My Name is Ruben Torres
I will be responsible for continuing the reflection.
At least for now.
I have created this website so you can have access to the information even outside
of a formal class setting.
I started pursuing the knowledge of Tai Chi in 1987
at the Kung Fu Academy of Chicago at the direction of
Master S. Kwan.
One day he said to me, Sifu Ruben; you spend too much of your time
and energy healing up from injuries. You spend all your time training and fighting. The rest of the time you are
using your Chi for healing.
I want you to take this Tai Chi Chuan Class with Sifu William Diaz.
Sifu Diaz was qualified in Yang Tai Chi, Bagua, Hsing yi and other arts as well.
I loved his class, he definetly knew how to fight and apply the techniques for self defense.
In 1989, I met Mr. Din in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, New York.
After pursuing him for a year,
(Mr. Din speaks no english, and was unwilling to take on a student he could not give an oral
transmission to, or teach the intention of each technique)
I was finally allowed to attend the formal classes, and got invited to train on the weekends
with the master and his wife.
This our 18th year together.
Mr. Din is now retired. He teaches a small group of seniors during the week
Monday to Friday from 8:00 am. to 9:00 am.
On Saturday he teaches for about one hour starting at 8:00 am. and then on Sunday,
I join his seniors class with my students and classmates.
We do the entire class:
Chi Kung (Beating the Drum, 18, 28)
Forms
Fan style
Sword Forms
when Mr. Din is finished with the class, he often gives me some personal time.
During this time we often review the complete alphabet of movement
and postures he taught me. Then on to Push Hands drills.
(both Fixed Step and Moving Step, Single Hand and Double Hand)
Then time permitting we will run a review and practice of "CloudHands" a two
man set we flow into from the Push Hand Drills.
From the Cloudhands drills we flow into the self defense applications (two man
drills).
I have learned that everyone is welcome and everyday is a Tai Chi day!
