I began curling at the age of 10 and maintained my curling practice every winter through the age of 17. I played an additional half-season in my early twenties-unfortunately financial cost combined with limited time and energy have kept me off the ice since then, but I still love watching the sport. I began practicingContinue reading “Tai Chi And Curling: Why I Love Both”
Tag Archives: Chen Tai Chi
Tai Chi in Winter: Tips for Practice
I have previously written on practicing tai chi in winter and why I love it. Today, I want to take a slightly different tack and share some tips for winter practice as someone who regularly practices in Canadian winters in southwestern Ontario. A few caveats are in order: You know your body best; don’t justContinue reading “Tai Chi in Winter: Tips for Practice”
On Crisis and Authority: With Romans 13, Chen style Tai Chi, PM Carney, and ICE
I recently saw an Instagram post by Reverend Joash Thomas on Romans 13 and ICE which served as an inspiration and catalyst to share some reflections of my own. You can view that original post here. Introducing Romans 13 The part of Romans 13 which is invoked far too often in times like these isContinue reading “On Crisis and Authority: With Romans 13, Chen style Tai Chi, PM Carney, and ICE”
Why I Love Tai Chi Demos (Of A Certain Type)
I’ve had the opportunity recently to offer tai chi demonstrations, and I am preparing for an upcoming demo. The benefits and drawbacks of tai chi demonstrations are often debated so I want to share why I personally love tai chi demos-with a necessary caveat. My Story When I was 12 years old, I went toContinue reading “Why I Love Tai Chi Demos (Of A Certain Type)”
Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026: A New Year’s Reflection
Today is New Year’s Eve Day. As such, here are some milestones in my life from the past year. Work Anniversary In March, I marked two years as an employee of the City of Guelph. Taijiquan Anniversaries In April, I marked 21 years as a practitioner of taijiquan, and in May I marked 10 yearsContinue reading “Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026: A New Year’s Reflection”
International Day Of Persons with Disabilities 2025
Today marks the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD aka dyspraxia) by the time I was 8. It was also noted by that time that I had severe anxiety and significant depression, including already demonstrating risk factors for suicide. In my twenties I received additional diagnosesContinue reading “International Day Of Persons with Disabilities 2025”
My Tai Chi Journey
If you are new to Hoggs Chen Tai Chi Praxeum, this is an excellent place to learn more about why I am so passionate about tai chi in general, and Chen style tai chi in particular. When I was around eight years old, I was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD, aka dyspraxia). I alsoContinue reading “My Tai Chi Journey”
Tai Chi And Dyspraxia
This week marks Dyspraxia Awareness Week in the UK. To mark the occasion, I will share some of my experience as someone with dyspraxia and the ways in which taijiquan has impacted that experience. Background I was diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), which is the official name for dyspraxia in Canada, when I wasContinue reading “Tai Chi And Dyspraxia”
Tai Chi and Christianity: A Personal Reflection In Honour of Asian Heritage Month
This month is Asian Heritage Month, being observed by the Canada and the United Church of Canada. This Sunday was specifically devoted to Asian Heritage, and I thought I’d share some of my reflections on this day. I will note that I am a white, cisgender, heterosexual male in Ontario, Canada coming from a middleContinue reading “Tai Chi and Christianity: A Personal Reflection In Honour of Asian Heritage Month”
Poem: Tai Chi In The Park
I standIn the parkBare-chested.I breatheJust breathe.Then I moveLoosen my bodySlowly but surelyUntil it is time.I do my routinesMy drillsFour variants in all.Bare-handed routinesSaber and sword routinesThe basicsRemain the same.Sweat covers me.My heart beats fast.My breath quickens.My body is pushedTo its utter limitYet meets the challengeAll the same.My mind is utterly focusedOn the momentNo room forContinue reading “Poem: Tai Chi In The Park”
The Dreamers' Corner 