Student Views

I have been taking Chris' Tai Chi class for 18 months. It's been a deeply rewarding experience and a very important part of my life. I have increased my strength, endurance and feelings of well-being, and my ability to be attuned to the inner flow of energy that Tai Chi enhances. Chris teaches in a way that makes the practice challenging, enjoyable and fulfilling. He is very generous in sharing his passion for Tai Chi, conveying the depth and beauty of this ancient practice and weaving in the philosophy behind it. He is one of those rare individuals who always goes the extra mile with unfailing dedication and good humor. (Marci Manderscheid)

Before taking the class, my balance had become less steady with each passing year. At 72 years and with 6 months practicing in Chris' Yang Long Form class, my balance, muscle tone and concentration improved noticeably. Those benefits also helped me in many areas outside of the Tai Chi class. I appreciate Chris' teaching by gestalt rather than the more traditional method of instruction with endless repetition of a movement before progressing to the next posture. He provides detailed corrections and extensive positive reinforcement and I am delighted with my progress. It's a pleasure to feel my body getting stronger and developing better balance with each class. (Gordon Held)

As a 66 yr. old woman who hadn't exercised in 20 years, smoked for 50 years and recently experienced a minor stroke, I found this Tai Chi class a perfect combination of disciplined movement, mental concentration and spiritual awareness. Chris teaches every class with complete dedication, detailed instruction and a profound knowledge of this martial art form and its ancient tradition. He treats our mistakes as an opportunity to explore a deeper understanding of the movement, and brings a sense of inner joy to every class. After more than a year of practice, I feel stronger, more balanced and have more positive energy than I ever imagined. (Lee Gallery)

For years, I searched in China and the U.S. for a teacher of the Yang Long Form of Tai Chi Chuan. Chinese teachers are good practitioners, but use the "learn-by-rote" tradition; "Follow me, copy what I do, repeat and practice hard, eventually you will find the way." Chinese students do not ask questions and teachers do not explain. I didn't find "my way" under this approach. I was introduced to Chris' Tai Chi class and began to see the importance of precision in posture and position. He shares the background, reason and mechanics of each posture and repeatedly drills our class in order to create mental and muscular memory. Over time, things sink in. As a martial art, Tai Chi is an astute study of retreat and counter attack, which engenders heightened observation of environment and opponent. Chris' demonstration of the Tai Chi movements is a graceful expression of kinetic art. The psychological and philosophical lessons imparted in this class represent a body of knowledge and wisdom amassed by sages throughout the ages and will benefit any student in every aspect of their life. (Sue Yung Li Ikeda)

There is a misperception in Western cultures that Tai Chi is only for the elderly. As a martial artist, mountain climber and Ironman athelete, Tai Chi has taken my abilities to a whole new level. Serious athletes, regardless of age, will find Tai Chi produces tangible results quickly and their progress will be accretive. Finding the right instructor is critical. Chris has great knowledge of the Form and an uncanny ability to make subtle corrections to our alignment. He uses many training tools including demonstrations, posture corrections, chi cultivation exercises and print/video/audio media. I highly recommend Chris' Tai Chi class. (Darryl Hannington)

The class has helped my strength, stamina and self confidence. From the very beginning, I noticed my legs became stronger and I was able to walk the hills in San Francisco without frequent stops. When I first began the class, I would never have thought I could remember all 108 moves in the form-----but I have. It has also helped improve my balance which I shows up in little activities throughout the day. And the best part of the class, it’s fun. Gordon and I have a healthy activity we can do together and we've met good friends in the group. (Julia Held)

I was searching for an exercise program while recovering from an illness that had disrupted my usual business and workout routines. I came across Chris' Tai Chi class and have been delighted with how mentally and physically challenging the class is but also how much fun we have. Chris has a special gift for teaching both the form and the philosophy of this tradition. Root, foundation, channels, soft but strong, relaxed yet alert, achieving more with less effort; Chris teaches the class as a metaphor for life. In addition to improving my strength, flexibility, balance and overall health, I have become more calm with better clarity in my personal and professional relationships. What a silver lining this class has been during a very difficult time. I wish I had discovered this practice years ago. Now that I have returned to work, I am determined to continue to make regular Tai Chi practice a part of my life.