October 2025 Reflections on the Journey

The T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) teacher accreditation week in October 2025 in Leavenworth, Kansas was successful on many levels: April Leffler accredited nine new teachers; the Chi Market raised $261 for the TCC Foundation; families, friends and teachers joined via Zoom for the certificate ceremony. The week flowed gracefully, with great respect for the TCC school.

I came to Kansas with an empty cup. I leave with a cup full of Chi in its many forms: with stronger Chi that comes from refining the movements (from the easy to the nuanced, from the simple to the complex); with guidance from April and Lorraine (helping my inner wisdom grow from a small seed to a graceful bamboo); with stories of TCC discoveries by my fellow candidates and now friends; with care and guidance provided by the auditors. I will honor these connections true to TCC. — Chris Sapp

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This was a long journey. The years of learning and practicing TCC plus another year with two Intensives and many hours with the teacher trainers. The accreditation was rich in content and guidance. Leading the group a few times helped give me confidence for my next classes. — Anon

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The breakthrough of Chi through my tan t’ien in the moments of silence spoke: It’s safe, there’s no violence, no threatening, you are loved, there is joy. This from a person who has battled PTSD from Vietnam. Practicing and being accredited was satisfying and fulfilling, but the breakthrough of letting go of the threat from within and sharing the story with my fellow candidates brings healing and relief to my anxious soul crying for peace of mind. — Gilbert Pagat

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Standing in front of candidates and auditors while giving my presentation, I looked out and saw only my new friends. I stuttered a bit; they smiled. I loved them; it seemed they loved me. The terror subsided; they laughed with me. The long awaited fifteen minutes of fame was at last over and I wondered to myself, “Why did I worry so much?” — Nicky Mendenhal

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Reconnecting with TCC has been full of unexpected turns. I didn’t realize how little I truly understood about the essence of TCC. Even though I had practiced regularly many years ago and had even taught several successful classes, I see that I hadn’t yet grasped the deeper power and value that proper training offers. Through genuine instruction, diligence, and devotion to practice, I began to experience real results. My daily practice deepened, and TCC started working on me in ways I had never experienced before.

Years of study and teaching in Holistic and Energy Medicine made stepping into the TCC community feel effortless. I was touched by the knowledge, kindness, and camaraderie within this community. It immediately felt like home.

The week was filled with memorable moments that came in frequent, delightful spurts. It was incredibly gratifying when an auditor or instructor could gently pinpoint something that was off in my movement. I came for refinement and received it instantly. Each correction offered new insight: I could feel it, adjust, and sense the improvement. These refinements helped me become more physically comfortable, more attuned to my tan t’ien, and more sensitive to subtle energetic shifts.

Some of the most moving moments came when we gave ourselves time and space to listen to one another. I was touched by the life stories shared within our circle. Each person brought unique gifts and experiences that reached far beyond TCC. The diversity was beautiful, though it was noticeable how few people of color are currently represented in our community. That’s something I hope we can change.

The so-called “subtle energies” are not so subtle. Once I tuned in, they became unmistakable — noticeable and deeply felt. I also discovered that focusing on the feet is far more effective than I’d ever realized.

I would have enjoyed more one-on-one time between instructors and candidates. Rotating individual or small group sessions would allow for deeper dialogue and more personalized, hands-on corrections. While those moments did happen — and were very effective — they were somewhat sporadic. I’m deeply grateful for what I received. The experience was transformative and reaffirmed why I love this practice and community so much. — Barbara Starke

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I knew I wanted to become a TCC teacher more than three years ago, but I had never worked with an accredited teacher — only from videos and others who had only seen videos. I signed up for an Intensive during which I learned I was not ready. Once I began truly studying the movements and preparing for accreditation, I was on my way. I attended another Intensive, but my hip started giving me trouble and I learned I needed to have a hip replacement. Another year’s delay. Finally, this spring I did another Intensive and signed up for the accreditation course, but my journey made another U-turn. In August my husband fell and broke his leg, needing a partial hip replacement. There were complications and a long rehabilitation. I hardly had time to think let alone practice TCC and prepare for accreditation. Somehow, I made it to Kansas and found the most warm, welcoming, peaceful environment that I have ever experienced. The caring community cleared my head and heart allowing me to focus only on where my feet were each day. I remained within myself and felt the strength of the Chi growing in me. It has been transformative. —Roksan Biktimir

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I am amazed at the openness and courage of those in my class, to learn new ideas and share themselves so wholeheartedly. Our week together was fun, beautifully planned, and flowing. My practice deepened, and I now have a strong foundation to build on as a new teacher. My teachers, Ron Richardson and Stephen Thompson, prepared me well for this accreditation, which would not have happened without their dedication and time. I trust that this week’s stretching and growth will continue as I practice. I am amazed at the depth of TCC and its promise for continued personal and spiritual development. I look forward to teaching it in my community. — Alice Alexander

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The first couple of days focused simply and gently on the movements with helpful instructions and refinements. I took many notes and feel more confident in my practice now. One pleasant surprise? How this turned out to be a safe place to make mistakes. It was on this foundation that I began to watch what others were doing (as will be needed in teaching). The physical surroundings were gracious and hospitable which added to the sense of peace. The week flowed easily; the topics and teaching methods always seemed just right. (I dreaded the presentation, but this too turned out to be a blessing.) — Morris Alexander

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I would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of my three teachers, Benjamin Brisjar, John Marquez, and Nelia Beaman, who have accompanied me on this prolonged and challenging journey to secure my teacher accreditation. I have cherished the opportunity to reside in this breathtaking setting, network with fellow students and instructors, and hone my teaching skills to deliver exceptional education to my future students. This week has been a truly remarkable experience. — Jeannette Stotts