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PEACEFUL WARRIOR TAI CHI
Founded in 2008, Peaceful Warrior Tai Chi offers private and group Tai Chi Classes in Chico, California. Founder, Si Fu Michael Gaughan, is dedicated to teaching the ancient martial art of Tai Chi in an approachable and holistic way - infusing philosophy, history, and application of form into each class.
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Peaceful Warrior Tai Chi provides a safe and inclusive environment for students of all ages and experience levels. Whether you are brand new to Tai Chi, or have practiced for many years, Peaceful Warrior Tai Chi will enhance your understanding and deepen your practice with each class.
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Join Michael on Monday evenings at The Movement Arts of Chico in downtown, Chico, CA. For private one-on-one or group lessons, contact Michael to schedule.
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ABOUT TAI CHI
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Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art dating back thousands of years, and is traditionally practiced for defense training, health benefits and meditation. Tai Chi Chuan translates to Grand Ultimate Fist or "Boxing", and is a series of slow, fluid movements that when sped up to full speed is what we know as Kung-Fu.
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While it has been widely accepted that Tai Chi reduces stress and improves balance, flexibility, strength and range of motion, recent research from the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health has shown that Tai Chi can lead to a number of other psychological, emotional and physical health benefits.
HEALTH BENEFITS
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Increases Muscle Strength
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Reduces Symptoms of PTSD
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Increases Balance
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Reduces Risk of Falling​
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Improves Posture
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Reduces Stress & Anxiety
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Enhances Focus
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Increases Flexibility
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Enhances Quality of Sleep
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Increases Circulation
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Reduces Loss of Bone Density
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Reduces Fatigue
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Enhances Quality of Life
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Throughout his youth, Michael was a proficient athlete who competed in swimming, boxing, fencing, and gymnastics. While he had always taken an interest in Martial Arts, it wasn't until the age of 55 that he discovered his passion for Tai Chi.
After experiencing a difficult divorce, Michael made the decision to leave his 25-year business as a California Real Estate Broker and Property Manager to pursue his lifelong dream of being a professional musician in Hawaii. While playing music one evening in Kaimuki, Oahu, Michael was introduced to Master Shen Ballesteros. The two became fast friends, and Michael was excited when Master Shen agreed to teach him Kung Fu in exchange for Conga drum lessons.
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After a few lessons from Master Shen, Michael found himself confused about the instruction. He explained to Master Shen that he had wanted to learn Kung Fu, and didn't understand why he was being taught "this wavy-hand stuff." Master Shen asked Michael, "What do you think Kung Fu is?" Michael admitted that he didn't really know. Master Shen explained, "Kung Fu means 'work hard', so if you work hard at Tai Chi, you will have Kung Fu."
SI FU MICHAEL
Michael continued his lessons with Master Shen, and experienced firsthand the healing and transformative power of Tai Chi. Over the years, Michael would continue his training with Grandmaster Farshad Azad in Chico, California. Being a natural sportsman and a stickler for proper form, Michael made it a point to learn the application and function behind each move. He believes this to be an important aspect of Tai Chi that is often overlooked by Tai Chi instructors, and he makes it a point to teach this to his students.
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In 2008, he began teaching Tai Chi to individuals and small groups at Bidwell Park, Chico Women's Club, Sycamore Glen Active Senior Community, and The Terraces Senior Living. Michael has observed the positive effects Tai Chi has had on his students, including increased strength, flexibility, mobility, and improved self confidence. In 2015, Michael was diagnosed with Leukemia and underwent a series of chemotherapy treatments. He attributes his daily Tai Chi practice to aiding him in making a full recovery by reducing his stress levels, providing a healthy routine, and maintaining his strength and energy. Tai Chi has been an integral part of Michael's daily wellness routine, and he is passionate about sharing the gift of Tai Chi with others.
