Tai Chi of Arlington Texas

Our Story

Tai Chi is Really Taijiquan This is a page for anyone interested in learning Tai Chi (Taijiquan) for health or self-defense. Our school in Arlington Texas, The Gompa has been teaching students for over 30+ years, We specialize in the Li family style of Taijiquan from Sichuan Province China one of the most researched and scientifically studied styles in the world. The Grand Teacher is Dr. John P. Painter PhD ND. Dr. Painter has over 40+ years of experience instructing this art. Dr. Painter’s student Andrew Garza IIII is the main instructor (Shifu) at The Gompa. Shifu Garza has over 30 years of training and experience teaching Li family arts. Taijiquan classes are taught as a weekly program or through private arrangement. Tai Chi as it is known in the West is really Taijiquan or T’ai Chi Ch’uan pronounced Tie Jee Chewen. A literal definition is Great Ultimate Fist. This ancient art is in reality a health nourishing and soft style internal martial art system from China. Students of Taijiquan learn a series of postures linked in sequence to create a flowing exercise. Our Taijiquan course at The Gompa in Arlington Texas has three levels. Level one Focuses on health only and can be takes as a stand alone program for those not interested in the martial art applications. Scientific research has shown daily practice of Li family Taijiquan to be capable of stimulating the central nervous system, lowering blood-pressure, relieving stress, enhancing vascular circulation, increasing joint flexibility, improving lymphatic circulation and gently toning muscles without strain or high impact on the joints. Level two The student of Taijiquan is introduced to the soft style (internal) martial principles. Through a series of two person games and exercises known as Bending Willows and Pushing-Hands designed to take the student slowly through the basic physical and philosophical concepts these games not only teach how to deflect and neutralize physical attacks but their principles can also be applied to developing persuasive conversational skills for dealing with tense emotional situations. Level Three This level is focused on using the moves learned in level one and two for self-defense applications. Taijiquan was one of the most famous martial art styles in China. Dr. Painter is one of very few people today who truly have practical knowledge of Taijiquan as a method used for real self-defense. Our third program in the series stresses the Taiji Classics and Dr. Painter and Shifu Garza’s personal experience as law enforcement trainers. The martial program will show you how to discover the hidden combat principles and techniques and how to practice them safely with a friend. For more information of a free brochure contact Mike Leach manager, The Gompa Thegompa@aol.com