The REAL TaiChi

TaiChi is all the rage, but is your instructor versed or faking the funk? I’ve been teaching since 2011, Been practicing since 1996, and I study an ancient form of Taiji Chuan, from the Chen Dynasty. Watching instructors turn to dance choreography is nice and soft, but not enough for me to join their classes.

Dancy style versions are a water down version of some of the best self-defense training you could ever receive. Certifications for TaiChi Chuan went up, but they are not very credible to the martial art. A philosophy I love, the ancient master I follow, developed The Way of Self-Reliance. The Way of Walking Alone. For me, The Master is within. I was free to study, practice and apply with no stress. I honor the book teachings in a variety of martial arts, no influencers, no Youtube vids. My colleagues were trying to become online famous, and fake this while I studied alone, for hours and trained, yes until my hands bled, and to the point of exhaustion. Not everyone is willing to go that deep, but I’m a diver & innovator!

While I give it to my colleagues for mastering the techniques of set styles, their versions differ drastically from mine.

TaiChi V. TaiJi

What is the difference, you say? Not much in the way that it just evolved. The origin of the Taiji developer already had Shaolin KungFu, (which originated in India) and Quigong. According to the legend, (which varies in several books and teachings, it’s a legend, after all) He developed the style after seeing a bird and a snake fight. The snake was calm before striking, and this was the catalyst. Years later, the Chen dynasty adopted and enhanced Taiji to make TaiChi, The GRAND Ultimate fist. 60 movements (most study 25) and this style became more popular in the 1930’s Chi, is energy and we all have this inner dragon, but you don’t get to ride him with paper certifications. You must first open the gates, and hone this energy. If you are a mover, get distracted easily, you’ll have a bit of trouble with the flow. I believe I have given the perfect balance, because that’s me. Always moving, doing, and creating, but now I can slow down and enjoy the stillness after the fire.

Bruce Lee, was a badass actor and chuck norris was cool, but I liked him better as Walker, Texas ranger. Donnie Yen is more skilled, in my view, but none of these skilled, great men were my role models. I searched for the dragon everyday within me, and when I first tasted him, I had never felt ANYTHING like this come from any workout, and I was trying all of them. I don’t give this away, so this is all I will say about that.

I’ve come across some smug characters who practice KungFu, MMA, Capoeira and other forms that will tell you if you don’t have colored belts that deem you a master, you’re not a martial artist. This is great for the Olympics, Movies, and performative showcasing, as the skill is honed with little room for diversity & it’s mostly repetition. I actually thought the belt system was a little trivial myself, I was developing my own education and martial arts techniques are just a piece of what I created. Most instructors get away from the purpose of martial arts, and this is to develop the technique, then apply the individual style. Usually it’s done the other way around. Over stylized basic technique can make anyone think they’re a master, and it’s great for marketing, but it is hollow in nature due to little or no foundational technique in how to apply the force correctly.

Working with Community

I made a home with ACRS and began teaching Seniors my style of TaiChi. At first I wasn’t sure if they liked it. Class numbers went from 10 to almost 70 people, and who knows how many more on the livestream, so in fitness marketing, this is HUGE. they love it, they’ve lost weight and THIS is what I DO! If you’re interested in sessions with no monthly obligation or subscription, check us out! We do performances for holiday parties and Lunar New Year. I just love the cultural arts and decorations the team there does, and we have it a real success.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026 HERE COME THE DRAGON!