11/21/08

A Supportive Environment For Personal Growth

by dragonheart66

I have now been training for approximately four and a half years with Master Gohring and am now a part-time employee; therefore I wanted to update my review. Reading my previous review I can see how it may seem ?loaded?. I was very excited about the changes in my life as a result of my training at Master Gohrings? Tai Chi & Kung Fu and may have come across as unrealistic.

When I began my Tai Chi training I was concerned that due to my disabilities I would not be able to do what was required in class. I was encouraged, guided, and challenged by a very gentle, caring and competent staff led by Master Gohring. I was also concerned because I didn?t really want to learn a martial art, I just wanted to get the health benefits from Tai Chi. Now I find the martial aspect of Tai Chi fascinating, realizing that true health depends on physical, mental and spiritual factors which are all cultivated by proper and continuous practice of Tai Chi.

I also remember thinking that I would be paying a lot of money for martial arts lessons, considering how cheap Karate lessons cost in the early 1980?s. I realized about a week or two into my training that I was getting superb value. I had support and instruction from a highly qualified and experienced staff who reported directly to Master Gohring, a Sixth Degree Black Sash Master Instructor in Tai Chi & Kung Fu. I found the entire staff to be caring and supportive, obviously taking their lead from Master Gohring.

As a result of my continued training I have gone from being essentially immobile and extremely unhealthy to no longer needing a walker to get around. I have also lost over 150 pounds and been able to come off of several prescription medications. I also have become much calmer and find that I can deal with stress better than ever.

I highly recommend that you check out Master Gohring?s Tai Chi & Kung Fu. I think that you will find that one of the programs may be just what you need to improve the quality of your life.

• Pros: Great traditional Chinese Martial Atrs Training. Wonderful Master Instructor. Supportive student bady and staff. Strong sense of community. Convenient location. Good parking.
• Cons: None come to mind.

11/28/07

MVP School of Kung Fu

by krislb

Master Gohring asked me to right a review. I am glad to do it. I've been going here for about 4 months and always look forward to it. I've wanted to learn about Martial Arts for a long time. In addition, I wanted to find a way to exercise that was fun and where I would learn something. Taking Kung Fu accomplishes both. I recently moved to Austin and looked up schools on the internet. When I walked into Master Gohring's Tai Chi and Kung Fu I knew I found the right place. It felt very authentic and Master Gohring teaches the classes. It is an inspiring atmosphere where everyone wants to learn, improve and help each other out. I'm definitely doing moves that I would not have thought I could do. I'm not perfect but I make improvements with each class. In the short time I've been going, I've noticed more flexibility, strength and balance. There is so much to learn and so many benefits that I can definitely see myself doing this for many years to come.

11/19/07

Meditation in Motion

by alxalx

I'm a pretty high strung person. Walking into Master Gohrings Tai Chi and Kung Fu school was a breath of fresh air for me. It is the place i go to relax after my work day. The sense of community is strong and the atmosphere is professional, welcoming and friendly. There are all ages that train here, from kids to adults to seniors. Definitely something for everyone.

I have never before made time in my day to relax or take a few minutes to myself, shutting out the mobile phone and the rest of the world. But since doing so back in July of 2006, my life has changed for the better. I cannot imagine what i'd be doing in my free time if i hadn't discovered Tai Chi. It is Meditation in Motion. There are constantly new levels and layers of understanding with Tai Chi, and Master Gohring caringly and patiently works with his students, hands-on, in all of his classes.

There are different levels you can sign up for, from Basic to Master's Path and even Apprentice training, which i have started to gain the skills of a trainer. We have "Bonus" classes on Friday evenings where we learn several other aspects such as Calligraphy, Weapon Forms, Fan Dances...the list goes on! Not only is it fun, but it gives you great thighs, helps your physical and mental balance and tightens up your reflexes! I cannot get enough of Tai Chi and cannot encourage you any more to take the plunge and go to one free lesson. You won't regret it!

• Pros: where else do you go to relax?
• Cons: it leaves you wanting more...not really a con, is it?

