I began studying t'ai chi in 1971, and times certainly have changed. Back then t'ai chi was still relatively unknown to the American public, and it was difficult even to find a teacher there were so few of them. Most were from China, and their schools frequently were located in the large urban areas.
Their method of teaching was very different from that which you find in t'ai chi classes today. It was reflective of the Chinese cultural personality, not the American cultural personality. Additional resources, books and videos in English, were virtually nonexistent. If you were serious about learning t'ai chi, you had to overcome many restrictive obstacles along the way.
I can tell you from experience, it was worth it all. The personal excitement and enthusiasm I feel doing t'ai chi is as alive today as when I took my first class nearly 40 years ago. In one sense I remain the perpetual student. In another sense, as teacher it is gratifying for me to share this enthusiasm and excitement with students and, in return, watch them through hard work share in the joy of doing t'ai chi.