Tai-Chi Chuan is the art of concealing hardness within softness, like a needle in cotton

I became interested in tai chi for several reasons. Some were very pedestrian: observed people doing tai chi, watched a video or two, or the reports of the health benefits. I began doing tai chi over 10 years ago with the expectation that as I age movement is good for my body and overall health. What I found was all of the above but also the enjoyment of belonging to Chinatown tai chi school( doing tai chi in a group), and pride in further developing my ability as a tai chi practitioner(those moments when you understand something deeper).

In teaching tai chi I believe the foundation is critical: learning the basic movements. I continue to work on the basics every time I practice. For new students, frustration can be great. But I believe that although tai chi is difficult it is rewarding. If you can stay with it, giving yourself time [6 months to a year], the rewards are great.

Tai-Chi Chuan is the art of concealing hardness within softness, like a needle in cotton

We have several students who have been studying with us for many years and have progressed to become Instructors.  One of those students is Michael Kearney.  The spotlight is on Michael.

I became interested in tai chi for several reasons. Some were very pedestrian: observed people doing tai chi, watched a video or two, or the reports of the health benefits. I began doing tai chi over 10 years ago with the expectation that as I age movement is good for my body and overall health. What I found was all of the above but also the enjoyment of belonging to Chinatown tai chi school( doing tai chi in a group), and pride in further developing my ability as a tai chi practitioner(those moments when you understand something deeper).

In teaching tai chi I believe the foundation is critical: learning the basic movements. I continue to work on the basics every time I practice. For new students, frustration can be great. But I believe that although tai chi is difficult it is rewarding. If you can stay with it, giving yourself time [6 months to a year], the rewards are great.

It is always exciting to begin a new year.   So even as we take some time to reflect on the past year we can be Happy to begin making some new history in 2024.

2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon, starting on February 10th, 2024 (Chinese New Year) and ending on January 28th, 2025 (Chinese New Year's Eve). 

Please enjoy the profile of one of our former instructors and good friend.  She is retired now and travels during the year.  No one will ever forget her unique way of teaching. 

In 1993 I first saw Tai Chi Chuan practitioners on the Bill Moyers PBS special "Mind and Body." The peaceful, balanced movements struck a chord. I thought, "I can do that," and the next week I joined Sifu Calph's class.

I'd always heard the terms "being centered" and "getting grounded." But I never had any idea how to become centered or grounded. It turns out that's what Tai Chi is about for me. When I'm practicing my forms, that's all there is. Nothing else matters at that moment. Walt Whitman said, "Happiness...not in another place, but this place...not for another hour, but this hour."

I really enjoy whatever I'm learning at the moment. There will always be something new to learn in Tai Chi. Even after all these years, I don't know everything there is to know. As long as I can move, I'll be doing Tai Chi.

Teaching brings me great joy. I like working with people. Everybody learns differently. The challenge is to figure out how they learn and adjust my teaching to them. I love seeing that "Aha!" look on their faces when they finally get it.

Currently working as a technical writer, I have a combined degree in engineering and psychology from the University of Minnesota. I love jazz, new age, barbershop, and classical music, knitting (mostly socks), tatting, and bobbin lace making. I have seen the "Mask of Zorro" movie (the first one) more than seven times. The swordplay is spectacular,and it doesn't hurt that Antonio Banderas is holding the sword. (Have I mentioned we teach three different sword forms at Chinatown Tai Chi Center?)

I try to teach students at the Chinatown Tai Chi Center with humor. I want my students to relax and enjoy Tai Chi. If it isn't fun, why do it? I learned some time ago that if you are laughing while you are learning, you retain more.

At the same time, Tai Chi for me is more than a good time. Having developed arthritis in some of my joints and having had two shoulder replacements, I use Tai Chi to keep all my joints moving. Tai Chi is the best physical therapy I've had.

I have worked for years to find balance and tranquility. Practicing Tai Chi helps me achieve that goal. Tai Chi has brought me a sense of calm, of rootedness. My goal is to achieve the harmony depicted by two earrings I sometimes wear that, in Chinese, say beauty and tranquility. When Grandmaster Wong saw my earrings, he said the tranquility was like the peace found on the surface of a calm lake. That's what I want my mind to be like.

Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese Martial Art that is well known for its superior health benefits and high level of effectiveness in combat. Tai Chi forms, which are performed in a slow and relaxed manner, calm the mind and release the mental and physical tensions of our modern, stressful lifestyle. Our school is directly descended from the originator of Yang Style Tai Chi through his grandson Yang Cheng-Fu.

Please call Sifu Phyllis Calph at 651-699-2863 with questions. Or email us at pcalph@gmail.com

If you call in advance, we can answer any questions you may have before you come to your first class. Of course, you can always just show up to watch a class. Everyone is welcome.

Student Creed

I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health.
I intend to develop self-discipline and respect in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
I intend to participate in class consistently, practice what I learn constructively and defensively to help myself and others, and never be abusive or offensive.

If you had asked me a few months ago what I was most looking forward to my answer would have been "the end of this long, cold, unforgiving,  winter." But things change and we have even experienced some warm sunny weather this week.  Winter now seems a long way past.

We cannot always depend on the weather to bring us joy.  We also cannot expect others to make us happy.  What is it that keeps you going when life just seems so difficult?  For me having a positive outlook is essential.  And secondly getting good well-rounded exercise.

At Chinatown Tai Chi Center we offer a very full experience in Tai Chi Chuan (Yang Style) both empty hand and weapons forms.  We also teach Chi Kung.  

And because we have gained some students in the last years who come with their own martial training in other arts we have included some of that training in our curriculum as well.

Training should be fun and enjoyable as well as a good workout.

We are all excited to return to in-person classes beginning in July 2021.  We have been on zoom and we have been in the park practicing our art and now we are ready to come back in person to teach and practice tai chi chuan.

If you are interested in beginning tai chi or returning after the long break we welcome you.  Our first classes start on Saturday, July 3rd.  (Yes, it is a holiday weekend so if you cannot make it on the 3rd that is OK we will be glad to see you on the 10th)

You can reach us by email at phyllis.calph@yahoo.com or call 615-699-2863.

At Chinatown Tai Chi Center we believe that taking some time for yourself is most important. We like to challenge each student to learn something new in every class.  Learning all of the aspects that make up tai chi chuan takes time but in every class you can add to your own understanding of the art.  The variety is endless too, so you never become bored practicing tai chi chuan because once you feel accomplished in one thing there are many principles to grasp and forms to learn.

If someone should ask you, "why do you practice Tai Chi Chuan" what would you say?  The answers would vary but almost certainly "because it makes me feel good" would be a constant refrain. Feeling good is important and not to be taken lightly.  No one can escape the duties and tasks that keep us busy throughout the day and evening.  Even our minds get tired.  I find that I only need a small space and the thought of a favorite tai chi form and I begin to move.  It is not out of duty but out of a feeling of well being that I begin to step and turn, shift and stretch, parry and punch, lift and kick.  Soon I am feeling better and I'm ready to face what part of the day comes next because my mind and body are definitely feeling better.  

At Chinatown Tai Chi Center we believe that taking some time for yourself is most important. We like to challenge each student to learn something new in every class.  Learning all of the aspects that make up tai chi chuan takes time but in every class you can add to your own understanding of the art.  The variety is endless too, so you never become bored practicing tai chi chuan because once you feel accomplished in one thing there are many principles to grasp and forms to learn.

If someone should ask you, "why do you practice Tai Chi Chuan" what would you say?  The answers would vary but almost certainly "because it makes me feel good" would be a constant refrain. Feeling good is important and not to be taken lightly.  No one can escape the duties and tasks that keep us busy throughout the day and evening.  Even our minds get tired.  I find that I only need a small space and the thought of a favorite tai chi form and I begin to move.  It is not out of duty but out of a feeling of well being that I begin to step and turn, shift and stretch, parry and punch, lift and kick.  Soon I am feeling better and I'm ready to face what part of the day comes next because my mind and body are definitely feeling better.