11/19/07

To Life!

by taichimax

M. Growden - ?To Life?

I am a student of Master Gohring?s Tai Chi & Kung Fu School for about 12 weeks now. As I approach my graduation to second sash, Master Gohring has asked me to review his school and what it has meant to me. The reason I started Tai Chi was two fold. First, my wife has been taking Tai Chi for almost 2 year?s and I have seen a lot of the physical and mental benefits that she has received from Master Gohring?s teaching of Tai Chi. I have seen the determination and focus as she reaches each new sash level. The second reason I joined was that my whole family (this includes my In-laws) are now taking Tai Chi and it has brought us closer as a family. We enjoyed each other?s company before, but in practicing and learning Tai Chi together we are learning how to breathe deeper, to reduce stress, relax more and we get a great work out. Master Gohring?s teaching is helping me to restructure my body and mind. Each class brings new insights into the Tai Chi form. We are learning not only the form but also lessons that are beneficial in our every day life. I want to thank Master Gohring for his dedication to his students and for helping us, understand that Tai Chi is not just a martial art. It is a key element in Living a Healthy Life!

• Pros: Funny, enjoyable which creates a Great enivionment for learning

11/19/07

Knee to Renewal

by lesjujohn2

J. Johnson ? ?Knee to Renewal?

I am a student of Master Gohring?s School of Tai Chi & Kung Fu. He has asked me to write a review of him and the school. I came to be at Master Gohring?s school because my daughter asked me to go with her on a free lesson. This was about 2 years ago. I had serious knee problems at the time, but I found that the Nei Kung exercise to be very helpful. My knee did show improvement and was strengthening, until I forgot myself and ended up twisting my knee and re-injuring it. Tai chi has been good for me, it has taught me to be patient in pushing myself and knowing how much I can take as well as to take my time learning the moves, and I am constantly improving. I respect the people I meet and interact with at the school. Everyone has their own journey and yet we come together in this expression of Tai Chi to improve ourselves. I am grateful to Master Gohring for his patience and kindness. All the fancy moves I thought were way beyond my abilities, I am now learning them! What has kept me in Tai Chi training this long? My daughter and the fact that I like feeling younger than my actual age. I am very glad that I have stuck with the Tai Chi training and very grateful to Master Gohring.

• Pros: Master Gohring is very patient, insightful Instructor and keeps classes Interesting!

11/19/07

Re-Vitalized at 67

by lesjujohn1

L. Johnson ? ?Re-Vitalized at 67?

At Master Gohring's request I am writing a review of his Tai Chi and Kung Fu School. Master Gohring?s Tai Chi School is fulfilling the goals claimed in their brochure. I have curvature of the spine and have protected my back for years. This has made me stiff and has limited my ability to bend over to pick things up, to get out of chairs, etc. My coordination and balance had deteriorated to the point that I moved, acted and felt like an 87 year old. My wife and daughter have been taking Tai Chi for about 2 years. I saw the improvement in their physical, mental and emotional health and this led me to believe that Tai Chi could help me. I have been practicing Tai Chi for 3 month?s now as a Student at Master Gohring?s School of Tai Chi and Kung Fu and in this time my coordination, balance and flexibility have improved greatly! I like the Nei Kung classes for its low impact exercises that teaches you to breathe properly, improve strength and flexibility. The Tai chi form teaches coordination and balance. I am able to apply techniques learned in class to daily activities, while working on a project around the house; I felt pain in my lower back. I was able to modify the ?Embracing Horse? Nei Kung exercise, to relieve the pain, and place my back in a better position to continue working on the project. Recently while working in my green house I was reaching down to pick up a small heater when my foot slipped and I fell. Without anything or anyone to assist me, I was able to get back up on my feet. Three months ago I would have had to lay there and waited for someone to come and help me. I feel vitalized in doing more projects and things around the house. I am grateful to Master Gohring?s for his patience in teaching an ?old man? new tricks. I wish I had known about the benefits of Tai Chi at a much younger age, but better to have found it now then not at all. Thank you Master Gohring.

