TCHI Instructors Forum

In the final session of the trilogy, Dr. Lam, joined by Master Trainers Pat Lawson and Hong Yang, explored the last four of Yang Cheng-Fu’s Ten Essential Points. The discussion emphasized coordinating the upper and lower body and uniting the internal and external, with Dr. Lam sharing practical insights and a memorable story of his time with Master Fu Zhong Wen.

Dr. Lam, along with Master Trainers Pat Lawson and Hong Yang, continued the exploration of Yang Cheng-Fu’s Ten Essential Points by focusing on the next three principles. The discussion highlighted distinguishing substantial from insubstantial, sinking the shoulders and elbows, and using the mind rather than force to enhance tai chi practice.

To celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the TCHI Instructors Forum, Dr. Lam, joined by Master Trainers Pat Lawson and Hong Yang, began exploring Yang Cheng-Fu’s Ten Essential Points. This session introduced the historical significance of the points and discussed the first three: keeping the head upright, depressing the chest and raising the upper back, and loosening the waist.

Master Trainers Jocelyn Simpson and Pat Lawson opened the forum with insights on teaching beginners effectively, emphasizing the importance of pacing and creating a welcoming environment. Dr. Lam shared personal experiences and examples, highlighting the value of the Stepwise Progressive Teaching Method and how even seasoned instructors can learn from beginner-level lessons.

The June forum reflected on the 22nd Annual USA Tai Chi Conference and Workshops in Forest Grove, Oregon, themed "Coming Together for the Future." Dr. Lam and participants shared their takeaways, including the value of immersive learning, group collaboration, and the surprising integration of music and tai chi to inspire health and connection.

Whether knowledge of Western Medicine enhances tai chi instruction was the focus of this session. Discussions emphasized teaching with safety, empathy, and kindness, while noting that a deep understanding of medicine is not required for effective instruction.

Connections between tai chi movements and the meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) were at the heart of this session. Dr. Lam discussed the relevance of TCM principles, the role of acupressure massage in Tai Chi for Health programs, and how much TCM knowledge is necessary for effective teaching.

Sun style tai chi, with its nimble stepping and upright posture, offered a fresh lens for exploring essential tai chi principles. Master Trainer Pat Lawson joined Dr. Lam to help participants deepen their understanding and share knowledge through breakout sessions and interactive discussions.

Participants explored all 12 Tai Chi for Health programs, gaining insights into why they are effective for health and how to teach them safely and enjoyably. The session included lively discussions and idea-sharing among instructors, sparking new teaching approaches for the year ahead.

Government funding and its role in tai chi instruction were central to this session, featuring three distinguished speakers. Kathleen Cameron from the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging discussed program goals and instructor quality, while Master Trainers Ileina Ferrier and Pat Lawson shared insights on collaborations with government agencies and representing TCHI in public health initiatives.

This forum featured two presentations highlighting insights from the Science of Tai Chi and Qigong conference hosted by Harvard University. Professor Rhayun Song summarized complex research findings, relating them to practical tai chi teaching and practice, while Dr. Lam shared his presentation on worldwide accreditation and its impact on tai chi's global development.

Dr. Lam and Professor Rhayun Song, a Master Trainer and medical researcher, shared highlights from a Harvard medical conference. Professor Song presented her talk, “Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Meta Analysis,” while Dr. Lam summarized his insights on accreditation and implementation of tai chi worldwide.

Professor Rhayun Song, a Master Trainer and respected medical researcher, presented tai chi as a tool for lifestyle modification. She shared strategies for improving health behaviors and managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease through tai chi practice.

What are the similarities and differences between tai chi and dancing? Dr. Lam and Jerry Pearson, a world-class dancer and tai chi instructor, explored how dancing can improve tai chi by enhancing posture, balance, and mind-body connection, while reflecting on the joy both arts bring to life.

This forum reflected on the June 2023 Annual Tai Chi workshops in the USA, highlighting shared knowledge, skills, and friendships. Dr. Lam shared talks and demonstrations from the workshop, including a segment of his sword demonstration.

The final session of the trilogy concluded with 按 (An) “push” and a comprehensive analysis of all four internal forces. Dr. Lam, joined by Professor Colin Hughes, shared insights on integrating these forces into practice and teaching, emphasizing balance, harmony, and their transformative effects on tai chi and real-life interactions.

