James: What do you find most rewarding about working as a "Thai - Chi" Instructor?

Phill: I like to take the high road, teaching people to help themselves. It's also a chance for me to learn more about "Tai Chi" by teaching than by just studying, especially when my students ask tough question. It forces me to think and approach things from a new perspective. I also enjoying being in front of an audience.

James: Is "Tai Chi" effective for self-defense?

Phill: That's a good question. I have never seen anyone really use "Tai Chi" for self-defense. My teacher was trained in "White Crane" and I think that if someone threw a punch at him he would use "white crane" techniques in response. However "Tai chi" has influenced his "white crane", as he will be softer and use "Tai Chi" principles within his "white crane". They say that to learn "Tai Chi" as a Martial Art takes 10-15 years of intense regular practice.

James: Why do so many older people do "Tai chi"?

Phill: Because it's slow, energy for fast hard movement is unnecessary. It's methodical, and low impact, you are not jarring your bones. It's very good for balance, which can be a big problem for senior citizens. It's also good for building bone density, but I think it's the ease of movement and of practicing which makes it easier for an old person to do it as opposed to Aerobics.

James: Is there a reason why it's usually done early in the morning?

Phill: Actually it's good to do "Chi gong" as the sun rises because that's when heaven and Earth energy are the most young. Everything's rising and waking up. The energy in the early morning is definitely stronger.

James: Is there a spiritual philosophy that accompanies "Tai chi"?

Phill: Very much so. It's connected with Taoism. Taoism started with "Lao Tsu" who wrote the "Tao de Ching". The first sentence in the book states that "the Tao that can be spoken of is not the Tao". It's something that's very elusive. The "Tao" can be translated as "The way" or the "way" the universe works. The force that's in the universe, the patterns in the Universe etc. The ideal of "Taoism" is to try to align yourself in that flow. Not through an intellectual state, but through feeling. When you do "Tai Chi" you're allowing your mind and body to become one and get into that flow. Letting the universe, or God, take its course without you trying to negotiate, manipulate, or force it is the basic concept of "Taoism". It's all about relaxing and making less effort and trusting in the universe or God. But its not about giving up completely, it's making effort without effort and doing without doing. Force cannot be met with force, it's better to yield to the force and redirect it. "Tai chi" is very connected to water symbolism. Water is very soft, yet it can wear down rocks. It goes around things and fills in spaces.

James: Do you adhere to this Philosophy?

Phill: The more I adhere to it the more I trust in it and the more it seems to be true. I trust myself, but sometimes letting other things decide for me is usually right, whether I know it at the time or not. I adhere to it (Taoism) more and more everyday.

James: How does "Tao Chi" differ from of martial arts or self defense?

Phill: There is a lot of overlap. It's one of the softest martial arts. Soft forms work on developing "chi" first and relaxing your body while maintaining a structure. The harder styles focus more on power and delivering a strike. Hard styles use more muscular power and less "Chi" "Tai Chi" uses more "Chi" and less muscle energy, and uses the mind more. There's more focus on using experience and wisdom as opposed to "brute force".