I and a some of the other students have asked about a video of the Tai Chi 24 form to help memorize the moves. This will be especially important whilst many students will be away revising or on holiday.
And this is the visual from the back:
Without practice it is impossible to progress and if you are serious about training I would suggest you do some in between lessons. For the past 6 months most of my personal training has been devoted to improving my flexibility and I have noticed a related increase in the height and balance of my kicks as well as better posture.
For those doubting the importance of stretching or the difficulty of Tai Chi, throw a kick as high as you can. Now try and repeat that kick slowly, it is unlikely you will be able to get your leg much higher than your waist and you will almost certainly hunch over to deliver the kick placing undue strain on your supporting leg.
Tai Chi is also important to improve your posture, in fact the Chinese term for spinal cord is the "Jade Column" many positions are developed to keep the Jade (precious element) straight (like a Column)
Lastly don't be afraid to change your regime every 4-6 weeks (alter the duration, weight amount or type) as when you reach a plateau a sidewards step can help you advance in the first instance. For example lunges are extremely common in sports like Badminton and will increase the strength of your hips and thighs and the elasticity of your calves and groin.
Rest is important though, if your muscles are fatigued and you can't carry out your usual daily training then why not take some time to study a book on the subject instead.
Rest is important though, if your muscles are fatigued and you can't carry out your usual daily training then why not take some time to study a book on the subject instead.