The "Tai Chi Set" is the "Set", right? And we cannot change the Set, or so we may have been led to believe. Or can we adapt it to better meet student needs?
In fact, I have already changed our Set to fit divergent student groups. For instance, I teach tai chi movements differently to younger more athletic groups as opposed to students at the senior center who require a more gradual approach. My Tai Chi groups include students with a wide range of disabilities, incuding muscle and ligament injuries, joint stiffness, arthritis, and work related trauma, including high anxiety and stress . Aspects of the Set then, can be adapted to address specific needs.
Part of the Black Tiger set emphasizing stepping and balance, like "Embrace the Tiger" and "Return Tiger to Mountain" for instance, might be helpful for a group comprised of senior citizens or students with limited mobility. Students who stoop or bend a good part of the day may benefit from a set that includes "Needle at the Sea Bottom", "Snake Creeps Down", and "Plant the Hammer" movements.
In order to gain the highest benefits from tai chi, you must find those movements sprinkled throughout the set that address your particular concerns. You must then practice those movements several times throughout the day. If you practice diligently, you will undoubtably see great improvement in your overall tai chi set.
Namaste
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