Dear Sifu:

Kung Fu has gotten me stronger. I can do push ups better, crunches better and jumping jacks better. Kung Fu has also made me more flexible. I really enjoy learning and practicing Wushu. I also like six-point sparring.

Thank you, Xee R.

Dear Sifu Gohring:

We've been very pleased with our seven year old Xee's progress and dedication to your program. The school provides exactly what we were hoping for and more.

Since Xee started at the end of last year, he's dramatically increased his attention skills and his ability to learn in a group situation. In his first classes, we were very much aware of his "individual" spirit which meant he had to learn quickly to focus on what was being taught instead of simply staying in his own play world. He did learn quickly that if he wanted to continue this activity, he would have to pay attention to you, and to the experienced students and focus on being a part of the class. We were very pleased to watch the effect of your training when Ms. Connie substituted on a recent evening. Xee gave her the respect she deserved, and very effectively walked through Tiger Breathing and Wushu Basics at her request. It is a great testimony to your ability as a teacher to see the behavior of your students in your absence.

Because he understands and attempts to follow the five hearts for class, we are able to help and encourage him to follow the five hearts in all areas of his life. He is able to apply the five hearts to his school work and he seems to enjoy learning more than he had prior to your class.

Physically, Xee is becoming much more self confident. He is very aware that his strength and agility are increasing, and he understands that with practice he can "get better." Before he started, he seemed to think that he should just be able to do the moves automatically. Now he knows that he has to pay attention and learn to do the moves correctly, and then to practice, and apply the corrections he receives from you. The result is that he has learned and perfected the moves and understands the progression from being a beginner to being accomplished. This is a valuable lesson that will help him in all areas throughout his life.

Sincerely,

Joe R.and Denise J.

Dear Sifu Gohring:

I first made my "debut" in the world of Eastern martial arts (or any martial art for that matter) trying to impress a certain girl when I was only four years old. After several lessons I soon forgot why I started and found myself literally living the best years of my life. But after a few years the powers that be (parents) decided I needed to learn to play the piano and become fluent in the language that is music. At seven years old, rigorous training and practice in both fields left me weakened and only one day off during the working week. In retrospect I now can look back and smile about this, for it introduced me to my two favorite things in this entire world: martial art and music.

I had to quit martial art for piano which incidentally lasted only another seven years. Silently, I longed to keep on with the martial arts I had barely tapped into (Tae Kwan Do, Hapkido, various self defense systems, tools and devices) but kept my mouth shut, being the people-pleaser I was. Towards the end of my years in elementary school, my life-long friend, John Kramak, gave me a gift I will always keep and remember... A guitar. This stayed on the backburner for a very long period until I listened to Pink Floyd, Metallica and Steve Vai for the very first times. Still, I wanted more than just mental and emotional exercise

I had almost forgotten my passion for martial arts until shortly before high school, when I saw Bruce Lee's Enter the Dragon. Immediately I adjusted my pants and started trying to balance one leg straight out. After a stay or two in Shoal Creek Hospital my father and I hung a punching bag from a tree and I went out back and would mimic everything , with in reason ( I only tried the backflip kick once) that I saw Bruce do in the film. Soon I was reading everything I could about martial arts. I bought The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, and read about everything from Muay Thai, Savate, Wing Chun, to Greco-Roman Wrestling and Shotokan Karate to Capoeira and beyond. I learned a little from my father as well who, in his youthful days, was a proficient and effective fighter in Jiu Jitsu, Savate and U.S. Armed Forces Techniques (though he would probably attribute much of it to attitude and body language).

But it wasn't complete. I wanted to learn from a teacher. We tried going back to my old school but they wanted a psychoanalysis of me, where afterwards I would more than likely end up in a therapeutic class which of I had decided I had enough. I had a love for martial art not martial therapy.

One day I was going to Highland mall to pay a bill and I past a sign that said "T'ai Chi" and I thought to myself "I wonder if that place is any good."

So I went with my mum and found out. We went on a Saturday and found that the hours posted on the door said it was closed on Saturdays. My curious mum went to see if they "just might" be open and opened the door and found that it was the anniversary party that day. Ms. Peters greeted us and I nervously made my introduction. Within two weeks I signed up for a trial course and found everything I had been wishing for the past seven years. And I found and got more than that. I found a friendly atmosphere where I could be myself which still held structure together firmly and effectively rather, than strictly and through fear of shame or embarrassment I made friends in a few minutes. More importantly I learned exercises that didn't require much more than a ground to stand on, know-how and one's self. Having bipolar disorder had made making a friends, happiness and motivation range everywhere from difficult to impossible at times, but through what I have learned , and plan to continue to learn, at Tom Gohring's School of T'ai Chi I have found a way to overcome myself and my problems. And I am grateful to everyone and anyone involved. THANK YOU!!!

Michael M.

Dear Sifu Gohring:

For the past several months that I have been training at your school, I have noticed a great change in my life: socially, physically and mentally. I immediately discovered that martial art was more than what it appeared to be in those provoking action movies; years of training and painstaking soreness. The first few classes proved to be a challenge; not knowing the course or the people, I wasn't sure how long it would take for me to learn the (what seemed to be) confusing-material. Standing perplexed, I would watch each student switch from one stance to another. Alas, by the near end of what I know now to be tiger stances, I was given guidance. Day after day this continued and soon I would be able to go about without the need of help; a sense of accomplishment was in the air.

Weeks into my training, I noticed how polite the people were and being a person that has never really met people out of the school of academics, I felt and improvement in my social skills: something that will be vital in the world ahead.

By coming five times a week and an hour each day the most obvious thing that I could see was my physical fitness improving. The time I have spent here has allowed me to become more flexible, accurate, stronger and faster. By staying attentive, practicing and putting forth dedication, these things can only get better.

