Tai Chi and Me: How Tai Chi practice lowered my Blood Pressure and freed me from arthritis pain.

I have always harnessed the power of martial arts to elevate my physical and mental well-being. My journey began at the tender age of fourteen in the bustling metropolis of New York City. I found myself under the expert tutelage of Sifu Allen Lee, the esteemed proprietor of “Allen Lee’s Northern Shaolin Kung Fu Wushu School.” It was within those timeworn walls, filled with the echoes of history and dedication, that I was first introduced to the captivating practice of Tai Chi. This ancient art form, steeped in tradition, offered a stark contrast to the intensity of the Kung Fu techniques I was so eager to master.

As I immersed myself in the rigorous training required to achieve my black belt, I admittedly found myself begrudgingly enduring the deceptively slow and meditative movements of Tai Chi. At that time, the stillness felt more like an obstacle than an opportunity, a necessary component of my training that I approached with a sense of obligation rather than appreciation. Yet, there was a quiet strength to those movements, a subtle energy that I would later realize was foundational to the philosophy of Tai Chi itself.

At eighteen, my path took an unexpected turn when I joined the Army, where I proudly served my country at Fort Belvoir, situated in a serene suburb of Alexandria, Virginia. There, amid the disciplined structure of military life, I found solace in physical activity. My passion for martial arts remained undiminished, and I sought further training. I discovered Sifu Dean Chinn’s “Jow Ga Kung Fu School,” an oasis of martial arts where I was once again confronted with the serene flow of Tai Chi. In this environment, I was urged to embrace the methodical practice alongside the traditional “Jow Ga” format, which is well known for its dynamic techniques and spirited forms.

At twenty my Energy level was high, and I sought the comforting fix of competitive fighting to satisfy my addiction to adrenaline.

 Eight years later the constant pounding on a three-hundred-pound bag to build my endurance, put thunder into my punches and kicks, and make me a world champion put me on a journey to having a hip replacement and arthritis in both of my shoulders. Arthritis pain caused me to use eight hundred milligrams of ibuprofen twice a day for several years, this in turn caused my kidneys to flare and my blood pressure to rise.   Because of the high blood pressure and arthritis, I returned to my Kung Fu roots and Tai Chi.

As I renewed my training, I began to understand the value of the Tai Chi practice. I learned to appreciate the deliberate, flowing movements as a form of meditation in motion, a way to cultivate inner peace while simultaneously enhancing my physical prowess, soothing my arthritis, and lowering my blood pressure. It was during these sessions that I started noticing the profound connection between body and mind. Each movement became a dance, a celebration of life and balance rather than a chore to merely endure. I discovered how Tai Chi could be both a graceful art and a formidable martial discipline, providing a comprehensive approach to my martial training that I had previously overlooked.

Through Tai Chi, I unearthed deeper levels of focus and clarity, insights that translated into other areas of my life as well. The mental discipline required to execute each movement with precision began to influence my everyday mindset, offering me tools to manage stress and conquer challenges outside the dojo and workplace. This exploration of Tai Chi became not just about the form, but about my evolving self—an ongoing journey of self-discovery, resilience, and harmony.

In retrospect, what I once dismissed as drudgery has now woven itself into the very fabric of who I am. I am free from arthritis pain and my blood pressure is approaching normal.

Tai Chi is no longer a mere segment of my martial arts training; it has evolved into a vital aspect of my lifestyle, offering balance amid chaos and a continuous path toward inner serenity. My relationship with Tai Chi and the broader world of martial arts has transformed into a profound journey that is far from over. Each lesson learned, and each movement practiced, continues to deepen my understanding of this beautiful art, creating pathways to growth that I cherish deeply.