Need help finding an “authentic” tai chi master/instructor in Central Florida.
By “authentic”, I’m trying to weed out the many martial arts/new age schools that have added tai chi to their curriculum but have no formal training. <no insult intended>
I’ve practiced both Yang and Wu styles in the past and am looking to start training again. The first step always seems to be the hardest!
Any suggestions/pointers would be greatly appreciated!!
Greetings..
Masters?.. that is a distinction you will have to make for yourself, but.. There is Liang-Gway Chang that teaches in the Park, downtown Winter Park (North end under the band-shell), there is the Wah Lum Temple under the direction of Suzy Chan (GrandMaster Chan Pui’s wife).. Tom Turcotte, Chinese Martial Arts Academy, Lila Scholar teaches in the park at Mead Gardens.. oh, and of course there’s me.. Another good resource is East Coast Martial Arts Supply on Colonial Drive between Fern Creek and Bumby, they know practically everyone in the area.. There are several other people teaching around town and i suggest that you visit as many as possible and let your gut-feeling lead you..
As for myself, i teach Yang, Chen, weapons, QiGong, ChinNa, Applications, combat/sparring, philosophy, health/healing, etc.. I am not trying to sell myself or put another school down, my interest is in the well-being of the student and that begins with a personal choice.. When you visit schools ask the students questions like:
Are “internal principles” carefully explained and emphasized?
Are the different postures and transitions detailed as to applications?
Do you get to push-hands regularly, with instruction?
Can you train with other people/schools to broaden your experience?
Do you feel like the teachers/instructors respect the students?
Is there a personal interest by the Laoshi (teacher)?.. a warmth or comfort level that is inviting?
Ask others about the reputation of an instructor.
If you are going to pursue Tai Chi, find an instructor that “feels right”, check their credentials.. and, if they put down other schools, beware.. That is not the signature of a teacher with confidence in his/her own abilities.. If you wish to discuss this further please use the private message (PM) feature to contact me.. i will be happy to help you find a teacher that works for You..
Be well..