Rockford Traditional Martial Arts

10/22/2025

As both her dad and her sensei, watching my 6-year-old daughter grow through traditional martial arts has been truly special. She’s learning both Tai Chi Chuan and Karate — not just the movements, but the deeper lessons of focus, respect, and balance. Our training is serious yet always filled with love and encouragement. Seeing her connect with these traditional arts, finding confidence and strength in each movement, is something that makes me proud beyond words.

09/21/2025

I was honored to lead a class for veterans at the beautiful Anderson Japanese Gardens, sharing warmups, qigong breathing, stretching, and meditation. Special thanks to the Courage Foundation for bringing us together, to Joe Harper for creating this plan and connecting everyone, to Tim Gruner for his wisdom about the garden, nature, and how it can support and restore us, and to Anderson Japanese Gardens for providing such a peaceful place for healing. On behalf of Rockford Traditional Martial Arts, I would like to deeply thank these veterans for their service, courage, and the opportunity to teach and learn from them.

09/04/2025

09/03/2025

Contact rockfordtaichi@gmail.com for information

08/25/2025

Tai Chi

Find Your Balance This Fall with Tai Chi in the Garden

A new Beginners’ Tai Chi session starts this September at Anderson Japanese Gardens. Build strength, improve balance, and cultivate calm through guided movement in a peaceful setting.

Classes take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 PM to 7:15 PM in the Main Building.

Cost: $65 per month (includes both weekly classes)
This is the perfect way to begin your Tai Chi journey before the season ends. Space is limited, so register soon by emailing rockfordtaichi@gmail.com.

Come early, wear comfortable clothing, and get ready to move mindfully.

08/19/2025

We wrapped up our 2025 Kokoro Workshop at Taliesin!
From a traditional Tea Ceremony 🍵 with Kimiko Gunji (assisted by Tim Gruner and Sachiyo Koester) and calligraphy, to Tai Chi & Qigong with Rockford Traditional Martial Arts, plus inspiring lectures on Kokoro, nature, and mindfulness — it was a weekend of learning, laughter, and deep reflection.
Huge thanks to our teachers and participants for making this experience unforgettable.

06/02/2025

Looking to boost your balance, strength, and mindfulness? Our Beginners’ Tai Chi series starts June 4 & 5—your only chance to join before September!

Anderson Japanese Gardens
Wed/Thurs | 6:15 PM | $65/month

Learn warm-ups, breathing, Tai Chi form, and more in a peaceful setting.

Email rockfordtaichi@gmail.com to register!

05/14/2025

High in the mountains of Aguada, Puerto Rico, I took a quiet moment to move through a short portion of our Yang Tai Chi Chuan form—guided by breath, moving meditation, and focus.

The only sounds you’ll hear are the wind, the birds, and the life around me. No music. Just presence.

Let it be a gentle reminder: relaxation is already within us. We just need to slow down and return to it.

Take a minute to breathe, and move with me. #.

04/30/2025

We’re excited to announce a brand-new Beginners' Tai Chi class starting in June 2025!

Class Details:

When: Wednesday and Thursday evenings,
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM

Starting Dates: Wednesday, June 4th and Thursday, June 5th

Cost: $65 per month per person (includes both weekly classes)

Summer is a wonderful time to embrace a healthier, more mindful lifestyle. Tai Chi is a traditional martial art that combines slow, flowing movements with focused breathing and mental clarity.

Our classes include:

Warm-Ups: Full-body exercises to loosen up and prepare for practice.

Stance Training: Learn proper body alignment while building leg strength.

Qigong: Breathing exercises to strengthen your lungs and calm your mind.

Tai Chi Form: Learn a continuous sequence of flowing movements.

Applications: Discover the self-defense purposes behind each movement.

Tai Chi requires patience and attention to detail, but the rewards—improved strength, balance, focus, and overall wellness—are well worth the effort.

If you’re interested in joining, please let me know soon to reserve your spot.

Wishing you a fantastic start to your summer, and I look forward to welcoming you in June!

04/25/2025

Tai Chi is returning to Anderson Japanese Gardens in May 2025! Our Beginners' Tai Chi program is the perfect opportunity to build strength, improve balance, and embrace mindfulness in the peaceful setting of the Garden. Stay tuned—more details coming soon!

https://andersongardens.org/cultural-educational/health-wellness/tai-chi/