Chris Matthews
Chris Matthews
Yang Tai Chi Chuan
Chris began learning Tai Chi and Qigong in the fall of 1984. He spent the first four years learning the Cheng Man-ch'ing 43 movement short form with Howard Nevitt. At the end of the four years of study and with Howard's encouragement he began teaching through the Seattle Parks and Recreation department, first in West Seattle (1988-1990), at Beacon Hill (1990-1994) and then in Crown Hill (1994-1997). During all of his classes he combines teaching Qigong with the Tai Chi.
In 1984 he began learning push hands with Andy Dale (www.wuji.com), studying under Andy from 1988 – 1998 and learned the symmetrical long form (list of movements) of T.T. Tchoung, cane form, staff form, broadsword form, double edge sword form, partner form, fast form, push hands and applications as well as Qigong techniques Andy was learning from Mr. Yung. During the period from 1996-1998 Chris also studied with Harrison Moretz (www.taoiststudiesinstitute.org) and learned additional push hands techniques, Qigong and Chan Ssu Chin (Silk reeling exercises). In 1998 Chris stopped teaching Tai Chi and taught Qigong and push hands on a one-on-one basis. In 2005 he retired from his day job and moved to central Oregon and began teaching tai chi and push hands again.
Chris has also dabbled in Tai Chi’s sister arts, Hsing-I and Bagua and also Chen Tai Chi to the extent that he realized he wanted to maintain his focus on Yang Tai Chi and not fool himself into learning less while being more busy.
Some Tai Chi articles written by Chris (click on them to see a PDF file):
Basic Principles Body Structure Art of Softness Circle of Strength Push Hands Etiquette
Click here for other things Chris is involved with
Contact Information: Phone: 541-788-5232 email: chris@austinwoodfurniture.com