How did you first get interested in martial arts/Tai Chi?

When I was 11 years old a Martial Arts School opened up near by and I can remember begging my mother to let me take classes… She said ‘no’ mainly due, in part, to her lack of understanding about the philosophy of non-violence within all aspects of Martial Arts. So in 1979 after fours year away at prep school in New Hampshire and with my own money I started studying a style known as American Kempo. As my ability and interest grow over the next 10-12 years I branched out in to other Arts: Shau-lin Chin-na, Iaido (the way of drawing the sword), and finally the internal arts (Tai chi ch’uan, Hsing yi chuan, and Ba gua zhang).

How long have you been practicing martial arts/Tai Chi?

I have been studying Tai Chi Ch’uan for more than 15 years and teaching the Martial Arts full time for 20 years. I AM JUST A BEGINNER.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi Ch’uan is an ancient martial art taught in modern times for health and longevity. Through the study of powerful and graceful movements, each student becomes more balanced and centred and aware of their inner strength, which allows one to live a healthier and stress free life.

What can a new student expect in their first Tai Chi class?

A newcomer to Tai Chi will learn to gain confidence and work on the basic level one Chi Kung exercises (including breath work), learn to relax, to slow down to a more comfortable pace, and have FUN studying yourself.

Tell us a little about your teaching philosophy.

My teaching philosophy is to help each and ever student grow, though awareness, the study of themselves and natural law, which over time link the Mind, body, and Spirit into one. Creating a more enlightened and graceful human experience.

What are some of the benefits of Tai Chi?

There are both mental and physical benefits. The mental benefits include: Stress reduction, Discipline, Awareness, Character building, Focus. The Physical benefits include Strength, Flexibility, Muscle tone, More energy, weight control, and sleep regulation

Tell us a little about yourself?

I have Bachelors of Science from Wachusett Collage in Public Communications. I hold several Black belts in different Martial Arts under several different masters and a teaching cert. in Tai Chi Chuan.

Some of my passions outside of martial arts include: Traveling, Music, Scuba diving, Porsche motorcars, Cooking and fine wine, Trap, skeet and sporting clay shooting.

Anything else you’d like to share?

THE SECRET SONG OF TAI CHI CH’UAN

The “Song of Secrets” for training in the 13 techniques (As usual, much of its poetry is lost in the translation, but the meaning remains)

Do not underestimate the thirteen techniques; The source of life is at the waist. Pay attention to ‘apparent’ and ‘solid’, Without hindrance chi flows with grace. Stillness in movement, movement in stillness, Adjust according to what the situation is. Every move most be guided by will. Combat efficiency will be achieved with ease. All the time pay attention to your waist, The abdomen is charged with chi and might. The spine is straight and full of spirit; The whole body is relaxed with the head upright. Be attentive to the details in every move, Spontaneous let your movements be. A teachers guidance is needed to enter the way, When accomplished, unrestricted by the rules are you. What is so difficult about the form? Mind and energy are the king. What is the aim of tai chi chuan practice? Health and vitality and the eternal spring.