As my friend has mentioned to me, "exercise is a form of meditation and with enough practice, the body reacts and moves on its own, allowing the mind to relax". This perfectly describes the stress reduction that physical activity provides. I can say with confidence that its value is incredible. The ability to relieve yourself through this form of 'meditation' that is caused by school or work is too much to describe."

Joining your school has ironically given me an insight on how relieving kung fu can possibly be and so then, I thank you for your involvement in our stride to be the best.

Sincerely your student, Yung S.

How do I get started?

Dear Sifu Gohring:

As I prepare to test for my third sash, I also near the end of my first year of study. Having nearly a year to reflect upon my experience with the school, I can frame my time here within the context of the Five Hearts.

Faith. I have enjoyed my training at this school immensely with no regret or reservations. I had already conducted research into which martial arts and styles I would be interested in training. Having done so, my decision to attend the school was not an arbitrary one, and I can honestly say that my research has paid off. I know I have chosen the right art and remain as eager and enthusiastic to learn and participate as I was my first class.

Respect. Having spent a year studying this art, I have an immense amount of respect for everyone I have encountered. To see students work hard under the encouraging guidance of a patient, yet demanding Sifu, and to have that hard work transform them physically and mentally is truly inspiring. We have all made a commitment to this art and in so doing have become a family.

Perseverance. For me, I find this maxim applies not to the class in general, as there is no question about continuing my studies, but in a much more finite sense. I find myself in need of this idea at those times where I have been working hard, the bum has long since set in, my breath is coming hard, sweat is in my eyes, and my body screams to stop and rest. By living up to this ideal, I am able to push myself that extra little bit that I know I can achieve despite any protestations my body might have, and thus gaining that much more pride and joy from my studies.

Patience. I have found this to be the single most important maxim for two reasons. Firstly, whenever we learn a new form or technique I instantly want to master it; an obviously unrealistic goal. I know that the more I work it and practice it, it win come, but everyone I think has the desire to become adept at anything they love. Secondly, I find myself wanting to learn more, to go farther in the training and learn the advanced techniques. Instead, I try to prepare myself so that when the time comes, I am ready to benefit fully from the new lesson.

Humility. Lastly, I find myself constantly humbled by the abilities and performance of those around me, both peers and teachers, which are frequently one, and the same. To witness the puissance of those who have studied for many years not only humbles me, but inspires me to attain-the same level of proficiency and dedication. I know I have a long way to go in my studies, but I already feel that I have accomplished so much I can only imagine the heights 1 will attain as I continue my education with the school.

Sincerely, Jason S.

How do I get started?

Dear Sifu Gohring:

I have been in the kung fu program here at Tom Gohring's School of Tai Chi for about 4 months now. I was unsure what to expect but I found the teachers and students to all be very friendly. The environment was very relaxed and the instructors are great. I was surprised how much material we covered with just 2 classes a week, and how quickly the instructors could get everyone to learn.

I am probably in the best shape since high school. I lost 2 inches off the waist and gained a lot of flexibility. My endurance and coordination have improved and I have been able to keep in good shape despite a busy schedule.  The most surprising result was the energy I gained from the program. During work and school, I have a lot more energy and determination, yet I still feel relaxed.

I would highly recommend Tom Gohring's School of Tai Chi for anybody interested in martial arts. No matter if you are looking for self-defense, health benefits, stress relief, or performance, all aims are covered by their curriculum. I enjoy the classes a lot and feel honored to be learning from these great teachers.

Sincerely, Richard L.

oHow do I get started?

Dear Sifu Gohring:

I have been attending kung fu classes at your school for over four years now, and I have immensely enjoyed my experience in this training program.  Not only have I learned kung fu, I also now have greater discipline and concentration than I did in the years before I started taking classes with you.

In addition, I am also stronger and more flexible than I previously was.  I am increasing my confidence in front of a group by doing leadership with newer students.  In leadership, I have learned to speak more clearly and to show more patience towards others. "I would definitely recommend Tom Gohring's School of T'ai Chi to anybody interested in martial arts training.  Not only do you learn kung fu forms, but you also stay in top physical shape and become very flexible through training.

Sincerely, Nathan K.

rt Blvd., Austin, TX 78752, 512-422-4245, www.taichitom.coHow do I get started?

Dear Sifu Gohring

When searching for a school in which I could study Kung Fu, I was looking for a friendly, relaxed and comfortable atmosphere and also a place where I could challenge myself physically and mentally. I feel that this school is such a place. The students are very gracious and encouraging and our instructor is an enthusiastic and accomplished teacher.

I have had an interest in studying martial arts since my teens and have studied T'ai Chi sporadically since that time. Kung Fu and Wushu were arts that fascinated me, but I was a bit too intimidated by to study. When I finally got up the courage to give it a try, this school was the perfect place to study for me. There are many different skill levels within our beginner class, and you can progress at your own pace. The school is truly there to help its students learn about the art and about their own abilities. Students interact with and encourage each other during class, and learn by helping each other as well as by instruction.

Physically, this class provides an excellent way to tone your body and increase your strength and flexibility. Mentally, I. have gained more confidence in myself and my decisions. I have only been studying for a few months and already I notice the positive results in my daily life. I feel much better about my physical shape, have better endurance and am more confident in my day to day actions. I look forward to going to class every week, not just for the opportunity to exercise and learn something new, but for the chance to see how much further I ran improve myself.

Sincerely,

Andrea E. Lam

coHow do I get started?

Tom Gohring's School of Tai Chi and Chinese Kung Fu
6611 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78752 • 512-422-4245 • www.taichitom.com

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