One subject that comes up again and again with instructors is mirroring. Is it right? Is it wrong? Is it good or bad? Of course Daoism teaches us the power of not being attached to good and bad or right and wrong. There is a middle way that is to be found not by following rules, but by following your feelings; looking at the options and going with what feels right for the current moment you are in. With this in mind, let us explore mirroring completely so that you can find your own middle way with it.

Shibashi is often taught to diverse groups seeking health and relaxation. For instructors, a key decision is whether to mirror the form – performing movements as a mirror image of the students (e.g., raising the right arm when students raise their left) – or to face the same direction, performing the form identically. Both approaches have merits and challenges, and understanding their implications can enhance teaching effectiveness. Let us explore the pros and cons of mirroring for us as Shibashi instructors.

Benefits of Mirroring

Mirroring is a widely used teaching technique in movement arts, and for good reason:

1. Clarity for Beginners: Shibashi’s flowing sequences, such as Dancing with Rainbows and Playing with Clouds can be confusing for novices. Mirroring allows students to follow the instructor’s movements directly, reducing confusion. When the instructor’s right arm moves, students naturally mimic with their left, creating a visual guide that feels intuitive.
2. Enhanced Engagement: Facing students while mirroring fosters eye contact and connection. This aligns with Shibashi’s emphasis on mindfulness and community, helping instructors gauge students’ understanding and energy. It creates a dynamic, interactive class environment.
3. Accessibility for Diverse Groups: Shibashi classes often include older adults or those with limited mobility. Mirroring simplifies instructions, minimising the need for verbal cues or mental translation (e.g., “Raise your left arm” while the instructor raises their right). This is especially helpful for students with cognitive or language barriers.

Drawbacks of Mirroring

Despite its advantages, mirroring has limitations:

1. Instructor Disorientation: Mirroring requires instructors to reverse their own muscle memory, which can be challenging, especially for complex Shibashi sequences like Scooping from the Sea. This may lead to mistakes or reduced fluidity, potentially confusing students or undermining the instructor’s confidence.
2. Limited Group Dynamics: In classes where students form a circle or face different directions (common in Qigong), mirroring becomes impractical. Students not directly facing the instructor may struggle to follow, as the mirrored movements won’t align with their perspective.
3. Over-Reliance on Visual Cues: Mirroring can make students overly dependent on watching the instructor, hindering their ability to internalise the form. Shibashi emphasises internal awareness and qi flow, which requires students to develop a sense of feeling the movements, not just mimicry.

Benefits of Non-Mirroring

Performing the form in the same direction as students (non-mirroring) has its own strengths:

1. Authenticity and Flow: Non-mirroring allows instructors to perform Shibashi as practised, preserving the natural rhythm and energy of the form. This can model the intended grace and mindfulness, inspiring students to emulate the quality of movement.
2. Encourages Independence: By facing the same direction, instructors encourage students to listen to verbal cues or follow along without direct visual imitation. This fosters a deeper understanding of the form, helping students practice independently outside class.
3. Adapts to Group Settings: Non-mirroring works better in circular or multi-directional setups, ensuring all students see the correct orientation of movements, regardless of their position.

Drawbacks of Non-Mirroring

Non-mirroring can be less intuitive for beginners, as students must mentally reverse the instructor’s movements (e.g., seeing the instructor’s right arm and using their own right arm). This can lead to confusion, especially in fast-paced sequences or with less experienced students. It may also feel less engaging, if the instructor’s back is to the class, reducing face-to-face connection. I run two main classes and in one class the students mirror me and in the other they don’t, but I face my students in both classes. I didn’t plan my classes this way, it’s just how they developed on their own. 

Finding a Balanced Approach

The choice to mirror or not depends on the class context – student experience, group size and setting. Many Shibashi instructors adopt a hybrid approach:

• Start with Mirroring: Use mirroring for beginners or when introducing new movements to build confidence and clarity.
• Transition to Non-Mirroring: Gradually shift to non-mirroring as students gain familiarity, encouraging them to internalise the form and rely on their own sense of Qi flow.
• Adapt to the Group: In mixed-level classes, alternate between approaches or use clear verbal cues (e.g., “Raise your right arm”) to bridge the gap. Assistants or co-instructors can also demonstrate the form from different angles.

Final thoughts

Mirroring in Shibashi instruction is a powerful tool for clarity and engagement, particularly for beginners, but it can challenge instructors and limit student independence. Non-mirroring preserves the form’s authenticity and fosters self-reliance but may confuse novices. By thoughtfully blending both approaches, instructors can honour Shibashi’s essence – harmony, flow, and mindfulness –  while meeting students’ needs. Ultimately, the best method is one that feels right for the instructor and helps students connect with the practice, cultivating health and inner