Tai Chi Chuan

[apostate]

Can anyone suggest a taijiquan school in Houston, preferably on the West side?

I dabbled in martial arts when I was younger -- primarily Japanese styles -- but I haven't been to a dojo in 5+ years. I'd like to get back into martial arts. However, for reasons not known to my conscious mind, I now find myself drawn to tai chi chuan.

Ideally I'd prefer a school with a balance between the physical/body, spiritual/mental and martial aspects of the art.

Thanks!

[dukesean]

Sorry, I don't have any suggestions, but I will say this about Tai Chi Chuan. My grandfather has been doing it every single morning for most of his life. He is having his 100th birthday celebration this summer. Oh and yes he still does it every morning, even at 99.

[Calabash-kid]

You can try Jeff Bolt's school. http://www.jeffbolt1.com/

Jeff was one of the founders of American kung fu. His tai chi class certainly used to be one of the best. He also teaches tai chi sword and other weapons.

Jerry

[Skiprr]

If Humble isn't too far away from you, I can recommend Wang's Martial Arts, http://www.wangsmartialarts.com/. I first met Yun Yang Wang over 30 years ago when he was assisting Cheng Gwei Yung. He teaches Yang style.

Another Yang style possibility is the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, http://www.houstonshaolin.com/. Shi Xing Hao has a strong resume, but I can't comment on how much Tai Chi is a focus at the kwoon.

For Chen style, the best-known name is Cheng Jincai, http://www.chenstyletaichi.com/.

I think you'll find most of the activity is in west Houston, in the Asian community near Bellaire and the Beltway. Largely because of its diversity, Houston has long had a strong martial arts presence. As early as the '70s, Houston was right up there in options with California, Seattle, and New York.