Tai Chi
I spent the summer of 1996 teaching English in Hong Kong. While I was there, I ran across a tiny little booklet promoting the 24 Posture Simplified Tai Chi From created in 1958 by the Chinese National Physical Culture and Sports Commission.
I had never seen Tai Chi; I probably hadn't even ever heard of it, but I fell in love with the idea. For years, I tried to learn from books and videos, and I always failed. Some things are best learned in person, and Tai Chi is one of those things.
It took somewhere around 20 years before I finally found the time, finances, and teacher to begin my own Tai Chi journey. I was living in Palermo (Sicily) and began learning Tung Style Tai Chi from Gabriella Moro. I loved it.
When I moved back to the states, I searched out a variety of instructors and couldn't find any who taught Tai Chi in a way that connected with me, so I figured my days of learning Tai Chi were done, until - one night, I learned that Master Alex Dong (a relative of my Italian Teacher's teacher) is based in New York City. Master Alex eventually put me in contact with his premier instructor, Sifu Jeff Pastoressa, who miracolously lives just 15 minutes away from me.
Since then, I have continued to learn and am excited to have permission to share some of what
I've learned with others.
Master Alex is the fourth generation of the Dong (Tung) style masters. Though Dong Style Tai Chi has its roots in the Yang branch, under the guidance of the Dong family it has developed into a profoundly balanced system.
There are no belts to earn and no tests to pass. Tai Chi is about helping you find balance - learning how to unlearn the bad habits you've developed over the years and teach your body and mind how to function in a coordinated and holistic way.
While I currently do not have any regularly classes, I am happy to schedule lessons with individuals and small groups. Each lesson will last about an hour and will include practice of Fundamental Qigong numbers 1, 2 and/or 3 and the Simplified Form.
You don't need to be in good shape or have any experience to begin - Tai Chi is suitable for all ages and abilities! The sooner you begin, the sooner you will start reaping the rewards.