RESULTS MATTER!
This article is my own personal observation and distillation of the mistakes, misconceptions, and misunderstandings I have accumulated over the years.
Defining Your Objectives:
Before investing significant time, money, and effort into any martial art or exercise routine, it is important to define your objectives. This requires a great deal of introspection and honesty. I would say the vast majority of people — probably 99% of us — have no real desire to be involved in combat sports.
For most people, claiming to want real combat training doesn't ring true when tested. What's actually alluring is the idea — learning an art while gaining the ability to defend yourself if needed. If you genuinely wish to learn martial arts for combat, make this clear upfront with your instructor, and be willing to go through all the associated hardships. You should also rigorously test your potential instructor's actual combat skills before committing.
Assessing Your Temperament:
Assuming you are learning Yiquan for health reasons, the main thing to observe is whether your own health is improving. Even though the benefits of Yiquan are substantial, the root of the practice is Zhan Zhuang. In my own experience, this practice requires an intense level of concentration and commitment. Some honesty is needed regarding:
- Number of hours invested
- Whether you have any existing pre-conditions, such as spinal issues, bone or muscle degeneration, or flexibility issues
- Your ability to mentally concentrate and adjust your posture over a period of, say, one hour daily
It is easy to say one is committed; however, when it comes to actual practice, you will realize it's not easy to walk the talk. The benefits of Zhan Zhuang will not appear if there are pre-existing conditions in your body that need to be addressed first.
Assessing Your Progress:
If you clear the two hurdles above, then after 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and one year of practice, you need to assess whether it is producing the desired health benefits. Assuming you are practicing conscientiously, is it yielding the results you set for yourself in "Defining Your Objectives" above?
Often, we place too much emphasis on the mystique of ancient martial arts and concepts such as "qi." But is there actual, measurable progress? If you are in Zhan Zhuang pose and someone gives you a light shove, are you able to stay grounded? Are you able to maintain your posture when an outside force collapses onto your frame?
Conclusion:
Ultimately, before embarking on the practice of any martial art — be it Yiquan, Tai Chi, or Baguazhang — it is important to be skeptical and consider whether it is worthwhile for you. Personally, I would seek an art that improves general mobility and quality of life, as that is worth more than any martial application. Mystique aside — results matter.