Tips for friendly Taiji exchanges
By David Chen, 2003

Through the years I have had the opportunity to visit many groups of Taiji practitioners. I enjoy meeting Taiji enthusiasts with different styles and lineages and I am often inspired by these exchanges. One cannot help but be motivated by a master’s life-long dedication to his or her art. I try to use these experiences to improve my practice; absorbing what is useful and correcting any weaknesses. I believe this helps me reach toward a higher standard in my art.

Here are some guidelines, based upon my personal experiences, which encourage friendly Taiji exchanges:

• The goal is to open our minds and our vision in order to stimulate the quality of our practice.

• Joining in with a group through a connection or an introduction is the ideal; avoid cutting in or you will receive a cold shoulder

• Make notes after the visit, try to record your thoughts precisely; those thoughts always deteriorate or are exaggerated after a period of time.

• Always respect other styles; you may defend your own lineage, but never criticize or compare the differences.

• Try to be humble and show your willingness to experiment with the ways of others.

• If you have armed yourself with ego, so will they; then it becomes a challenge instead of an exchange.

• Look for quality of skill instead of result.

• Sometimes you have to participate in a demonstration in order to get the flavor of their style; but never play tricks during a demo.

• Seeing is not believing; don’t leave without politely asking for a hands-on demonstration.

• All masters believe in themselves, so there’s no point in comparing others in front of them.

• Don’t take their words seriously if they claim they are undefeated.

• Try not to measure the best or worst gongfu by your own standard; it is subjective according to your level.

• Winning can sometimes be in the eye of the beholder, especially when there are no witnesses.

• There are 4 degrees of "exchanging skills:"
  1) Sensing & light pushing.
  2) Pushing & throwing.
  3) Joint-locking and tripping.
  4) Full contact.

• Play defensively in their territory. Agree on the rules before you play---mild or full contact---and always be alert for losing control during the play.

• Always be apologetic if you "accidentally" uproot the master--- especially to someone Chinese, and particularly if it happens in front of his or her students.

• Always present a gift in thanks for their hospitality; the value of the gift should match your appreciation.

• Your attitude represents your teacher.

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