Transformation Through Tai Chi

My experience with the Hua Ying Wushu & Tai Chi Academy has been exceptionally beneficial to me on several levels. I wish to explain how I think I’ve benefitted:

Body

I have always had a weight problem that I’ve managed throughout my life. I’ve done a lot of damage to my joints throughout the years from both carrying extra weight and rigorous physical work. Even though I’m losing weight now, repairing the damage is important to me as well. Tai Chi has helped me to focus on the nuances of movement, and in doing so, my balance, strength, and precision have improved even beyond what I’ve spent a lifetime developing. Even just the basics, or jibengong, of the training offer this benefit. Bao Laoshi does an amazing job of making sure that my form is correct for safety and that I’m progressing properly. Furthermore, at the doctor, my blood pressure used to be a little high, but since training Tai Chi, it’s come down to the normal range. This is a huge victory.

Mind

Focus is always a problem for me. I’ve worked on mindfulness and meditation, but something about the physical aspect of Tai Chi really grounds my mind and enables me to focus on the present. But this ability doesn’t just stop when I’m done training, it carries forward into other situations in life — business meetings, being with family, and even other forms of exercise. Tai Chi also helps me calm racing thoughts throughout my mind. Doing some of the exercises before bed has completely changed my sleep for the better. But better focus and clarity in the day is a great benefit that I’ve had, and doing small bits of Tai Chi throughout the day has had a dramatic impact on my effectiveness at work.

Spirit

In the constant struggle for balance in mental health, Tai Chi has been beyond amazing. My ability to emotionally self-regulate was fairly honed before I began, but something about the slow, flowing movements while in stances, the transfer of weight, focusing on every muscle in the body all come together and give me a more sophisticated toolkit for dealing with life. Hua Ying as a school and Bao Laoshi in particular have been incredibly encouraging, yet firm in holding me accountable. I feel like I have more and more good days than I used to before starting Tai Chi.

DISCLAIMER: You must bring the proper attitude to training, both in how you conduct yourself and your willingness to simply listen and follow instructions. Do not think this will be an easy “watch and follow” type thing. It’s important that you follow details for safety as you train, and also that you be patient. It will be a learning process. My “relaxation” from Tai Chi usually comes at the end of my training sessions. Focusing on the fine motor movements will take time, so be patient with yourself and trust Bao Laoshi’s wisdom and experience.

I cannot thank them enough for offering their training to the world!

-Blake Hoffmeyer-