Why is being consistent in one’s own practice so important, and what does that really mean?
From my own practice over the years, I have found that consistency in one’s practice is vital to progress to higher levels of your training in Tai Chi Chuan. I believe that the main goal of the different training regimens of the traditional styles of Tai Chi Chuan is to train a certain method of body movement that is unique to Tai Chi Chuan. The many movements and postures of the long forms from the family styles are one of the main vehicles to practice and train this method of body movement.
The goal of learning the long form should not be to finish learning the whole set, nor should it be to make it look graceful and flowing. The goal should be about using what you are learning in the form to build a strong foundation and start to understand and train the method of body movement that is used in Tai Chi Chuan which can make it an effective martial art. The graceful and flowing movements then become a by-product of the training and not the goal of the training.
What should we be consistent about in our practice, and what role does being consistent with one’s practice of Tai Chi Chuan really play?
On the physical side, one of the first things we should try to become consistent with is the placement of the feet. When you first stand and prepare for the start of the Tai Chi Form which you are about to commence, are the feet both pointing in the same direction? Either both feet parallel or slightly turned out; what ever the starting position of the feet for are your particular style of Tai Chi Chuan. Is one of your feet more forward than the other? Take the time, look down and make sure the position of your feet is consistent each time before you begin your form.
When you are performing your steps in your movements of your Tai Chi Form, are you consistent with the length and width of the different types of stepping? Are your feet pointing in the proper directions each time you step out? Again, take a pause, look down and make any adjustments you need to in the feet, and then carry on. The feet are probably the easiest thing to work on to make consistent in your training, but they are probably one of the most important elements in working towards building a strong foundation for your practice and further advancement in the art of Tai Chi Chuan.
The same principle is involved with the timing of the weight shifts, lifting and lowering of the legs, and the movement and positions of the legs, arms, and hands. It will take more time with these things than with the positions of the feet, but with time and better understanding of the functions of the body movements, then one can become more consistent in these areas of your practice as well.
