About Colin Wee Expertise Do you need some insight on your martial arts path? Do you find you're lacking direction? I'm happy to share my knowledge as a martial arts and self defence instructor.Colin does Traditional Taekwondo in Perth W. Australia.
Experience Started training in 1983 and have participated in three main styles in three continents over the last 23 years. I have a 4th Dan in Taekwondo, 1st Dan in Renzhe Kung fu, and while unranked, have trained for several years under an Aikijujutsu instructor. I have teaching certification from two organisations, and play an active role in an international martial arts organisation. The last couple of years have seen me researching and documenting the evolution of Taekwondo and its bunkai. My approach is to pair pattern applications and drills to student skill level. Lastly, while I enjoy the respect and comradeship from my colleagues, I am an instructor working with a small group of students, and am on my own martial path.
Organizations American Karate and Taekwondo Organization
Molum Combat Arts Association
International Alliance of Martial Arts Schools
Publications 1. http://a-kato.org/articles.html
2. Ch'ang Hon Taekwon-do Hae Sul: Real Applications To The ITF Patterns
3. Combat Magazine (UK) - part of an interview
Education/Credentials BBA 1995 Cox School of Business
MBT 2005 University New South Wales
Awards and Honors Teachers Certification 2003
MLCAA Honor Society Award 2004
Past/Present Clients A few years in the past had me deal with a range of corporate and retail students, though mostly I don't teach for or charge any money.
Question Is it common for younger teenagers to start tai chi at the first level, in a club of some sort of gathering, or are they usually adults or aged men and women?
Answer From what I've seen from young, Tai Chi has mostly been practiced by more mature aged people. However, recently I have noticed that a younger audience (late 20s, mid 30s) are exploring this as part of a fitness or lifestyle program.
It is uncommon to see teenagers starting with Tai Chi, possible because of the speed at which movements are performed. It might be difficult getting teenagers to slow down and appreciate such things - but I could be wrong.
I myself started martial arts aged 13-14yo. My instructor started me on what he called Chi development exercises around 16-17yo. I assume this means that he had no reservations in teaching some form of Chi manipulation skills to someone in that age categoy.
For its health benefits, and its 'restorative' exercises, I don't think that having Tai Chi practiced by anyone 12yo and above will result in any negative Chi effects. That is, if you are concerned with that at all.
As for your issue with starting a club or some sort of gathering -- I wish you all the best. If Tai Chi is what you want to do, then by all means. You might want to think of other ways to maintain interest or provide other socializing opportunities. Perhaps do research on Tai Chi on the net and disseminate your findings? Or start an online forum for alternative or conventional exercises for youths? Or link yourself with a photography class and get both students to work off each other? The possibilities are there.
