Original Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan has a curriculum which has ten levels. This of course is filled up with precise things to learn etc. The way that progress is evaluated is on a five step idea. This represents the new student who is out of balance. A beginner needs a good teacher that can clearly show the student how to move the body.
Many great players are unable to teach.
So a new student is in need of good instruction. Master Chen says that teaching a beginner is like planting a seed. If the seed is put in the wrong direction it will grow the wrong way. At this level the student is still not unitary. He is able to sink the chi a little, but the student is unable to use the chi to make any movement.