The only criticism of my teacher that I would endorse is the one levelled by most of his loyal students who, through force of circumstance, have gone off to study elsewhere. That is, he taught advanced Taiji to students who were not yet qualified to receive it. The first stage of Taiji is sinking and relaxing to develop a root, which, whether you like it or not, means strengthening the legs, the core and the lower back. Traditionally in the Chinese martial arts, such strength is acquired through standing postures. It is difficult gruelling work, and anyone who says they enjoy it probably isn't doing it right. But without that root nothing comes from the Earth – nothing comes natural – and it all has to be fabricated each time you practice. Imagine the stress and stain – the drain of joy – in that.