Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese system of health, relaxation and self defense. Simply put, it is an exercise in slow, balanced, relaxed movements which enables the breath to sink deeply into the Tan Tien ( Reservoir of Energy ) and then to flow through the body in it's most natural way. Once learned, this system can enhance many aspects of life.

Howard's Tai Chi classHoward James has taught for 30 years in New York City, Chicago, California, Phillipines, Japan, Thailand, and is the co-founder of the Hawaii Tai Chi Chuan Association, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the growth of health, movement and martial arts in Hawaii. Some of Howard's training includes Japanese Tea Ceremony, Shiatsu, Za Zen, Yoga, Chi Kung, Escrima, Muay Thai, Pa Kua, Hsing-I, and Tai Chi Staff.

"Howard's depth of experience, enthusiasm for teaching, humor and humility make him an outstanding teacher. Whatever your stage of development in Tai Chi practice, Howard can show you the way to deeper insight and understanding of the art."
Dr. Andrew D. Bisset, PhD, MD.
Medical Director
Hilo Pacific Center for PTSD

"Howard's understanding of body movement and power is unsurpassed. Through his teaching, serious martial artists can accelerate their development no matter what system they study."
Greg Brodsky
Tai Chi Instructor, Author & Consultant
3rd Dan Aikido, 40 years martial arts

"Howard James represents exactly what I would look for in a T'ai Chi instructor; many years of study resulting in a true depth of experience combined with a sincere desire to share his understanding with his students. In any art, including T'ai Chi, this is a rare combination."
Ron Perfetti
30 years martial arts
T'ai Chi Chuan Instructor

"Mr. James has been teaching since the mid '70's and has served as my assistant on many occasions. I am very pleased to recommend Howard to you as a very qualified and diligent instructor of T'ai Chi Chuan."
Grandmaster William C.C. Chen


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Application Video - Short clip of something I'm working on, showing application of Tai Chi movements. Demonstrating how to use the body to generate speed and power in a relaxed and efficient way. For the martial artist and self defense.

Click to see clip
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Instructional Video - This Tai Chi Video has a tranquil film-like quality to it with the birds of Hawaii singing in the background. It is designed so that the student can follow behind the teacher's movement as in a class. The breathing is spoken out loud for you. All of the movements of the Yang style short form are covered. The entire form is then gone through again from the front view with the movements broken down with the name and numbers for each step.

Instruction and workshops - Tai Chi Chuan Yang Family Style Short Form, Tai Chi Sword Form, Chi Kung, Push Hands, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Woman's Self Defense. All classes can be taught as private sessions, group sessions, or workshops.

Training for fighters - If you want to be a better martial artists. I am now working with Jiu Jitsu players and other grapplers.
Step 1: I will help you improve your balance, speed, and power.
Step 2: Sensitivity, timing, movement [ distance game ]
Step 3: Economy, Efficiency, strategy.

Prices - Tai Chi and Kick Boxing. Workshops are $150 per hour. Classes are $150 per hour. Personal training is $100 per hour, plus transportation and expenses.

Tai Chi Chuan History:
Chang San Feng is said to be the founder of Tai Chi Chuan, around the 13th Century. He was a Taoist monk and master of the "hard" styles of martial arts, the Kung Fu animal forms. Chang wandered to Wu Tang Mountain and lived as a hermit in search of enlightenment. The Taoist Principal of Wu Wei (effortlessness) came clear to him one day while coming upon a crane and a snake engaged in combat. The speed and directness of the crane were impressive; the flexibility and elusiveness of the snake neutralized the crane's incoming attacks. This was the key. Chang San Feng dreamed of a style and form of martial arts based on the teachings of Lao Tsu, "the soft overcoming the hard." So began Tai Chi Chuan which is translated as Grand Ultimate Boxing.