Nelson Ng
Tai Chi Master

(YouTube interview: https://youtu.be/dmuxdwa8Sak)

Top 9 Questions & Answers

1: How did you start your Tai Chi practice, and why did you choose to pursue it?

Nelson: I started Tai Chi in my late 20s during a challenging period in my life. I was going through some personal crises and needed something to help me maintain both a physical routine and mental clarity. A friend introduced me to Tai Chi, and I began practicing in Golden Gate Park. It really helped me transition out of that tough time.

2. Tai Chi is often described as a "moving meditation." How can young people use Tai Chi to manage stress and stay present in their daily lives?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi, as a moving meditation, allows individuals to clear their minds, much like how we need to clear our physical system regularly. By focusing on slow, deliberate movements, young people can find calmness and a sense of presence that helps manage stress and remain focused.

3. Many young people are juggling school, work, and personal lives, which makes finding balance difficult. What lessons from Tai Chi can help them maintain balance, both physically and mentally?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi emphasizes balance, both physically and mentally. It teaches us to be patient and mindful, to slow down, and to find calmness amid chaos. This practice helps individuals reflect on their actions and choices, promoting a balanced approach to life’s challenges.

4. Tai Chi is often perceived as an activity for older people. Why do you believe it's beneficial to start Tai Chi at a younger age?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi is a lifelong journey and martial art. Starting young helps build discipline and awareness. While it’s true that many older people practice for health benefits, young people can gain unique advantages, such as better body mechanics, mindfulness, and resilience.

5. With so many fitness trends like yoga and high-intensity workouts, how does Tai Chi stand out? What unique benefits does it offer younger folks?

Nelson Ng: Unlike high-intensity workouts, Tai Chi focuses on slow, controlled movements that build strength from within and emphasize balance and flexibility. It's not just a workout for the body but also for the mind, helping improve mental focus and emotional stability.

6. You've been offering Tai Chi classes at community centers for free. What inspired you to give back in this way, and how can young people start giving back to their communities?

Nelson Ng: I feel fortunate to have learned this art form and want to share its benefits with others. Giving back can be as simple as sharing what you know. For young people, it could be tutoring, volunteering, or just being there for others. It enriches both the giver and the community.

7. How can developing a growth mindset through Tai Chi help people achieve their personal and professional goals?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi teaches patience and the value of consistent practice. By embracing a growth mindset, individuals learn to view challenges as opportunities for growth, which is crucial for both personal and professional development.

8. Practicing Tai Chi in groups is quite common. How do you think this communal practice can help build a sense of community and combat feelings of isolation?

Nelson Ng: When you practice Tai Chi together, you’re not just moving in unison; you’re sharing energy experiences and supporting each other, which builds a stronger, more connected community. It helps people connect through shared experiences and mutual support, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of community.

9. There’s an upcoming Tai Chi-inspired poetry workshop that you're involved in. Why do you think Tai Chi and poetry are synergistic, and how can they complement each other?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi is a form of expression through movement, much like poetry is an expression through words. Both require a rhythm and flow, and they complement each other by enhancing self-awareness and creativity.

Full Interview with Nelson Ng

CATS: Hello, everyone! Welcome to another episode of the "Realities of Being an AAPI Artist" series. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Nelson Ng, a Tai Chi master who has been teaching Tai Chi for over a decade. Nelson, who began his journey in Tai Chi during a challenging time in his life, is passionate about sharing its benefits with younger generations. Thank you so much for joining us, Nelson.

Nelson Ng: Hi, thank you for having me. It’s great to be here and share more about Tai Chi, especially to inspire younger people to see its value.

CATS: To start, Nelson, can you tell us a bit about how you started your Tai Chi practice and what drew you to it?

Nelson Ng: Sure. I began practicing Tai Chi in my late 20s. I was going through a personal crisis at the time—a period where I found it difficult to focus and think clearly. I needed something to help me maintain both a physical routine and mental clarity. A friend who practiced Chen-style Tai Chi suggested I try it out, and I started training with a teacher in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The practice, particularly being outdoors, was therapeutic and helped me navigate through that tough phase.

CATS: Tai Chi is often referred to as a "moving meditation." How can young people use Tai Chi to manage stress and stay present in their daily lives?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi, indeed, is like a moving meditation. For young people, life can be very fast-paced, filled with constant information and stress from school, work, or social life. Tai Chi allows for a moment to slow down, to connect mind and body through deliberate, slow movements. This helps clear mental clutter, similar to how we cleanse our bodies, allowing young people to focus better and stay present. It's a tool for managing stress by centering oneself in the present moment, which is crucial in today’s busy world.

