Senior TCC Teacher Pat Hill

Golden, Colorado | Accredited 1986

How did you learn originally about TCC? Why did you become accredited?

In 1984 my life turned upside down. My husband of nearly 20 years left. Early in the journey I tried many workshops, fun short courses, an occasional yoga class, and attended the Religious Science church. In Summer of 1985, an advertisement for a movement class — T’ai Chi Chih — taught by Steve Ridley caught my eye at my local community college. I loved it so much I continued the class over and over again. After working with Steve one-on-one for many months, he mentioned a teacher training in April 1986 in Santa Clara, California.

When and where were you accredited? By Justin? Paint a picture about the experience.

I read everything Steve suggested and nearly memorized the manual. I practiced three to four times a day. By the end of March, Steve said I was ready. Back then there were few teachers and few rules for training. It was up to Steve and Justin to determine if I was ready. (Steve could not attend the accreditation.)

During the training I discovered I had been taught well. Several students struggled but most did well enough to pass. The best part was meeting senior teachers Lois, Corinn, Richard, and Sandy. Even years later Justin said I moved like Steve. I returned home and began teaching. A few months later, Steve was allowed to give teacher trainings, and I was always there to help.

Share an innovative teaching method that you developed or learned from another teacher. 

I soon recognized the need for additional student training and told my candidates they had to take a class from Steve. I organized teacher training sessions in my backyard and asked some good teachers to help. We worked them hard even in the snow. Those we worked with always passed. The few who didn’t (or couldn’t participate) had difficulties.