Taijiquan or Tai Chi pronounced (ty-chee) is a common form of martial arts that most people have heard about, but don’t quite understand what it is and why it’s so important for your health. I briefly practiced Tai Chi while pregnant with my second child. After the birth of my son I stopped practicing, yet ever since I have thought about taking the practice up again. There hasn’t been any other sport that has brought me the same balance and focus quite like Tai Chi has. In fact, Tai Chi will likely make you a better athlete no matter what sport you take pleasure in.  Obviously it takes many years before one can fully understand the true value of Tai Chi, so I thought it would be preeminent to seek out a specialist; someone who is wise, knowledgeable, and living his practice. I found him and his name is Gene Irvin.

Gene Ervin a.k.a. “The Immortal” has lived here in Santa Cruz since the 70’s. When I finally was able to meet with Gene over tea at the Ugly Mug, I was shocked to learn that Gene is 75 years old. He truly doesn’t look to be a day over 50. Not only does Gene look incredibly young for his age, he moves quicker and with more vigor than some of my friends who are in their thirties. I knew instantly I came to right individual to prove what I already knew, Tai Chi isn’t just martial arts, it’s a way of life.  Gene, who is also an ex-Marine, began as a student of sensei Sid Adlawan back in 1968 in Los Angeles, California. He studied in the Sagawa Kara-F method of Okinawan karate. In 1985 he became a practitioner of Chinese Martial Arts, specializing in Taijiquan, taught by Sifus Greg and Ching Brodsky in Santa Cruz, in the tradition of Zheng Man-Qing and William C.C. Chen.  In Chinese culture lineage is very important and he studied under the “real deal."  I wanted to know what Tai Chi is and how practicing Tai Chi and Qigong impacted his life.  How could it make me and the many other athletes in Santa Cruz stronger in mind, body, and spirit?  Gene makes it very clear that one can’t just write about Tai Chi, it takes many, many years of study before one can fully take hold of this ancient practice and adequately share the knowledge; so I will not attempt it here.  I will let “The Immortal” speak for himself, giving us just enough understanding to appreciate the practice of Tai Chi, expectantly enticing us to learn more.

SCW:  What does Taijiquan mean?

GE:  Taijiquan transliterates as grand ultimate fist. “There is no other." Tai Chi, what you see people doing in the park is the universal Tai Chi.   It’s an exercise focusing on the breathing.  Qi or Chi – the word itself is essentially untranslatable, but is often referred to as “life source” or “vital energy."  You can’t create or destroy energy. It doesn’t have a beginning or and end.

SCW:  What reason did you begin your studies in Martial Arts?

GE:  Well, my Son. I had my Son at age 41 and it was important to me not look 1,000 years old when he was 21. I wanted to be able to hang out with him and not embarrass him with my old age.   I delved deeper into my martial art studies and never looked back.

SCW:  I practiced Kung Fu for a short while and then switched to Tai Chi when I got pregnant. What is the major difference between Tai Chi and other Martial arts?

GE:  Tai Chi is the real Kung Fu.  The Chinese actually begin studying Tai Chi as children and then return to studying it as adults when there is a deeper understanding of it.  It takes many years of study to fully grasp Tai Chi, what it means and how it changes your life.

SCW:  You look like you lift weights. What other forms of exercise do you do to keep in such amazing shape?

GE:  Well, I don’t need to lift weights. Tai Chi breeds strength from within.  If you lift weights, you become hard and it’s difficult for energy to flow. It’s like a baby… A baby is incredibly strong, but they are soft and breathe through their bellies. You become strong through the core; your organs and then out to muscles.

SCW:  What are some of the biggest ways Tai Chi has affected you physically?

GE:  My energy level is to the max. I have incredible balance and stamina.

SCW:  So why would practicing Tai Chi be good for surfers and other athletes?

GE:  The balance, awareness, and physical strength in the legs. Since Tai Chi is designed for combat, you become extremely aware of your surroundings. Because you need to be rooted, your balance is unmatched, yet you’re completely relaxed at the same time.   You are able to be single weighted; all weight on one leg at a time. These are all important attributes to have while surfing and other sports which require great focus and balance.

Gene is a gentle man yet physically powerful.  While in his presence, you immediately grasp that he is wise and that there is much knowledge to gain from him. Watching him practice Tai Chi is impressive and most certainly inspiring.  He moves with absolute fluidity and calmness.  There is no doubt that Gene is the real deal and that an individual would be auspicious to study under him.  Tai Chi and Qigong is a difficult practice as we came to realize on the beach with him, but for me, I can’t help but yearn for more, to fully understand the practice and become a skilled martial artist.  Gene is also a huge surfing fan and mentioned that in his next life he’ll be surfing it up. Maybe we can get him to do it this life and give a little back to this exceptional man. SCW thanks Gene Ervine for sharing his wisdom and we recommend that if you want to improve your health, feed your spirit, and challenge your mind, try Tai Chi!