Continuing the discussion from the previous post here.
While it is true that you need a lot of practice to master something this is not always true. Sometimes what you need are insights to move you further along.
Let me give you an example in the context of this present topic. You may think what has the escalator topic has to do with Tai Chi. Indeed, this begs the question.
If you have been reading carefully so far something might stir in your grey cells. If not, read the following posts :-
i) Explanation on Explanations 3
ii) On Learning : Sub-Topic 1.2b
iii) On Learning : Sub-Topic 1.2b Insights-1
After reading the above does it make more sense now? If not, let me explain.
If you have tried doing the technique shown in (i) Explanation on Explanations 3 you might have observed that it is not easy to turn and step quickly. It is not difficult to turn and step but to turn and step fast enough to be able to apply the technique is another issue.
So how do you solve this problem?
This is (ii) On Learning : Sub-Topic 1.2b where comes in. This post is essentially about this problem of turning.
In (iii) On Learning : Sub-Topic 1.2b Insights-1 the issue is analysed. Once you have analysed the problem, tested out various options and narrow down the solutions you should be able to see the trees from the forest. You can then implement the principles back into your Tai Chi form. In this case the turning is taught in Brush Knee, Twist Step.
Learning the principles this way is a form of backward learning in that you learn the technique of Brush Knee, Twist Step and then put the principles back in.
In normal forward learning you should learn the movements of Brush Knee, Twist Step, understand what each sub-movement is teaching you about principles and then practice until you fully understand what is happening. Then you put it into push hands to test your understanding.
I am using the example of escalator because of my experience. However, any other similar examples can be used. The first time I encountered the topic of tight turning was in the movie Initial D which was about car racing using drifting technique. If you do not know what drifting is you can view the video below :-
Later when I tried to use this technique that Master Leong taught and had problems using it I thought that maybe understanding drifting will help me to solve the problem.
Watch the video below beginning 2:36 on the mechanics of drifting. Its about physics.
Pay attention to the part at 3:34. This key can be used to solve the problem of turning fast in Brush Knee, Twist Step. If you still do not get it then I will explain how I figured it out using the problem of the escalator in the next post.