Welcome to TCF’s September 50th Anniversary Blog, with Pam Kelley Elend and Danyal Sattar

Pam Kelley Elend                                        Danyal Sattar

In celebration of the Tai Chi Foundation’s 50 years, each month in 2025, we are publishing blog posts featuring historical material, reflections by TCF tai chi teachers, videos, and photos. We hope the images and words connect the tai chi community to our school’s many strengths, expand our understanding of the art, and inspire our practice. And who knows? Perhaps something in this series will inspire you to share your experience as well; the door is always open. Welcome to September’s edition!

September Stories

Introducing Pam Kelley Elend and Danyal Sattar, TCF teachers whose impactful stories began decades ago and continue today. Join them as they share their treasured tai chi memories.

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Pam Kelley Elend on Finding Tai Chi

Nineteen years ago, I walked with a cane. Nineteen years ago, I was suffering from chronic inflammation in the L5-S1 disc in my lower back, a condition that was not formally diagnosed as spondyloarthritis until nineteen months ago. Nineteen years ago, the pain was so debilitating that walking, sitting, standing, and lying down was a misery. I saw specialist after specialist seeking help, until I finally found a back specialist whose go-to method was not surgery. This doctor referred me to an osteopath and prescribed physical therapy and acupuncture. And on the way out the door, he threw out as an aside, “And take tai chi for balance.”

So, nineteen years ago, on a September evening, and willing to try anything that I could to get some measure of relief, I hobbled into David Goodell’s Beginning 1 class in Seattle with my cane and took a chance. A chance that I have never regretted.

Click to read more about Pam Finding Tai Chi

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Danyal’s Tai Chi Remembrance

I started Tai Chi in the early 1990s. I was aware I was not very flexible and thought, if I am like this in my mid-to-late 20s, what am I going to be like in my older age? I should do something. I cannot recall how exactly I came across the London school – a flyer or small poster that would have caught my eye.

I had done evening classes in Karate while studying my degree, and the bit I enjoyed was the Kata, the series of moves strung together. I thought Tai Chi might be like that. As well as the physical. I liked the aspect that it was a way of dealing with violence in the world, without becoming violent oneself. That there was an aspect of this that was more than physical and more than  martial. Finally, there was just something about the teachers. They were clearly dedicated and knowledgeable, not just about the Tai Chi form, but around meditation and self-development. I did not know what it was, but there was really something there, in them. With hindsight, I would say it was the effect of the Tai Chi and Arica work they did. While I did not
think that the Arica they practiced was my way, I could clearly see the effect it had on them, positively. I cannot particularly recall the first demonstration or class, but I do remember feeling that I was experiencing something really amazing. An ancient art from China, passed onto us – how good is that?!

Click to read more of Danyal’s Tai Chi Story

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Starting Your Tai Chi Journey?

You can learn more about tai chi by exploring the diverse offerings of the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF). TCF provides live online courses, allowing you to participate in guided sessions in the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, TCF offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources offer a wealth of knowledge to enrich your tai chi journey. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out the in-person course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools.

TCF is a not-for-profit educational organization that promotes, funds, and teaches programs that enable people to learn tai chi chuan and embody its principles.

Be sure to check out our new TCF 50th Anniversary Shop, where you can find stylish tai chi t-shirts and other great branded merchandise!

The Tai Chi Foundation Editorial Team

Photos courtesy Tai Chi Foundation Inc.

Copyright Tai Chi Foundation 2025