Student Stories

Testimonials

I have Parkinson's and noticed how great it has been for my balance and tranquility

Carlos F.

High blood pressure greatly reduced

Debbie F.

MS and cancer survivor. It has helped with balance problems and pain. It helps create a overall well feeling

Linette M.

I have Fibromyalgia. There was an instant decrease with my pain. I feel my mood has changed because of Tai Chi. It's amazing

Dominique M.

Overall I enjoy feeling better from Tai Chi. It helps me feel calm and centered

Jorge V.

I suffered from vertigo and balance. After a few lessons the symptoms were easier to manage then went away

Conchita C.

I had a stroke four years ago and had fear of walking because I would lose my balance. Since taking the Tai Chi classes, I no longer use a walker, my balance has improved and I walk all over.. Thanks to Tony, I feel wonderful.

Ellen F.

Tai Chi has taught me the value of clearing the mind and has enforced the value of balance, both mental and physical.

Elaine L.

Tony gave us a lesson 3 years ago in how to walk safely the Tai Chi way. It worked with me and I have used it ever since. My balance and feeling of safety has improved greatly because of him and his classes.

Gail F.

I feel lighter and my balance has improved.

Blanca M.

For 15 years I have suffered from neuropathy which has affected my walking more every year. Until now. In Tai Chi class, Tony taught us the Tai Chi walk. I felt like it woke up my legs and feet and enabled me to walk almost normally, without a cane. Thanks

Conrad D.

I've had Tai Chi classes with Tony for about 5 years. Not only is it fun, but my balance and focus have noticeably improved. Best of all, some of the exercises he has taught us help me with my anxiety in everyday situations, such as being in a dentist's waiting room!

Diana D.

I have been practicing Tai Chi with Tony for several months and I can not stress enough how great my health is doing after starting. Tony is an amazing instructor who is very in tune with his students. When starting I had balance issues and muscle stiffness due to a neurological condition. After a few months of persistency I am doing much better with my Multiple Sclerosis and I have even been able to cut down on some of my medications. I am very grateful to have been taught Tai Chi by Tony.

Vanessa L.

As a women with MS, finding a physical activity that was beneficial to me physically, mentally and spiritually was a blessing. Tai Chi, studied and performed with Tony Garcia was where I found that blessing. From day one, over 10 years ago, until today, I recognize, appreciate and utilize the benefits of this art to improve my balance and coordination, to ease some muscle tightness and pain and to help me feel inner peace and calm. Thank You, Tony for your understanding and help.

Maggie S.

After doing yoga for 5-6 yrs, I injured my knee and tore a meniscus. I decided to try Tai Chi and my knee is healing with the gentle motion of the form.

Rebecca C.

The instructor's approach to all aspects was engaging and the wellness information was informative

Sarafaith P.

Thank you Tony. You are a wonderful teacher and I appreciate your time and experience.

Jessica L.

Sifu Tony is a professional, dedicated teacher; he is serene and very accomplished in numerous forms of Tai Chi. His classes are easy to follow, warm and informative. I highly recommend Sifu Tony Garcia.

Wendy C.

You can get your body relaxed and your mind laser focused on the landing task on hand

Miles R.

Just ask around: Tony Garcia is the best Tai Chi teacher in the Miami area. His professional competence and his endearing personality have been greatly appreciated by his "groupies" who have been following him for years.

Judith E.

Excellent Tai Chi Instructor! I have never been happier in participating and learning about Tai Chi. Tony is very professional, respectful, and dedicated instructor. He has patience, he takes his time explaining every movement to you. He gives positive feedback and is always willing to explain things several times. I would definitely recommend to ANYONE who is interested in learning Tai Chi. Tony truly has a passion for Tai Chi!

Michele A.

I have had high blood pressure for the past decade with medication AM & PM. Since I started taking Tai Chi classes with you on 10/30/18, my numbers have gone down dramatically...before Tai Chi around 145/95 now usually under 117/70 almost daily. I have not had these results since I was a teenager :-))) Can't Thank you enough.

Lucy S.

I have had Ankylosing Spondylitis and its associated symptoms since my late twenties. Am very happy to say that with the practice of Tai Chi together with a diet of anti inflammatory foods I am free of all pain and symptoms as long as I continue the practice. No medication required, what more can I say? Thank You Tony.

William O.

