Our Instructors to help on your journey

Instructor 

My Tai Chi journey began in 2011 at the age of 60. Where I studied the Yang short form. I have been studying with Sifu Jones since 2006. During my time with Sifu Jones we have studied the Yang Tai Chi Chuan 64 form, Chen Tai Chi Modified 18, Broadsword (Dao), Straight Sword(Jian), BaGua Zhang, Xing Yi Quan, and Qigong.

I look forward to many more years under Sifu Jones.

Assistant Instructor 

Erik has trained in various traditional martial arts since the early 2000s including work in empty-hand forms and techniques, sparring, and weapons like the bo staff, broadsword, and double daggers. 

From 2001 - 2005 Erik trained in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu under Sensei Leland Cseke while in undergraduate school at Michigan Tech University. 

From 2005 - 2012, while in graduate school at Clemson University, Erik trained in Cuong Nhu under Master Darius Jones, achieving the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt). 

From 2014-2015 Erik trained in Kung Fu at the White Crane school in Baton Rouge Louisiana under Sifu Lou Illar 

From 2016 - 2020 and in Jow Ga Kung Fu  in Suwanee Georgia. 

Since 2021 Erik has been training in Tai Chi under Sifu Ken at TCCNGA . Erik’s philosophy and love of traditional martial arts training combines focus, flow, movement, and pursuit of peace and self-mastery. 

His appreciation of Tai Chi lies in the deep attention to body awareness and structural connections between all parts of the body.

Instructor in Training

Patrick began his Tai Chi journey searching for a new activity to encourage exercise and mobility. Looking for martial arts that offered classes that best fit his needs led him to Tai Chi Center of North Georgia. Having no previous martial arts experience, and with limited knowledge of Tai Chi outside of some pop culture references, he signed up for a beginner class in summer of 2023. 

Patrick found it challenging to give himself the grace to learn something new and be not very good at it. However, with the guidance and encouragement of Sifu and other class leaders, he stuck with it. Soon his desire to learn more and continue his growth overcame any hesitation based on lack of ability or understanding. As classes continued, Patrick set a goal to test for the intermediate class as soon as possible to open the possibilities of continuing to learn new material. 

As his journey has continued, Patrick’s learning has led to a new and deeper understanding of Tai Chi and himself. The most important thing he has been reminded of is that there is always more to learn and understand. 

Learning to teach Tai Chi is another aspect of his journey of understanding the material. Just as those with more experience with the material helped him on his journey, Patrick hopes to be able to offer some guidance to others.

Instructor in Training

 Tai Chi, quite simply, changed my life! I began studying under Sifu Ken in 2011, when he first opened his Tai Chi Center in Dawsonville. I trained with him until 2014, when family situations demanded my time. I returned to the Tai Chi Center in Dawsonville in January of 2023, and have been here since.

Although the martial aspect of Tai Chi does interest me, in this season of my life, I am more interested in the internal aspect that cultivates relaxation, centeredness, and energy flow. The controlled yet relaxed movement of Tai Chi has helped me focus on health, breath, meditation, balance and stress relief. 

My philosophy on teaching is to provide an environment where beginners feel supported, encouraged by any progress and are free to learn at their own pace, competing with only themselves and not others.

I believe Tai Chi is accessible to everybody at any age and having experienced the restorative benefits of Tai Chi in my own life, I would like to help others build strength and balance, reduce stress and move with more intention.