• Pros: Master Gohring is a very Patient Instructor

11/19/07

The Family that Tai Chi's together stays healthy together

by tjgrowden

T. Johnson-Growden - ?The family that Tai Chi?s together stays healthy together?

I am writing this review of Master Gohring?s School of Tai Chi and Kung Fu, because I am graduating to Purple Sash. (The 6th level on the way to my Black Sash). In the three months since my last graduation a lot has happened. Not only is my mother practicing Tai Chi with me at Master Gohring?s School of Tai Chi & Kung Fu, but my father and husband have joined us as well. This takes me back to the basics (Nei Kung exercises which we all need to keep up with) it has strengthened my resolve to reach Black Sash sooner and to join Master Gohring?s CIT (Certified Instructor Training) program. No one wants to see their parent?s age, and by taking Tai Chi my parents are taking steps to improve their physical and mental abilities and to keep the aging process from advancing to quickly. My husband and I are getting benefit of slowing down the aging process, years ahead of my parents. Because all four of us are Diabetics, we had considered putting in a Swimming Pool at our house, so that we would have a form of exercise that was easy on the joints and was aerobic. What we found is that Tai Chi gave us those benefits and we could practice all year round at anytime anyplace (unlike a pool). In practicing Tai Chi together we watch less TV, so we are off the couch and moving around! We find we have more energy and interest in doing things outside the house, and with all of us attending the School; we have to be organized with our time. I have found that Tai Chi has given me more benefits, than I could have imagined, and I can not imagine a time without Tai Chi. For me and my family it is a perfect way of exercising.

Thank you, Master Gohring for all the care and Instruction you put into your Staff and your Students.

• Pros: Friendly Informative Instruction, Family like atmosphere

11/18/07

At last, a place to get my kicks

by farstrider

Ever since moving here from California I have been searching for a way to keep in shape. I don't like doing to gyms or playing more "traditional" sports because I often find them boring, and I have trouble sticking with the program. I've found that martial arts was the answer I was looking for. I tried a few over the years, in cluding Tae Kwon Do and Karate, but I've found that I enjoy Kung Fu the most. Master Gohring's school has been nothing but fantastic. The price per month is a little high, and signing contracts make me nervous, but the quality of teaching has been nothing short of surperb. Sifu Gohring teaches every class himself, and uses good examples of all the technique so that everyone in class can understand what's going on. There is a HUGE variety of things to learn, from basic kicks and punches to the 108 Tiger Crane form. One of my favorite things about class is the workout I recieve there. Some of my friends take martial arts as well, and I have joined them in their classes on occasion, but I always get the best exercise in Kung Fu. Students were asked to write a review on how they felt about traing at the school, and it took me a second to sum up my thoughts. I feel that you get the best value for both your time and money with Sifu Gohring. I've been there for 2yrs now, and I intend to keep going!

11/17/07

good with kids

by dnaelam

This school has classes for adults and children, from beginners to advanced. I've been given the opportunity to take classes with my wife and daughter, allowing us to participate in some common activity and to learn something new, healthy, and useful. I feel proud seeing my 5-year-old daughter enjoy learning and participating in class. Personally, class has become a consistent way for me to get exercise and stay in shape, as well as participate in a family activity.

11/14/07

Never Too Late

by foofighter59

At the ripe age of 48, I decided to take up a martial art. Throughout my adult life I've maintained a pretty good fitness level, but had grown tired of lifting weights and walking endless miles on my treadmill. and felt ready for a new challenge. I've always had some interest in possibly training in the martial arts, but found Tae Kwon Do--the most commonly practiced martial art in the U.S.--to be too aggressive for my tastes. And Tai Chi seemed too slow for the kind of training I was looking for. So I investigated a couple of Kung Fu schools, and easily chose Master Gohring's. I immediately liked the "vibe" when I first walked through the door. The staff and students are friendly and warm and welcoming. I've been training there since for about three months now, and have already noticed an increase in my aerobic fitness, stamina, flexibility and general confidence. Master Gohring exudes confidence and kindness, and is very patient with his students. And when he demonstrates the forms and movements to us, there's no doubt that he knows what he's doing. At my age I'll never be a Bruce Lee, but I do intend to earn my black sash at this school, and know that I'll have fun while doing it.