Empire Tai Chi Inc

I started Tai Chi classes five years ago to help with balance issues. The first benefit from doing Tai chi is that bone growth in my hip and spine improved and I stopped medication. The second benefit is the training in relaxation meditation technique and learning the process to release tension while increasing energy. I thought these were separate from Tai Chi until the recent special classes led by Gene to show how integral they are. I recently had to have an MRI and I was very nervous. As I was being put in the machine, I closed my eyes and began the preparation for Sung Breathing, a technique to relax tension from the body. At one point during the test, I was almost asleep. .

I have been involved (on and off) with the martial arts since the early 70's and have been blessed to be able to train with a few extraordinary teachers. Under Gene Nelson I've studied Tai Chi, Qigong, Neigong and Dao Yin, and over time I've found him to be that rare teacher who is able to combine an intuitive teaching style with a deep reservoir of knowledge including the ability to communicate the teaching on both an intellectual and experiential level.

In addition to the regular classes, Gene offers workshops and a wealth of reading material for any student who would like to delve further into the practice. My experience here has been very good, and I've thoroughly enjoyed both the classes and the workshops. I've seen a great improvement in my energy levels, my sleep patterns, my balance and my ability to concentrate for longer periods of time. Gene is an excellent teacher and this is a wonderful venue for any beginning or advanced student interested in this beautiful, transformative art.

I attended a workshop given by Sifu Gene today, one in a series over the past two years. The workshop was a discussion and practical application of the ten backcourt principles of T'ai Chi. Gene broke down the mystical aspect "Raise the Spirit to Heaven", according to the T'ai Chi Classics, and broke it down to the practical meaning, stand with your head erect(which is a simplification on my part). But he took something that sounded very esoteric and slightly mystical and gave it a practical explanation. The best part though was he was able to have the students put each principle into actual practice. His workshops, and classes, are all geared to the experiential. I was able to immediately apply these principles to my from and to understand how I had actually been applying several during my past practice. It was overall an excellent experience.

I have been taking Tai Chi for the past three years because I needed to do something healthy for my body; I needed to work on my bone health, balance, gait and posture. What I didn’t expect, even though I believe in the body-mind connection, is that it would also be very beneficial for me mentally. Gene Nelson has been a great teacher-challenging me in both body and mind, and pushing me out of my comfort zone at times. The beginning work that I have been doing and practicing is spilling into all aspects of my life in a very positive way. I attended a workshop this past weekend that was excellent. Gene reviewed the ten principles of Tai Chi and had us apply them to our form. The experience made the principles come alive in a real and tangible way.

I have been studying with Sifu Gene Nelson at Empire T'ai Chi for the past year and have to say he is the most detailed instructor I have ever studied with. He concentrates on the qualitative experience rather than the quantitative experience and I have seen him always going that extra mile for any student willing to put in the work required. Nothing is ever done without a reason well grounded in T'ai Chi practice. This is a T'ai Chi class, not a T'ai Chi form class so expect a diverse and well rounded experience that is well worth the work.
I attended a workshop given by Sifu Gene today, one in a series over the past two years. The workshop was a discussion and practical application of the ten backcourt principles of T'ai Chi. Gene broke down the mystical aspect "Raise the Spirit to Heaven", according to the T'ai Chi Classics, and broke it down to the practical meaning, stand with your head erect(which is a simplyfication on my part). But he took something that sounded very esoteric and slightly mystical and gave it a practical explaination. The best part though was he was able to have the students put each principle into actual practice. His workshops, and classes, are all geared to the experiential. I was able to immediately apply these principles to my from and to understand how I had actually been applying several during my past practice. It was overall an excellent experience.