CATS: That's very insightful. Many young people today juggle multiple responsibilities—school, work, and personal life. Finding balance can be challenging. What lessons from Tai Chi can help them maintain balance, both physically and mentally?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi emphasizes balance in all forms. Physically, it trains the body to be more aware of its movements and stability, which is something many take for granted until it’s too late. Mentally, Tai Chi encourages slowing down and being mindful. It teaches us to be patient and to focus on one thing at a time. These principles can help young people learn to manage their time better and not get overwhelmed by juggling too many responsibilities. It's about finding that center, both physically and mentally.

CATS: Many people think Tai Chi is only for older generations. Why do you believe it's beneficial to start practicing Tai Chi at a younger age?

Nelson Ng: That’s a great question. Tai Chi is beneficial at any age, but starting young provides unique advantages. While it’s true that older people often practice Tai Chi for health benefits like balance and flexibility, younger people can gain so much from it, too. Tai Chi is a martial art at its core—it builds strength, discipline, and body awareness. Starting young means you have more time to develop these skills, and it can enhance other activities in life, from sports to academics, by improving focus, resilience, and stress management.

CATS: With so many fitness trends out there like yoga, high-intensity workouts, and CrossFit, how does Tai Chi stand out? What unique benefits does it offer that might appeal to younger folks?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi is unique because it combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements into one practice. Unlike high-intensity workouts, Tai Chi doesn’t just push the body to its limits—it encourages understanding your body’s limits and working with them. It improves flexibility, balance, and muscle strength without the risk of injury that comes with more intense exercises. It’s a holistic practice that also trains the mind to be calm and focused, which is particularly beneficial in high-stress environments like school or work.

CATS: You’ve been offering Tai Chi classes for free at various community centers, including the Palo Alto Library, every Sunday morning. What inspired you to give back in this way, and how do you think younger people can start giving back to their communities?

Nelson Ng: I’ve gained so much from Tai Chi, not just physically, but in terms of mental health and community. Offering these classes for free is my way of sharing this gift with others. Giving back doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; it can be as simple as sharing your skills or time with those who could benefit. For young people, volunteering or sharing what they’re passionate about can make a big impact. It enriches both the giver and the community, and there’s a lot of fulfillment in that.

CATS: How can developing a growth mindset through Tai Chi help people of all ages achieve their personal and professional goals?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi cultivates a growth mindset by teaching patience, perseverance, and continuous learning. Every practice session is an opportunity to improve and understand more about yourself. This mindset is crucial in both personal and professional settings because it encourages resilience and adaptability. When you’re faced with challenges, whether in a job or personal project, approaching them with a mindset of growth and learning can help overcome obstacles more effectively.

CATS: Practicing Tai Chi is often done in groups. How do you think this communal practice helps build a sense of community and combats feelings of isolation?

Nelson Ng: Practicing Tai Chi in groups is very powerful because it fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. It’s more than just exercise; it’s a shared experience where people come together to learn and grow. This communal aspect helps combat feelings of isolation, which can be common, especially in today's digital age. When you practice Tai Chi together, you’re not just moving in unison; you’re sharing energy experiences and supporting each other, which builds a stronger, more connected community.

CATS: There’s an upcoming Tai Chi-inspired poetry workshop happening soon, which sounds exciting! Can you tell us why you think Tai Chi and poetry are synergistic?

Nelson Ng: Tai Chi and poetry are both forms of expression. Tai Chi expresses through movement, while poetry expresses through words. Both require a rhythm, flow and an understanding of balance. In Tai Chi, each movement flows into the next, just as in poetry, each line or verse flows into the next idea. They complement each other by enhancing mindfulness, creativity, and self-expression.

CATS: That’s beautifully explained. For anyone interested in starting Tai Chi, what’s the best way to begin?

Nelson Ng: The best way to begin Tai Chi is to find a teacher or a class. While videos can provide a basic introduction, nothing compares to in-person instruction, where you can get immediate feedback and guidance. Even online classes that allow for real-time interaction can be beneficial. It’s important to learn the fundamentals correctly to prevent injury and build a solid foundation. If you're interested, you can always join us at the Palo Alto Community Center on Sunday mornings!

CATS: Wonderful advice, Nelson. Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your insights about Tai Chi. I’m sure many young people will be inspired to explore this practice after hearing from you.

Nelson Ng: Thank you, CATS. It’s been a pleasure talking with you, and I hope to see many new faces in our Tai Chi community soon!

CATS: Thank you, everyone, for joining us today. Until next time, stay balanced and take care!