About
About
Yang Family Tai Chi Instructor - Chris Wilson
I began studying tai chi in 1999 when I was inspired by eastern philosophy and began meditating. Mediation was very rewarding to me, but also very difficult, especially as I attempted it daily over several months. Not too long after that, I read about tai chi as a form of ‘moving mediation’ and this concept intrigued me very much. I thought that the idea of moving and meditating together would help keep my focus and attention as well as help with keeping my regular attempts at mediation on track. At that time I came across a VHS tape of the Yang Family long form and began practicing tai chi.
Why Study Tai Chi
The idea of the warrior monk has always resonated with me. Tai chi is a great expression of the warrior who is strong and courageous, balanced with the monk who is noble and wise. Along with the study of the movements and gaining strength, greater relaxation and balance, there is a vast amount of material to study ranging from ancient philosophy to the modern physics and anatomy. It is a great medium to take an idea and work to embody it to gain greater understanding.
As a young man I was not particularly interested in the health benefits of tai chi. Although I have experienced them over the years and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the health benefits of tai chi. Nor was I interested in the martial aspect of it. For me it has always been about connecting the mind, body and the breath or spirit. Sensing these aspects and making connections is a lifelong study and I would agree with many who say that tai chi is an art form above all else.
International Yang Family Tai Chi Association
In 2016 I began studying with the International Yang Family Association with Ken Burgess. In 2017 I became a Tai Chi Trainer, through the Yang Family TTM1 program, and began taking private lessons and teaching beginner classes under the direction of Holly Sweeney-Hillman. In 2021, I became an Associate Instructor in the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. I’m a member of the Teacher Academy that applies practical as well as academic curriculum such as pedagogy, anatomy and bio-mechanics to it’s classes in addition to, Chinese philosophy, Chinese language basics, Chinese Medicine, and Tai Chi Chuan.
Journey of Learning Tai Chi
I have had several teachers over the years and met many very interesting people learning Tai Chi. In addition to Yang Style I have studied Chen Style as well as Chang Meng Ch’ing Styles. All tai chi styles offer many great skills and it is hard say which one is the best. Personally, I enjoy the Yang Style best and the Yang Family Association offers a very sincere and approachable way to learn their style which I find to be exciting. I hope you will join me on this wonderful journey of learning the art of Tai Chi.
International Tai Chi Symposium 2019
In May 2019 I attended the International Tai Chi Symposium in the mountains of Selvino, Italy. Hundreds of people from 22 different countries came to practice tai chi and share their knowledge, experience and culture.
There were 6 grand masters, one representing each of the tai chi styles practiced in the world today. They gave classes daily to all of the attendees. We were able to learn their forms directly from them.
In addition, there were researchers from all over the world presenting their findings on the health benefits of tai chi.
Pictured to the right is myself with Grand Master Yang Jun.
Education / Licenses
~ Associate Instructor International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association
~ Silver Eagle Ranking International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association
~ Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) National Academic of Sports Medicine (NASM)
~ Certified Basic Life Support & CPR
~ Bachelor’s Degree Professional Communications
Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.