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 Shih - Fu Jose Figueroa About the teacher:
Shih - Fu Jose Figueroa has a Bachelors of Science in Physical
Education from the City College of N.Y. He is the Founder of the Tai
Chi Holistic Network and has devoted over 20 years to the martial
arts. He is one of 20th generation Chen style Taijiquan Grandmaster
Ren Guang Yi's senior students, and is one a few non-Asian students
that is certified to teach Chen style Taijiquan here in the U.S.
under the direct tutelage of Grandmaster Ren Guang Yi. As an author
Mr. Figueroa has co written 3 books on the subject of tai chi ,
along with long time mentor and friend Stephan Berwick. Jose founded
the Tai Chi Holistic Network in 1992 utilizing various forms of
Chinese Wushu exercise and treatments for detoxification, and has
been a Tai Chi Consultant at the Veterans Affairs Hospital's
Psychiatric Department where he has applied Chen style Taijiquan for
Post Traumatic Stress disorder patients, drug & alcohol
dependents, and patients with spinal cord injuries. For the past 5
years, Mr. Figueroa has been a contributing writer for Wu Shu Kung
Fu, World of Martial Arts, Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern
Health & Fitness, Inside Kung Fu magazines.
As a competitor, Jose Figueroa has won many
martial arts tournaments on the Local, Regional, National,
International and World level of competition. Collectively he has
been awarded with over 40 gold medals from 1992 to 1999 where he
retired as Grand C hampion and was inducted to the 1999 USWKF Hall
of Fame Internal artist of the year. Other hall of fames include
1998 Elite martial artist of the year and 1997 Chinese martial arts
competitor of the year. Jose's devotion and passion for tai chi
spans 20 years of his life implementing and developing alternative
and creative methods to teaching this complex and specialized
discipline. "My dream to is to pass on all the benefits that tai chi
has to offer. From the martial arts to health I want to create an
environment where all can choose the path that best suits their
needs. There are 3 primary areas of focus that encompass all that is
tai chi and its mind body spirit implications.
 3 Excellency's of Chen Style Taijiquan are
Health or "Lian" From its origins in Chinese martial arts, taiji has
evolved into an exercise program that promotes healing and general
well-being, Taiji's combinations of physical and mental activity,
physical and mental relaxation, mind-body interaction, breath
control, and access to natural body energy provides the broad
foundations for good health and the basis for treatment and cure of
many illnesses. Documented health benefits from taiji practice are
varied and pervasive, from improvements in postural alignment and
balance, deeper breathing and stronger cardiovascular function, to
increased strength, better flexibility, stress reduction and
emotional stability. It affects diseases and dysfunction's such as
arthritis, Parkinson's, high blood pressure, allergies, memory loss,
and other ailments. Many people come to taiji for health reasons,
and stories of individual success experiences abound in every taiji
class. Elegance "Kan"The beauty and grace of taiji movements impress
many that don't know anything else about it. The coordination of
limbs and torso, the integration of movement art forms that is
widely admired. Such elegance results from implementation of taiji's
basic principles and makes it pleasing and at the same time
powerful. Self Defense"Yong"The martial arts aspect of taiji hasn't
been eliminated even though it is used for competitive sport rather
than for war. "Yong " or "usefulness" is still important in forming
correct postures, and in comprehending the classic writings and
teachings, and being able to apply those to practice of form and
implementing combat methods.
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