My Tai Chi journey began February 1 st , 2011 while bicycling down Barracks Row in Washington, D.C. I saw Sifu Larry Hawkins’ sign above his school and, although I was familiar with Tai Chi, I had not considered studying it. I walked in for a free lesson and here I am, almost thirteen years later. I have been an athlete all of my life and was looking for a martial art knowing that, eventually, I would have to find something to replace competitive sports. Wu Style Tai Chi is how I will maintain my physical, mental, and emotional health as I age. Tai Chi has helped me overcome many sports-related injuries.

And although I am not necessarily an anxious person, the breathing techniques and Chi Kung we practice are crucial to keeping me in balance when the weight of the world becomes heavy.

I have been informally teaching at our Washington D.C. school for many years, but I officially became a teaching disciple of Sifu Larry in August 2023. Over the last ~13 years I have learned so much from Sifu Larry and Master Eddie Wu. In addition to the 108, 54, and 12-posture forms, I have learned a variety of push hands forms, Chi Kung, meditation, three sword forms, two spear forms, and one staff form. I truly believe that Tai Chi Chuan is the most effective way of keeping us in excellent health. It is an honor to join this family and I look forward to passing on this incredible art to the next generation.