in search of private masters

[gt3]

I always read that a lot of the best tai chi chuan masters aren't famous and practice/teach at parks or in the backyard and such... My question is how do i go about finding these guys. since they dont have a school they wouldnt be in the yellow pages. The only things I can think of is to ask around at martial art supply stores or the internet. I live in southern california if anyone knows someone who's willing to teach a dedicated student. I don't really care which tai chi style it is or even if it was only bagua (since im also very interested in that art as well)

Any tips would be greatly appreciated

[Polar Bear]

I think you've watched too many movies. Go to a good club with many diverse ideas and live in the real world.

[daftyman]

take the blue pill!

going to a club is the answer. Then you may be able to find out who your teacher's teacher is, and maybe see him. You have no way of checking a 'private' teachers credentials. He could be a complete con.

[Visage]

Just to balance the arguement, its not completely impossible.

During one of my sessions of avoiding looking for work, I wandered into a park, and saw a group of people practicing Tai Chi. I practiced a bit of external MA, and they invited me to join them. Since then, I found that Nigel (the sifu) knows a great deal about Tai Chi, and various other subjects ranging from Chi Kung, to Reiki.

If you want to find someone like this, be prepared to get up around 6am, and wander around a lot of quiet parks.

[awakened nature]

and be prepared to learn how to paint fences, and rub wax on and off cars :D

some come be found and ive read a lot of stories of people first starting tai chi because the saw an old chinese man in the park practicing and asked if they could join in.

Apprantly in my area there is a rumour of a chinese man that practices bagua in a park near to me, allegedly has a connection with one of the chinese medicine shops (we have about 3 in our area). Yet to see him though...really wanna learn bagua!

[Sandus]

and be prepared to learn how to paint fences, and rub wax on and off cars :D

Don't forget sanding the floor!

[awakened nature]

Don't forget sanding the floor!

but its all worth it to learn that "UNBLOCKABLE" crane stance kick :D :D :D :D :D

[gedhab]

but its all worth it to learn that "UNBLOCKABLE" crane stance kick :D :D :D :D :D

Yup, it's the most deceptive and discrete MA move ever! :rolleyes:

[Shadowdh]

Well you never see it coming... ;)

[Kwajman]

Ask the instructors who the best master is in the area. Or go hang out at the parks and watch.