Bruce F.For me, since joining Tai Chi Mantis in 2001, the experience has been tremendously beneficial to me in so many ways. Since that time it has been a constant for me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The school has been through many changes but it has remained consistent and powerful as a staple in my life. I have learned the basics of both internal and external martial art and know that I can never give back what I have received. Sifu Wong cares about each of his students in a way that is rare in this time. His teachings are practical and difficult to maintain because they are not always consistent with my normal American thought process. This is good. I appreciate the balance that the practice gives me. It is a blessing to me and my family that I had the good fortune to find this institute. Still a beginner, I continue to press on, and have the intention of never stopping. David M.I visited a number of Tai Chi schools before settling at the Walnut Creek Tai Chi Institute. I was looking for a school in my area that taught Tai Chi. My primary interests are to learn the internal art of Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
This institute goes beyond the physical-external side of the arts. The once guarded secrets of Qi Gong are now coming out of China and I am enthused to learn this art. I have been cautious in finding an institute that has credible credentials.
Si-Fu Wong Lam Ling can explain the physical positioning of the limbs and body to promote the flow of Qi (human energy), the proper sequence of joints and limb movement, the Qi paths, and breathing and conditioning exercises to promote the flow of Qi and exercising ones internal organs. Many schools will only teach you the physical movements and will not cover any information about harvesting, nourishing, and moving ones Qi.
Si-Fu Wong Lam Ling and ShiJei Mei-Rung Huang are very patient with the students. It is amazing how many times ShiJei has demonstrated the same movement over and over. She never complains no matter how times (or how often) she needs to demonstrate the movements. It is evident that Sifu Wong is dedicated to teaching the art and is very interested in seeing his students’ progress. I have observed many times him asking people when they will be back so he can continue with their lesson. He always takes time to see how everyone is progressing and help you.
I found the other students to be very friendly and socialable (and discovered some students are really good cooks). Ed W.I've been at Tai Chi Mantis Institute for 4 yrs. When I started, I was severely overweight, had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. After 4 yrs I've lost 40 pounds and no longer need to take medication. I've also found that Qi Qong has help me feel more centered and calm in my day to day living and I feel much stronger and healthier. Emily Y.I have a very demanding job which requires me to sit in front of computer all day. Because of that, I have suffered from chronic shoulder pain and stomach acid reflux problems for a long time. Massage therapy usually gives me temporary release. My problems got so bad that at one point, my doctor even advised me to change my profession. Luckily, I joined Tai Chi Mantis two years ago. Coming to class has helped me focus my mind. Through the movement, my body is able to let go of my stress and tension. Tai chi helps me get back to the simplicity and calmness of life. It is also something fun that I can do with my husband. Fred G.I started training in the Mantis Kung Fu program about 8 ½ years ago with then teenage my daughter. Sifu Wong told me several times that “age is no barrier” to martial arts training. At first I doubted this advice. Now however, I have no doubt that Sifu Wong is correct. Over time, I have been asked to expand my training with Tai Chi Palm and Chen style Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and push hands. Today, I am easily in the best physical shape in my life, and have far more energy and endurance than my similarly aged professional peers. Beyond Kung Fu and Tai Chi sets, applications and so on, Sifu Wong, as well as our senior instructors Wayne and Mei, have all been inspirations to me. From them I have also learned much about the concepts of humbleness, self discipline and responsibility, not only as these concepts apply to the study of martial arts, but in life generally. Plus, to the extent you can enjoy an activity that leaves you sweaty, exhausted, sore, and occasionally bruised---its endlessly interesting, challenging and fun!! Joy H.I've been with this school since the early 1990s. It's a rare thing to find such a great family of dedicated students lead by a great teacher like Sifu Wong. He runs a very disciplined class, and teaches traditional martial arts, complete with the old school hard work. He inspires us all to strive to constantly improve and always push harder. Joining this martial arts school is not for the faint of heart. Each two hour class session consists of non-stop intense exercise. Our head teacher does not let us rest, which has helped me be in the fittest condition of my entire life. Practicing martial arts has become so addicting! I can't recommend this school highly enough. It's a martial arts school in the most traditional form and full of dedicated students and teachers. Something that is so rare to find these days. Kyle V.Regular practice of qigong and tai chi has resulted in many health benefits that I do not get from other forms of exercise. It has especially helped my focus and given me more energy, which has improved my performance in other activities. Tai chi is very challenging and enjoyable. Practice has become an important part of my routine. Sifu has high standards for students and is genuinely interested in helping us improve. Lee-Whei T.You probably cannot find a more diligent Tai-Chi/Qi-Kung master and teacher than Shi-fu. Shi-fu Wong works tirelessly with us, expecting that we can improve our skills not just for the appearance but from within. A lot of times, he is like a 'father' constantly reminding us to practice and practice, and wishing that we may one day reach perfection. Maki T.While I can't say that I feel younger or healthier now than before I started learning Tai Chi because I started when I was young and healthy, I can say this: I've been with this school for over 10 years and I feel just as young and healthy as the day I started. I have especially noticed that the backaches I used to have are gone. I think is because I've been properly trained how to stand so that my back is in proper alignment. I'm extremely lucky to find a school like this, a school that dedicates itself to being a true school, not a business. Its teachers are unpaid, and are 100% committed to helping their students improve and grow. I hope to stay with this school for many years to come. Marie C.The traditional structure of this school has remained extremely appealing to me and my husband since it emphasizes the values & moral principles we instill at home. As parents, we felt comfortable and confident placing our children in an environment that promotes the same values of self discipline, self esteem and most importantly the respect and generosity towards others that any parent would want their children to adopt. The school proved to be a wholesome activity that was a great help to us especially during our children’s teenage years. The physical and mental training pushes me to focus my energy and help my body to achieve things I would never have imagined possible. Each level of progress opens up another whole new set of challenges. The training never ends and provides an increasing sense of comfort with your body and mind; training with awareness of how your body is working inside as well as outside, I feel I have experienced increased general health, fitness, coordination, flexibility and balance. Furthermore, I feel that the knowledge and skills that I have acquired and practice at the Tai Chi Mantis Institute have helped me to become a better person in every facet of my life. One of the most important lessons I have learned during my training with Sifu Wong is fairly simple: Live a pure, selfless life while continuously questioning yourself and strive to become a better person not only for your own benefit, but to make a positive impact on society. I am honored for myself and my family to be a part of the Tai Chi Mantis System. |