What our students are saying about their journey to learn Tai Chi.
‘Be Like Water’ is one of the most intentionally focused and respected schools in West LA to learn Tai Chi. Our unparalleled Chinese martial arts training focuses on old Yang Style Tai Chi and Qi Gong meditation to increase wellbeing. Our previous students have offered testimonials about their experiences at the school to give new and prospective students an idea of the quality of the teachings, professional approach and integrity of our practice.
“Excellent school with great outdoor practice and learning locations! I’ve been a student for over one year and really appreciate the depth of knowledge, open mindedness and welcoming hospitality offered by the instructors. They offer a focus on health and well-being, martial application, and Qi gong integration as well.”
“Thoughtful instruction from teachers with a deep understanding of Tai Chi. Convenient outdoor settings are a real plus. Non-competitive atmosphere with a group that goes beyond the movements to philosophy and application. I’ve studied Tai Chi for years and still have learned so much in just a few months from instructors and students at ‘Be Like Water’ Tai Chi.”
In the 18 months since I started learning taichi and qigong with Tommy and Hagai, my health has improved. The regular warmup exercises, movement within the taichi sets, Tommy’s individualized instruction about posture, and advice on particular stretches for my body have all improved my flexibility, increased range of movement in my arthritic neck, strengthened my legs, arms, and core, and improved my balance. In addition, I am convinced that memorizing the choreography of the forms has improved my memory. Tommy and Hagai are extremely skilled and knowledgeable about tai chi, Qi gong, and numerous other ancient Chinese marshal arts forms; they’ve been studying with grand masters for years. Patient and thorough instructors, they address individuals’ health concerns and goals and allow and encourage adaption of the movements to your own limitations. They are beautiful to watch and inspiring to learn from. I feel blessed to have discovered Be Like Water Tai Chi.
“I highly recommend all the instructors. It’s like hiring a personal trainer. They are keeping me young, limber, and balanced.”
I’ve been going to classes for about six months now. Tommy and Hagai are both great teachers: deeply knowledgeable about qigong and tai chi; patient; considerate; and determined. They offer lots of individual feedback throughout the group classes to help students improve, as well as plenty of motivational support. I’ve seen big improvements in my sense of balance and flexibility. As for the overall health benefits of qigong, I’m a skeptic, but I have to say I haven’t been sick in a while, and it’s certainly a very pleasant form of exercise. Strongly recommended!
Thanks to Covid, Be Like Water has been obliged to go online–which, for me, is a net plus:
1) No travel means it’s even more convenient to take the lessons.
2) Expanded class schedule. Almost every day, there’s something both for beginners and for more advanced students.
3) Afternoon qigong sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays have been added. My appreciation for the wonderful, restorative practice of qigong continues to grow, and appreciate that Tommy and Hagai incorporate this almost daily.
4) Instruction is even more detailed and specific. From your Zoom perspective, it’s easy to see the instructors, who model from different positions to highlight fine points of practice.
5) Convenient for people from all over the city and country can attend classes. Recommend to friends everywhere!
I’ve done pilates, Kundalini yoga, many practices–all wonderful. But the balance of meditation, breathing, flexibility, and body control I am finding through this practice is my favorite of all.
“An opportunity to learn and grow, surrounded by a welcoming community.”
I’ve practiced with Dojos before and really didn’t like the “military” feel they all had to them. Be Like Water is fantastic. The instructors really know their disciplines (Tai Chi & Qigong) and the classes are held in a variety of places and always outside, so your mind doesn’t get bored. And the atmosphere is one of caring and warmth. It’s relaxed, but serious without being or feeling strict. And there’s no pressure at all. You learn at your own pace. I’m very grateful I found them and am enjoying the practice very much.
“One of the distinguishing characteristics of Tommy’s Tai Chi classes is her emphasis on warm-up. As one of the older students, I know she’s improved my balance and flexibility. Plus you get all the benefits of Tai Chi!”
I’ve been working with Tommy and Hagai for about 8 months now and I am very happy the I have found them. As a 44 year old surfer and former skateboarder, my joints (knees, ankles) have taken a beating over the years and I’ve been looking for a way to strengthen them and improve my balance, and I’ve definitely found it here. That obviously isn’t the only reason that one would pursue the internal martial arts, but it certainly is a practical one. I’m finding that getting to my feet and getting set up for waves has improved, I used to grab the rail on my backside a lot and now it’s just when I absolutely have to. With time, your leg strength in your important balance muscles will improve dramatically. Tommy and Hagai are both deeply committed and teach a mix of forms with the primary focus on the Old Yang style of Tai Chi that they learned from their master. You can expect understanding, kind people with a strong work ethic and small class size, sometimes even one on one. It is not a big school but I am sure that with time it will grow; with the small size, it’s amazing how developed the skills of some of the advanced students are; encouraging. We really don’t spar, but you’ll certainly learn the pre-cursors to sparring and application in their classes. All ages.
My wife, Lynn, and I found Tommy and her husband, Hagai, after first observing classes taught by other Tai Chi instructors in Santa Monica, and we couldn’t be happier. Trained in Tai Chi and Qigong, they dedicatedly provide very supportive, attentive, and patient guidance for both beginners, and for more advanced students in outdoor classes held at various times and locations in the Santa Monica area. Lynn and I have found their classes to be calming, centering, and energizing and look forward to our Saturday class outdoors at the Colorado Center. Their pre-class Qigong warm-up exercises are also terrific! Another plus is that their classes cost less than any of the others that we checked out. But go see for yourself and Enjoy
I’m from the Jane Fonda “no pain, no gain” exercise generation. So I planned to take a nap after my first class with Be Like Water. Surprised to find myself energized, and also seeing for myself how I will meet my goal of better balance & posture. Everyone is knowledgeable, but best of all, simply kind people.