“I initially came to this YMCA because I wanted to be part of a pre-diabetes support group that was led by Donna Peart. This was and continues to be a great experience. While I was getting introduced to the ‘Y,’ I realized that they offered a Tai Chi class and I was able to take a couple of classes before COVID hit and everything came to an abrupt halt. I started volunteering to teach Tai Chi in September of 2020. I learned there was an opening for teaching Tai Chi. I thought this would be a great opportunity for me and after speaking with the past instructor and Donna it soon became a reality. I find the Y community to be very helpful and gracious. There’s much to learn and I’m grateful to be here. I have been fascinated with Tai Chi since my college years. The martial arts have always been a passion of mine. I obtained my black belt in Seido Karate in 2001. I became a certified instructor in Tai Chi via an organization called ‘Open the Door to Tai Chi.’ What I love about Tai Chi is that it is beautiful and graceful. Anyone can learn this, no matter how young or how old. It is great for improving one’s balance and stability. Although learning the 24 moves in the Yang style short form that I teach may take a matter of months, refining and mastering these moves and learning nuances may take a lifetime. Tai Chi is never rushed. It is truly meditation in motion. I hope that my students will find that along with increased balance and flexibility, freedom from stress and anxiety awaits. This practice teaches you patience and focus and enhances your ability to thrive in the here and now. We learn to embrace the present.”