Recently, the subject of free Taiji perhaps not usually being the best place to learn and gain a deep understanding of the art was brought up in discussion and some differing opinions were presented. As a result I asked a senior student how he might address the other view. From Joshua Graff:
In today's world, many of us are not able to appreciate sacrifice. We do not pay the teacher for his skill or to be taught Tai Chi. We give a donation based on our respect for him, for his commitment to us as students, and as a sacrifice in our lives as a symbol of our commitment. While many students are motivated to help and heal others, there are just as many if not more students who are interested solely in skill and developing their personal technique. For many students, without a sacrifice, without tasking themselves and challenging themselves to commit financially to their own education, they will always hold part of themselves back. A student who holds himself apart from Tai Chi will not get the same benefit as someone who fully embraces Tai Chi. Also the money that a student gives to his teacher (if the teacher is upright) will go back 100% into the education of the student, more opportunities, more hands on and personal time with their Grandmaster, etc.
The opposing opinion writes "If one does need remuneration, and if Tai Chi makes peoples' lives better, why charge?"
On the other side, if getting the best Tai Chi available incurs a cost, and it improves your life immeasurably, why not pay? What is your health worth to you? Your happiness? That's not saying there can't be good Tai Chi in this world for free, but we take the opportunities that are given to us; the path that feels the most correct. I would not feel upright if I did not donate to my teacher and show my appreciation for his time, his skill, and his attention. His relationship with me is not about the finances; it is merely a part that I recognize, a gift to a friend, father, and teacher. Like most students I would have had a much harder time finding the income for my studies when I was younger. So I took the opportunities I could find, paid for what training I could, and made the absolute most out of each second because I had even less flexibility in my spending. I feel that this has benefited me, my students, and their students as they move forward in our family.