Tony is an excellent Tai Chi instructor! He is extremely nice, caring, patient, flexible, just such a wonderful person, makes you feel welcome and a great friend. The group of people that come are very nice and friendly too, so you meet lots of nice people and do something for your health at the same time. I can not say enough good things about him. He really cares about helping people with their health but also cares about each individuals needs. Tai Chi has helped me lose weight too, but also makes you think more clearly, relaxing with a great workout that does burn calories. This has so many benefits for all ages and abilities as you can do this standing or sitting. I highly recommend Tony with Miami Taichi.

Chris S.

I believe it has enhanced my sense of balance. The movements translate to daily life when I need to stoop and retrieve something up high or perform other routine tasks.

Lynne R.

I had a great experience learning the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention w/Sifu Tony. He is very patient and insightful in the art of teaching the TCA program. I learned a lot from him and I feel confident that I can put what he taught me into practice to improve my Tai Chi practice and my ability to instruct others in the TCA program.

Juan S.

The Tai Chi exercises reduced pain and taught guidelines for treating the stiffness. My balance has improved and my everyday life becomes easier with correct breathing, sitting, stretching and walking.

Barbara W.

I have had knee replacement surgery. I have been able to do exercises that do not put stress on my knees at all and yet feel invigorated at the end of the class.

Jean W.

Tai Chi for me has been a new beginning, like new magic energy, it feels like a moving meditation. An exercise that is good for all ages.

Ruth H.

My walking is better and so is the balance. My whole body feels a lot better.

Mary P.

Academic

Rollins College Student Journals

Rollins College, Orlando, FL

Student Journal

The sixth Tai Chi lesson occurred on November 10, 2023, on Lakeside Lawn yet again. There was nothing inherently different about this session in terms of movements and lessons, but this session because it was really nothing new made time for breathing and meditation. This session I placed a very huge emphasis on breathing, and the morning itself was a very nice morning. There was a nice breeze, and the sun was reflecting off the lake incredibly. At first it was quite uncomfortable and somewhat frightening because there were moments where I could feel like the palms of my hands were hot for some reason. With the very nice ambiance this session was a lot more peaceful and really gave me the time to practice Tai Chi Chuan. It kind of made me feel like I had a supernatural ability for a while. Our instructor has told us since the very beginning that the movements in Tai Chi have effects on the arms and harness Chi which is most present in the palms. However, this was the very first session where I truly did feel like there was a lot of sensations from my palms. Number one......breathing is the most important thing. Two......move in a way that is comfortable for me. Finally....Tai Chi Chuan is a movement meditation and therefore should be treated as such.

Rollins College, Orlando, FL

Student Journal

The combination of styles that we did in this session was my favorite one that we have done out of all the Tai Chi sessions we have done this semester. During the Tai Chi session, I saw two massive birds, which I think were osprey. Throughout my life, I've seen large birds like that when I was in the most flow with the Universe and the most at peace in life. I found it interesting that I saw these birds while I was into a flow with my Tai Chi movements. I think that the two styles that we did for this particular session contained more circular motions, and more close work with energy and self. I liked these forms the best and found that I was able to get into the best flow and the biggest connection with energy with this specific combination. I was more anxious that morning because I had a test later in the morning, but I found that by the end of the session that I was able to better center myself and achieve more inner peace, as well as a greater feeling of calm. This feeling of centeredness stayed with me throughout the day and allowed me to be a lot less jittery for my test later on. Thank you so much!

Rollins College, Orlando, FL

Student Journal

My fifth Tai Chi experience was very enjoyable, and I continue to get more adjusted and used to this new art. Today was a very beautiful morning for some Tai Chi. As I looked around during our session, I couldn't picture a more beautiful scene — willow trees, green grass, and a lake with a bright reflection on top of it. During this session, I was also less anxious than the last time. I was able to control any stress, blowing it past me. Something interesting I learned this session in particular was the Yang form of Tai Chi which resembled martial arts more than the sun style which focuses on twisting and turning. While these styles have their differences, I was able to realize that the curve-like movements sort of resemble the yin yang symbol. I am very excited for the last three sessions although they are flying by, I hope to bring one of my friends next time so they can experience the Dao way and hopefully feel more calm.

Rollins College, Orlando, FL

Student Journal

This session was another pleasant one. I think having Lakeside lawn was definitely a lot better than performing Tai Chi on mills lawn or inside Lakeside performance room. The lake there adds another layer of truly being present and focusing on your body and its surroundings. Being outside was nice because of the warmth and the little amount of wind. Most of the moves follow a very similar sequence of transferring weight on your feet as well as being able to move your body in a smooth circular motion. I am starting to understand moves more and more — I have not only begun to memorize but also predict moves I haven't done yet. One thing I took away from this Tai Chi lesson was how it relates to martial arts. It is cool being able to perform Tai Chi on command.