Training, Reflection and Learning

Tai Chi is no different from any other skill that we choose to learn well, in that we need a good, knowledgeable  teacher whose style of teaching (usually visual) matches what we are looking for then:

• the teacher teaches and (hopefully) explains how to do an exercise or movement, or if you're lucky enough - give some sort of insight into what it is about; 
• You do your best to listen to all the information and follow what is being shown to you;
  
• you practice in the class (mostly by imitating the teacher) ;
• what you remember away from class you either run through your mind or make the effort to practice, for however long;
• When you practice by yourself and if you're aware enough of what you're doing, you have more questions than answers. If you're sincerely interested you reflect on what you're doing compared to how your teacher did it;
• After reflecting from your solitary practice, you go back to your teacher learn the movements or exercises again, maybe even ask questions to clarify, think you have it down pat and perhaps practice it a few times in that lesson;
• If you make the effort to practice by yourself, you once again listen and reflect on how the movement or exercise is done but you've improved (hopefully) from the previous way of doing it;
• This process of learning, imitation, practice, reflection, clarification,  more information, imitation, practice & reflection is the only way to improve your skill in Taiji, or in any skill you wish to internalize.
  

However if you do not regularly do some quality practice on your own it is like my teacher (Wee Kee JIn) says: "Learning is eating, practising is digesting." So it is important to train regularly otherwise it is of little benefit, and we are not even touching on health benefits that attracts most people to it in the first place. So discipline is important and later it becomes very enjoyable.      

Authour - Lee Chang Tye
https://www.relaxedmindtaichi.com