Stephen Guesman has been playing, studying, and teaching Tai Chi for over 30 years. Stephen teaches a Short Yang Style Tai Chi that improves both strength and balance. Tai Chi is often prescribed by physicians and therapists for its no-impact exercise. Conscious breathwork is a major component of Stephen’s teaching of Tai Chi and Chi Kung*. Classes in Beginner & Intermediate Tai Chi Chuan, Sensing Hands and Chi Kung may be offered. Private instruction is available.
Stephen first learned what was then called Tai Chi in 1975 from Birmingham’s renown dance maven Laura Toffell. Though she didn’t know it, Ms. Toffell taught a Long Yang style Tai Chi. While studying Sufi Dance in San Francisco in 1982, Stephen learned the Short Yang style Tai Chi from a senior student of Ben Lo who was the most senior student of Master Cheng Man’ching. In 1985, while serving on a national executive committee, Stephen began studying the Short Yang style with William C.C. Chen in New York. Mr. Chen was the last senior student of Master Chen Man’ching at his original studio in Taiwan.
Since 1984, Stephen has been teaching Tai-ji Quan and Qi Gong in Birmingham
and taking classes more or less yearly with Mr. Chen in New York.
Stephen has spent most of his life living, working and teaching in Birmingham.
His major careers have been computer programming, publishing and green remodeling.
He now raises goats with his wife in a solar powered home on a rural Blount County farm, but still comes to Birmingham for work and play.