18 Trained in Albuquerque, NM

June 21-26, 1999

Host: Robert Montes de Oca

Ed’s words fell like pearls into a still pond. “The wind blows,” he instructed, “the clouds move.” The soft shifting of the weight sets the vibration in motion that becomes the movement. We as teachers are guardians of T’ai Chi Chih: Never move carelessly. Ed asked, “How long does it take for a student to be prepared for teacher training?” The answer has nothing to do with a clock. It has to do with Teh [power of inner sincerity], mindfullness and correct practice. Like water softly dripping on rock, Ed led 18 students through teacher training. The teacher candidates were doubly blessed to have Justin appear every day to watch their progress. At graduation, Justin was positively glowing with all the love loosed upon him. “You have brought great joy to my life,” one student said to him at graduation. “Thank you for T’ai Chi Chih,” said another. Ed asked, “Why do you want to be a teacher?” Listening to the teacher candidate presentations made the answer abundantly clear. T’ai Chi Chih had brought great benefits to each student, and they wanted to share the jewel with others.

Newly-accredited teacher later writes to Ed and Noel Altman

Thank you so much for such a challenging and inspiring week of T’ai Chi Chih. I can’t tell you how much that week meant to me physically, mentally and spiritually. My body has truly “let go” and is manifested in very glaring ways…no more lower backaches (from tennis and stress)…for the first time in years I can touch my toes without bending my legs…etc…tells me that good things are happening. I feel more in balance (alligned) than I can ever remember. To keep this good feeling I am doing T’ai Chi Chih in the morning and early evening each day.

Ed, I am also very interested in Seijaku. Your demonstration was very powerful. The question will be in the timing (work schedule) and WHEN I would be ready for such a step. I will need your input on that. Until then I will simply get more absorbed in the practice.

Thank you for your gracious teaching style. T’ai Chi Chih is in good hands with your leadership. . . .

– Jerry Jonnson