The second forum in the trilogy focused on 履 (Lu) “rollback” and 擠 (Ji) “press,” building on the Peng force. Dr. Lam discussed how these internal forces interact, while participants explored their practical applications, including yielding and redirecting incoming force for stability and control.

This forum introduced the four major internal forces of tai chi: 棚 (Peng) “ward off,” 履 (Lu) “rollback,” 擠 (Ji) “press,” and 按 (An) “push.” Dr. Lam explained the foundational Peng force, how it is expressed across different styles, and its role in developing qi (internal energy) and Jing (internal force).

Participants from around the world engaged in lively discussions about teaching tai chi principles to students at different levels. Dr. Lam shared insights from his workshops, including a memorable session with seasoned tai chi teachers in Singapore, highlighting the challenge and importance of applying the Essential Principles effectively.

Dr. Lam shared insights from his global workshop tour, highlighting the value of in-person connection, new ideas for improving tai chi, and the importance of communication and sharing. He reflected on how tai chi has helped people cope with the pandemic and its emotional effects, drawing lessons from 15 workshops held around the world.

The forum emphasized collaboration and idea-sharing to bring lightness and vitality to tai chi classes. Through interactive discussions and breakout groups, participants brainstormed innovative approaches, ensuring everyone left with at least one new idea to invigorate their teaching.

Professors Raymond Lau and Rhayun Song shared the latest scientific findings on tai chi and its health benefits. They discussed how research supports Tai Chi for Health programs, providing valuable insights for instructors to benefit their students and communities.

Tai chi has incredible depth and width relating to different styles and their flavors, as well as the many techniques within each style. Master Trainer Nuala Perrin was the September Forum guest speaker along with Dr. Lam, both sharing over 40 years’ knowledge and experience with this informative topic.

Dr. Lam, joined by Master Trainer Pat Lawson, explored the advanced tai chi concept of “sticky” energy. They discussed its meaning, benefits, and how awareness of this principle can deepen and enhance your practice.

This forum concluded the trilogy with the exploration of Spiral Force, a sophisticated way to express internal force (Jing). Dr. Lam shared insights into this advanced tai chi principle, emphasizing its role in achieving the highest levels of practice. His Exercise for Spiral Force - Leisurely Tying Coat was sent to participants in advance of this forum.

This forum explored how to convert Qi (internal energy) into Jing (internal force), an essential step in advancing tai chi practice. Dr. Lam provided insights into this once-secret concept, highlighting its significance in developing internal force.

The forum introduced the concept of Visualization as the first in a three-part series exploring advanced tai chi principles. Dr. Bob McBrien provided a compelling talk on how visualisation helps feel and move qi, setting the foundation for the next topics: Converting Qi to Jing (May 2022) and Spiral Force (July 2022).

The forum featured an inspirational talk by Master Trainer Pat Lawson and a demonstration by Dr. Lam on sinking qi during warmups. The imagery of the beach ball, shared by Pat, was especially helpful, and the session received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.

The forum explored the “Kua,” discussing what it is and how understanding this mysterious part of the body can improve tai chi. Master Trainer Hong Yang joined Dr. Lam to provide insights, with breakout rooms offering participants a chance to connect and share ideas globally.

Our expert speaker Professor Sang-Myung Cheon shared medical knowledge, particularly about Parkinsonism, and referred to published studies in a way everyone could understand.

Pat Webber discussed Song, while Master Trainer Pat Lawson and Dr. Lam explored the concept of Jing. The session emphasized the importance of communication and connection, including breakout rooms for participants to engage with peers worldwide.

Dr. Raymond Lau, Chairperson of the TCHI Board and Associate Dean of Medicine at Singapore University, joined Dr. Lam to discuss how tai chi enhances the immune system. They explored the effects of diet, lifestyle, medication, and tai chi practice on immunity.

Dr. Lam launched the inaugural Monthly Instructors Forum on Zoom, connecting Tai Chi for Health instructors worldwide. He was joined by Marlena Fiol and Ed O’Connor to discuss “Mindfulness and Tai Chi,” featuring a demonstration of Wave Hands in Clouds.