Ways of Learning: A Handbook for Teachers and Students of Tai Chi and the Martial Arts: The Tai Chi Trilogy, #3

By Paul Read

Ways of Learning is a manifesto for change in the learning and teaching fields.

*A Checklist for teachers
*A Checklist for students
*Communication Skils
*Language tips to boost your communication skills
*Training ideas for the 21st Century 
*How to rethink the arts of Speaking, Listening and Yielding
*How to avoid the clichés of Time, Efficiency, Certainty and Expertise

"Ways of Learning takes you back to the fundamental principles of practice by asking again and again: How is any of this going to help me learn what I need to learn, teach what I need to teach?"

"If you are teaching or learning in any field...this insightful and humourous book will give you something to think about."

Ways of Learning offers new insights into the ancient oriental practices, it is full of fresh ideas for both teachers and students and it will change the atmosphere and the direction of your classroom forever. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Craving Distraction Ltd
• Release date: Sep 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781386972471

Paul Read

Born restless in the very centre of London, England, Paul Read now fidgets his way back and forth between the Uk and Spain in search of good coffee, good conversation and fresh vegetables. In the absence of finding any of these, he writes, schemes and plans for global domination but generally settles for a series of podcasts, books, and online teaching courses: All freshly brewed and 100% guru-free.

Book preview

WaysMANIFESTOSIGIL

WAYS OF LEARNING: 

A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF TAI CHI AND THE MARTIAL ARTS

Paul Read

Ways of Learning: 

A MANIFESTO FOR CHANGE

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The Tai Chi Trilogy

· This is Tai Chi: 50 Essential Questions and Answers

· The Manual of Bean Curd Boxing

· Ways of Learning

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4th Edition Text and Images Copyright 2015

Paul Read

Granada. Andalusia. Spain

HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT TAI CHI FROM A BOOK?

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IS THERE A WAY TO BRING THE WORDS OF THIS BOOK ALIVE?

Yes. When you are ready drop by www.learntaichi.online

ABOUT THE TRILOGY

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Paul Read has been wondering how the practice of martial arts and eastern philosophy can remain relevant in the 21st century. In a world where barriers are increasingly constructed between communities, nations and ideas there is a growing need for flexible responses, openness and superheroes to help confront the dogma that history has left on our doorstep. To this end, he established the Institute of Bean Curd Boxers: Individuals committed to overthrowing the corrosive nature of legacy, tradition and the wearing of ironed satin suits. 

WHAT OTHER TEACHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE TAI CHI TRILOGY: 

As with all of Paul Read's books, there is tremendous insight and a fine intelligence, which is brought to bear on simple answers to the mad complexity of modern life. This is a comical, profound book we all need to read over and over again.

ASPIRING ARCHEOLOGIST (AMAZON) 

Paul manages to dive into Tai Chi subjects that are not commonly disclosed or known to the average practitioner, at the same time using language that avoids obscure meanings often surrounding this topic. Even after years of practice and reading on the subject, you can find incredible wisdom on his work with a funny twist. 

JOSE FRAGA (AMAZON)

Filled with humor, they succinctly reinforce the cleverly-presented tai chi principles in preceding chapters. This book is not a carbon copy or cut and paste of the writings of others. It's originality is what makes it refreshing.

BUCK BARNES (AMAZON: BEAN CURD BOXER)

"I have been practicing and teaching Tai Chi for a couple of decades. I have read countless books on the subject but this one is by far the best. It brings humour and reality where others bring seriousness and deep rooted detail. 

BRIAN PHILLIPS (AMAZON BEAN CURD BOXER)

I have been playing tai chi for nearly 15 years now and teach my own class. I have read many books on Tai chi over the years, but can't remember being inspired by any of them as much as 'The Manual of the Bean Curd Boxer.

BARRY CLINTON (AMAZON BEAN CURD BOXER) 

"With over twenty years experience in playing Tai Chi my learning continues. Paul Read's gentle insights provide other avenues to consider and add to the knowledge of wherever your practice has bought you to date. A great read."

ANDREW JOHN WESTGATE

And while humorous, the author's insight to teaching is also...useful for any kind of martial arts teacher, of any style. Very well balanced and enjoyable read. Highly recommended for all martial arts teachers and students.

ADAM CLOUTIER (AMAZON)

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Table of Contents

HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT TAI CHI FROM A BOOK?

ABOUT THE TRILOGY

INTRODUCTORY WAYS

PRODUCTIVITY WAYS

1: THE TEACHERS’ CHECKLIST

2: THE LEARNERS CHECKLIST

CONTEXTUAL WAYS

3: CHANGING TIMES

4: PHOTOCOPIERS AND TRACING PAPER

5: THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE

TRAINING WAYS

A MANIFESTO FOR CHANGE

6: FINDING YOUR OWN PATH

7: REDEFINING THE WARRIOR SPIRIT

SECRET WAYS

8: SHOW NOT TELL PART 1

9: SHOW NOT TELL PART 2

LEARNING WAYS

10: THE ART OF YIELDING

11: THE ART OF LISTENING

12: THE ART OF SPEAKING

ILLUSORY WAYS

13: THE ILLUSION OF TIME

14: THE ILLUSION OF EXPERTISE

15: THE ILLUSION OF EFFICIENCY

16: THE ILLUSION OF CERTAINTY

CONCLUSIVE WAYS

17: TAOISM, TECHNOLOGY AND TEACHING

18: A FINAL MANIFESTO

End

REFERENCES

Don't miss out!

INTRODUCTORY WAYS

He who follows another will never overtake him.  - Michelangelo.

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A MANIFESTO FOR THE ARTS

Most publications that present the underlying benefits of study, training or teaching have historically aimed low. They have aimed to methodically reproduce the techniques and lessons from other times and other places - with too often a surgical precision - and transplant them into a contemporary setting. They result in books that are full of exercise tips, photos and lists of class activities, but sadly do little to inspire or stimulate new ways of working. One question remains at the end of such books: 

How is this going to help me learn what I need to learn, teach what I need to teach?

The aim of this manifesto is not to reproduce old material, but rather present new ideas; not to transplant old methods, but to translate them for a new age. Through analysis of the basic principles of teaching, each chapter attempts to explore the relevancy of ancient Chinese ideas to new times and new circumstances. The fundamental aim of this manifesto, is to contribute to the Next Leap Forward.

Every generation or two, the arts take a real Leap Forward. They rarely tip toe along the highway of change, preferring instead to bide their time until the signs indicate that the moment has arrived, and then they take that giant step. However, such leaps into the mists of the unknown inevitably bring a barrage of criticism and cries of betrayal from the community that has benefited so well from maintaining the status quo.

These arguments can hold back the internal forces of change. Therefore, each chapter attempts to counter the arguments that benefit those who adopt a fixed perspective. Such counter arguments are rooted in the practice of the Internal Art of Tai Chi, as this Art can offer new insights into the ways we learn, how we learn and how we then convey those skills to others. It is an Art that embraces the philosophical as well as the practical tools for change, employing techniques of mind, body and spirit. 

Lastly, Tai Chi teaches not only action but also intention, enabling both teachers and