Tai Chi Testimonial

Jody receives her Yellow Sash certificate in Tai Chi

Jody Karr, Shaolin-Do Tai Chi Yellow Sash student

"Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the opportunity to learn Tai Chi with you...I'm enjoying the practice as well as the community you're building in your school.  It's fun to be in a multi-generational community.  Youth and elders moving and earning together creates a rich experience for everyone.  

Since I've been a yoga teacher for a long time, I also tend to notice things I appreciate about other teachers' strategies and techniques.  Sometimes feedback is hard to come by, so I thought I'd share some reflections with you:-).  I admire the way you don't give excessive corrections early on...for me, it felt good to settle into the newness of the movements without being singled out in the group.  I enjoy the information you share about the historical context of Tai Chi, the times you share the Chinese names of things, and the experiences from your travels in China. 

Like Tai Chi, yoga is also an ancient philosophy and practice rooted in a culture that's vastly different from Western culture.  We attempt to compartmentalize almost everything in our culture, while yoga and Tai Chi grew from cultures with strong belief in the interconnectedness of all things.  Yoga is about union, and the philosophy of yoga has 8 limbs of practice...the physical practice (asana) is just one of the limbs.  As I'm learning about Tai Chi, I'm reading about Tao, oneness, and the ideas of balance in all things.  I think these practices are sorely needed in our culture!  I'm grateful that you're bringing such an important perspective and practice to the area."

-- I want to thank Jody for taking the time to write such kind words. I'd love to hear your feeback about Kung Fu or Tai Chi!

-- Master Mike