Overview
Taoist Tai Chi Society (2004-2015)
Taoist Tai Chi
108 form
East Mountain Internal Arts (formerly Stone Lantern Internal Arts) (2015-Present)
Chen Style Tai Chi
Chen 18 form, Old Frame 1 and 2, New Frame 1 & 2, Sword, Broadsword/Sabre, Push-Hands, Applications, Silk-Reeling, Qigong
TNT Kung Fu (2020-Present)
Chen style tai chi
Old Frame 1 and 2, New Frame 1 & 2, Applications, Silk-Reeling, Qigong
Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei Workshops
Chen style tai chi Old Frame 1 at TNT Kung Fu (December 2022)
Chen style tai chi Old Frame 2 at TNT Kung Fu (June 2024)
Beginning My Tai Chi Journey
I began studying tai chi with the Taoist Tai Chi Society at the age of 12. I was dealing with anxiety, depression, and a diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)/dyspraxia. Tai chi was a way to improve my health. The Taoist Tai Chi Society taught a variant of the Yang style 108 form and I practiced with them for many years. The Taoist Tai Chi Society does not teach martial applications.
Changing Styles
As I improved my tai chi practice, and learned more about the theory behind tai chi, I saw some shortcomings in the Taoist Tai Chi Society and desired to learn a more traditional style. In 2015, I began studying the Chen style and knew instantly that I could never go back to Taoist Tai Chi. The Chen style’s embodiment of yin and yang, its physical demands, and its emphasis on martial applications all stood out and called to me.
My Current Practice
My practice of Chen style taijiquan is a daily companion and my body and mind have changed for the better in nearly every way as a result. Currently, I practice on my own for about 2 hours a day including warm-ups, foundational drills such as silk-reeling and qigong, forms practice, and applications. I also attend class in-person weekly, and review on-demand videos on occasion. Finally, I attend more advanced workshops when possible.
The Dreamers' Corner 