Tai Chi Alive: Meditation In Motion

I usually have an initial phone consultation to find out specifically what the client wants to work on. Then we determine where the client would like to meet for practice; at my house, their house or at a local park. Then we set up a date and time and take it from there.

I have been practicing Tai Chi / Qigong for more than 12 years, but I've also been a martial artist for the past 14 years. I began my training in Tang Soo Do (Korean 'hard-style' Karate) under G.M. Ho Sik Pak in Los Angeles where I earned a black belt. I then began training under G.M. David Reed and earned a third degree black belt and 'kyosa' instructor certification. I presently practice and teach at G.M. Reed's studio in Reseda, CA. Besides Tang Soo Do I have studied Wing Chung, Jeet Kun Do and Wei Kun Do.

My private one-on-one lessons start at $70 for a one hour session. I also offer two-on-one for $35 / person, three-on-one for $25 / person, and four or more for $20 / person. I also offer a reduced monthly rate for one-on-one clients who want to meet on a weekly basis.

When I was in my early twenties I was an avid weight lifter, and severly hyperextended my lower back doing squats. What followed was several years of extreme pain and frustration. At a certain point I was encouraged to seek alternative healing as traditional approaches were simply not working. I reluctantly joined a local Tai Chi group but within 6 months the pain had almost completely gone. Being ever the skeptic, I decided that it was 'too good to be true' and stopped the practice. Within a few months, the pain had returned and so from that point on I was hooked and never turned back. I'm definitely not saying this will be the case for everyone but for me, Tai Chi literally saved my physical health.

I have had clients from every walk of life. From kids to the elderly and from athletes to the physically disabled. No matter where a person is at, Tai Chi / Qigong can be beneficial if they are willing to try it with an open mind.

Beside being a Tai Chi instructor I'm also an artist and have been painting for more than 30 years. My present painting series is inspired by Taoist philosophy. Before working on each piece I do a series of Qigong breathing sets and then perform the Tai Chi 24 form. Then I am able to sit in front of the piece and create freely and fluidly. If you'd like to check out my artwork you can see it below! IG Name: skeegoedhart

There are a million opinions on what makes a great Tai Chi instructor. Here are a few of my own thoughts: - Fundamentally it's important to find someone who has a deep sense of compassion and empathy toward his / her client. - Life is often serious but Tai Chi doesn't have to be! Please seek out someone who is professional but also exudes a healthy degree of light-heartedness and fun. Tai Chi should be both mentally and physically stimulating but definitely not bootcamp! - Tai Chi without the breath and visualization is just cardio! Find an instructor who understands the great importance of blending Tai Chi / Qigong movement with deep, belly breath and visualization. These are the essence of the art and anything else is simply exercise. On the technical side here's another answer: It is important to find a Tai Chi instructor who is proficient in both the spiritual/health and martial aspects of the art. Tai Chi was originally created as a fighting style and must be understood (at least on some level) with that in mind. The movements, no matter how beautiful, do have practical, martial, application and I believe it is important that the practitioner is given that understanding.