South Nova Tai Chi hosted the 2019 National Instructors Workshop May 25 -26. Approximately 60 instructors from across Canada including 10 from our local club took part in the intensive training. The second Teaching and Learning Forum preceded the week-end workshop and it was followed by a one day National General workshop, open to members at all levels of Tai Chi expertise.
On Saturday there was general instruction covering many basics. Of particular note, the donyu, where dropping of the sit bones in a relaxed (unforced) manner was emphasized, especially for females. This is in opposition to intentionally pushing the sit bones downwards.
A considerable amount of time was spent with smaller groups, working with one or two group leaders. Emphasis was on “brushed knees” and “ward off monkeys'. This was a common theme throughout the workshops, in addition to toryus. On Sunday, in addition to the above, the workshops broke into three subsets -- beginner instruction, continuing instruction and health promotion.
On Monday, in addition to completing the “set” several times, instructors covered the mechanisms of the toryu in simplified form. Using the principles learned, we then went on to practice “parting wild horses' manes”, emphasizing correct foot placement and self-correcting any instepping and outstepping. Repetition of “ward off monkeys” also emphasized foot positioning, proper timing of arm movements and weight shifting.
There were many positive comments from the members about the workshops and weekend in general. These included the palpable energy in the room from so many experienced instructors, the approachability and positive energy of all the instructors, and their willingness to work extensively with the less experienced participants. Their willingness to comment on each others' methods showed that we never stop learning.
Everyone came away with a positive experience from the varied approaches and comments from the different instructors. It was very informative to hear discussion about the reasons behind different stances and movements, and particularly interesting to hear about differences in physiology of males and females and how that translates into performing various moves.
Several local participants commented on how they were quite proud of the quality of Tai Chi of our local group, at the seamless organization of the event itself, as well as the high quality of the venues.
We can all be proud of the excellent quality of the workshops and the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that we all enjoyed. Kudos to the tireless work of the many volunteers that made the weekend possible.
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Friday night was a chance for everyone to get acquainted at the Meet and Greet.
On Saturday everyone worked really hard and enjoyed some well deserved food and socializing in Lunenburg afterwards.
On Sunday there were smaller sessions - one for health recovery, one concentrating on beginner instructors and one for continuing instructors. This was followed by the CTCA Annual General Meeting, capped off with a well deserved thanks to the organizing committee.
Although the National Instructor Workshop finished on Sunday, South Nova opted to add a general workshop on Monday for their members. Many of the people from the Instructor Workshop had such a great time - they opted to stay around for another day!