Should I take the next step?
That is the question.
I have been practising on my own, but I know that is only good for maintaining my current level, to retain what I have learnt over the years.
In order to improve further, I need to teach.
But that is not an easy decision. Although my teacher, Mr Kwek, has given me the go-ahead to teach in Japan, teaching taiji is not a decision to be made lightly.
Because teaching is a long-term commitment. When I look at my teacher, his commitment to teaching, I ask myself if I am ready to live up to the same commitment. Turning up for lessons week after week. Students may take a break every once in a while, when they are sick, or have other commitments, even just to take a break and go for a vacation. And classes will still go on.
But the teacher cannot just take a break like that. When the teacher doesn't show up for class, the students are left to themselves. A teacher can't just disappear like that. Falling ill is not an option. Going on a vacation, or even any trip, is something that needs to be carefully planned so as not to disrupt the learning of the students.
So while I want to teach so that I can continue to improve, I am apprehensive about whether I can make such a commitment now.
Meanwhile, it is back to regular practice, and reading widely.
At least until I can make that commitment towards the next step.
That is the question.
I have been practising on my own, but I know that is only good for maintaining my current level, to retain what I have learnt over the years.
In order to improve further, I need to teach.
But that is not an easy decision. Although my teacher, Mr Kwek, has given me the go-ahead to teach in Japan, teaching taiji is not a decision to be made lightly.
Because teaching is a long-term commitment. When I look at my teacher, his commitment to teaching, I ask myself if I am ready to live up to the same commitment. Turning up for lessons week after week. Students may take a break every once in a while, when they are sick, or have other commitments, even just to take a break and go for a vacation. And classes will still go on.
But the teacher cannot just take a break like that. When the teacher doesn't show up for class, the students are left to themselves. A teacher can't just disappear like that. Falling ill is not an option. Going on a vacation, or even any trip, is something that needs to be carefully planned so as not to disrupt the learning of the students.
So while I want to teach so that I can continue to improve, I am apprehensive about whether I can make such a commitment now.
Meanwhile, it is back to regular practice, and reading widely.
At least until I can make that commitment towards the next step.
