I began my exploration into T’ai Chi Chih in September of 2014, when I dropped into a practice at the Presbyterian Healthplex, here in Albuquerque. It was billed as a class, but it was actually an ongoing practice. Fortunately for me, the practice leader, accredited teacher Betty Farnham, allowed me to stay for the practice and follow along as best I could. I felt the chi between my hands on that very first day and knew this was something important. I stayed with the practice and eventually learned the movements, guided by Betty and by Dee Hey, the “official” teacher at the Healthplex. At home I practiced daily with Pam Towne’s instructional DVD.

It was a couple of years before I discovered the T’ai Chi Center and met Carmen Brocklehurst, whose loving approach to T’ai Chi Chih and her students brought me deeper into the Joy Thru Movement.

Though never really wanting to be a teacher, I gradually began to feel the need to share the joy with others. I kept meeting people who wanted to learn T’ai Chi Chih, but students are on their honor not to teach until they become accredited instructors. By then I knew that becoming a teacher was the direction I wanted to take.

Carmen Brocklehurst and Dora Wiemann led me and several other Albuquerque candidates through the lengthy and intense teacher training process, and in November 2018, we were accredited in Albuquerque by Pam Towne.

Since then, I’ve been teaching fairly constantly at the T’ai Chi Chih Center. In 2020, the year of COVID-19, the center was closed most of the year, so classes were not held. Currently, in the fall of 2020, I have two Zoom students in Pennsylvania and two students taking a live class here in Albuquerque at their own location.

My life has been so changed, so enhanced, by the practice of T’ai Chi Chih, that it fills me with joy to bring it to others. Sharing this great gift is a privilege.

One of the greatest things that has happened since I was accredited is that my beloved wife has become my prize pupil and is now a serious student. Initially, she had no interest in learning T’ai Chi Chih, but always supported me in my pursuit. When I became a teacher, she supported me again by attending my first class. And my second. And my third. … Now we practice together daily, and T’ai Chi Chih has become an important and treasured part of her life, as is it to mine. For this I am grateful!

I am also grateful to my wonderful teachers, of whom I have already spoken, and also to my fellow teachers with whom I was accredited, who have become dear friends. Also, thanks to my students, who have taught me much, and whose progress brings me great joy. And thanks to Justin Stone for bringing T’ai Chi Chih into the world.

I believe that a good teacher never stops being a student. At every opportunity, I take classes, attend practices, and participate in workshops and retreats. I take classes at all levels, even beginner classes, because every teacher has something unique to offer, and I feel that my teaching is enriched by experiencing a variety of approaches.

I’m currently teaching at the T’ai Chi Chih Center in Albuquerque.

See all accredited TCC teachers in the Albuquerque here.