Testimonials

Learning to move with less force and more grace improved my life. I have always learned to try or to push my way through everything and that was the only way I knew how to move.

RealTaiji taught my body to move the natural way, to move by learning to relax and move my energy and spirit-that-moves-through-all-beings. It feels wonderful and so free.



In the past, I'd never been into martial arts because I hated how structured and almost silly they seem. RealTaiji was and is my first experience w/ a martial art, so now when I go to other martial art studios, it's so easy. My basics are so above everyone (or the majority of other martial artists) and my favorite thing about Taiji is how natural and easy the movements are. It feels great and now I know I could defend myself if I need to. Awesome!



I have and I will recommend Steven Smith and RealTaiji. I've told people that if they want to add youth, peace, longevity, grace, and flow to their life, RealTaiji is the way to go. And you never know what can happen until you intentionally try and love the movements. Become one with it and then become one w/ yourself.

Steven is fantastic at breaking down the hard stuff and, best of all, he's patient. He also adapts to your learning style if you have trouble. The environments he uses are fun and challenging. He is great at building up the pace so that the hard stuff is easy. Breakthroughs are easy and rewarding in Taiji w/ Steven. Thank you Steven.

Kimmi Jeffers

I started learning from Steven in October of 2008. I took a very immersive approach so I have spent many hours studying with him. I came to Steven with no experience and in 11 short months he was able to help me achieve a Senior Student ranking from the World Taiji Boxing Association.

It’s a tough system that’s fast. It is my pleasure to give this recommendation. Through my study with Steven I have learned to flush out my anxieties and fears, to protect myself and those around me, the wonderful capacities of our bodies, and ultimately how to become a true warrior. He offers solid curriculum, flexible solutions, and consistent results.

I highly recommend Steven’s services for those seeking the way of the warrior. He offers the needed balance – a portion of kick-ass and a portion of healing.

Nate Johnson

I have a new found enjoyment of being in my body. I use the principles I’ve learned to explore and enjoy my body through movement. I’ve used the principles to improve my posture and how I run, jump, and play. The awareness has helped me bring more unconscious habits, reactions, and reflexes, to my conscious mind, offering me more choices. I can be the calm in the storm, relaxed yet responsive.




I would recommend Real Taiji to others. Taiji is an amazing medium for delivering lessons in awareness, relaxation, fitness, and self defense. The lessons are made all the more effective in the hands of an expert instructor like Steven. He brings passion, fun, and creativity to class. He explores this art from many different angles and isn't afraid to borrow ideas from other arts to help solidify the principles being taught. His realistic treatment of the art in today’s world reminds me that, like all arts, if we stop pushing the boundaries or fail to challenge it, it stagnates and dies.

Jason Socci

I had the honor and opportunity to train with Steven Smith for seven months in 2008. He is a masterful instructor that represents an excellent system. Quality Internal Martial Art is not easy to find in the United States (unless you live in California or New York) and those within Steven's area would be wise to take advantage of what the World Taiji Boxing Association offers: effective and practical self-defense, in-depth knowledge of the human body and its respective energy meridians/points, as well as a very direct and effective approach to traditional Form in the arts of Taijiquan and Baguazhang.



I would like to make particular mention of Steven's knowledge of Baguazhang. This is probably one of the most misunderstood Internal Martial Arts the world over. Steven Smith possesses an understanding of Baguazhang that is a true gem. Not only does he comprehend the structure and subtleties of Baguazhang, he is able to actually teach them in a manner that is clear and easy to follow. Of course, Steven Smith's understanding of Taijiquan is great; I simply wish to make particular note of Baguazhang as it is not an easy art to find good instruction in.



To conclude, I would like to invite all that have an interest in bettering their minds, bodies, and spirits to take some time to investigate what Steven Smith has to offer. I have studied martial art for a good 12 years and Steven Smith is among the top five martial artists I have ever encountered, which is saying a lot.

Aaron W. Johnson