Palisades Kung Fu and Tai Chi

06/15/2026

A great example of "Single Whip" by prominent 4th-generation Yang-style Tai Chi master, Li Yaxuan (1894–1976).

06/13/2026

My new photography book is out. A tai chi-related book will be forthcoming, but if you like photography and are interested in China, this might be of interest.

Liminal Beijing: Photographs

06/03/2026

Please help spread this around the community. I've had people ask me about ads: Viral "Tai Chi Walking" Ads feature AI-generated, highly muscular older individuals claiming you can get fit and lose weight through mere minutes of "Tai Chi Walking" a day. Controversy and Scams: There are many reports of these ads being linked to scam apps that are difficult to cancel, with users warning against the false promises of rapid fitness. Why It's Trending: Despite the scam warnings, the trend is popular because it promises a low-impact, "meditation in motion" approach to health, which is appealing for seniors or those with chronic conditions. The Reality: While true Tai Chi is an excellent, legitimate practice for balance and stress relief, the "Tai Chi walking" advertised on Facebook is often exaggerated, and experts recommend finding reputable, human instructors rather than relying on AI apps.

05/28/2026

The birthplace of Palisades Kung Fu and Tai Chi! It will always be our first home and we look forward to returning when the new facility is built.

05/28/2026

From 1984, doing a move from a Northern Shaolin form. One of the very few photos I have from the early days. I wish I had taken more! The red sash doesn't mean anything. I just thought it looked cool. Traditionally, there are no sashes for rank in kung fu. This is about two years into my studies, a sophomore in high school. I didn't really do the usual sports. This was and is my "sport".

05/27/2026

I just found a used copy of this book, written by my first kung fu and tai chi teacher, Kam Yuen. First published in 1975, it made kung fu assessable to a wider audience of dreamers. I actually never owned a copy because I could read it when I worked (or hung out) in the kung fu supply store at the front of the Tai Mantis school, where all the books were. After losing all my books (and everything else!) in the Palisades fire last year, I've slowly started building back the library and I figured it was about time to get this classic, which includes the second form I ever learned, Ling Po (Mandarin: Lianbu), or Continuous Stepping.

05/26/2026

Photo from 1986. Me on the right and my kung fu brother and good friend, Michael Dawson, founder of the Northern Shaolin/Praying Mantis Kung-Fu Association on the left. This was taken at the original Tai Mantis Kung Fu Association school in Torrance, CA.

11/09/2025

New tai chi class starting at Beyond Karate in Santa Monica on Nov 17. This special introductory class is being offered free of charge for the first month, Nov 17 - Dec 15. Every Monday 6-7 PM.

10/23/2025

Great class yesterday at LA Parks Barrington Recreation Center in Brentwood. We worked on Tree Standing Pose at the end of class, standing for three minutes. I always say, standing is the foundation of tai chi and is one way you learn about the feeling of tai chi. The more you do standing practice, the deeper it gets.

10/08/2025

Thrilled to announce a new partnership with the amazing Beyond Karate team in Santa Monica. We'll be working together to bring tai chi and other things to more families and communities and to extend their mission of service and empowerment. Learn more about them here: https://www.beyondkarate.org. I'm so excited to begin teaching with them! And you might see me around town wearing their cool t-shirt!