will follow the same path as modern commercialized yoga.

What does Claude recommend as the healthiest approach to learning tai chi?

Focus on deeply developing your own skill without expectation of teaching quickly. Find an authentic teacher and commit to the long journey of mastery.