Long ago, Tai Chi (Taijiquan) was a system of battlefield fighting. Today, Tai Chi is a perfect exercise because it conditions the body, grows the spirit, and strengthens the mind. It is also a means of personal expression for millions of people around the world, an exotic paintbrush that can produce works of art as deep, rich, surprising, and rewarding as the people who wield it. Yet Tai Chi is more than an art form, a physical exercise, and a wondrous lens through which to see the world; it is a philosophy that can be lived, a lifestyle through which we can realize high ideals, and a complete recipe for health longevity, happiness, and power. - "Tai Chi The Perfect Exercise" by Monk Yun Rou.
The Tao that can be discussed is not really the Tao.
Things in the world are only temporary reflections of Tao.
The flow of Tao is all that really exists.
Our language and beliefs and categories
Are only fabrications wich help us make sense of its flow.
In order to understand this, one has to first learn how to relax,
In order to experience this, one has to first learn how to unlearn.
The world is made of and by Tao,
And Tao is evidenced by the workings of the world.
Tao and the world may seem separate
But that is only because we are hardwired to see it that way.
- "Tao Te Ching Annotated Edition" by Oliver Benjamin.
I began my formal Chen Taiji training in 2011 with my Sifu Monk Yun Rou and I continued my training with Sibak Todd Plager and Sigung Max Gaofei Yan.
Taijiquan has transformed my life, but it was not "love at first sight". Taijiquan, in my experience, doesn't offer instant reward, like other physical exercises such as jogging or a Zumba class at the gym do. Taijiquan is a demanding art, it takes a lot of work mentally and physically, but if you commit yourself to this lifestyle Taiji will transform you and you will find health, happiness, balance, and strength, it will truly make you a better you, and Taoist philosophy will make you a better human being filling your life with compassion and kindness.
Once you fall in love with Taijiquan the rewards are countless and all that hard work will turn into pure enjoyment, you will find yourself craving the practice everyday.
I feel that is my time now to share what I have learned and help with the continuation of this beautiful art.
This website is a work in progress I will be adding more videos and information, please come back again soon. I teach Tai Chi and Qigong private lessons in the Boca Raton, Florida area, if you're interested email me here