Certified Master Trainer for Dr. Paul Lam. Jef coordinates Dr. Lam’s TAI CHI programs for Arthritis, Diabetes, Back Pain and Osteoporosis in Miami Florida, USA, in Barcelona, Spain and San Juan Puerto Rico. A student of Taoist Healing Qigong, Buddhist Philosophy and former Wall Street executive, Jef finds sharing Dr. Lam's programs is the path to a meaningful life.

Jef Morris is the director of Alliance Qi Gong Taiji, Inc. He has been a hospice volunteer since 1986. Jef has studied Qi Gong and Buddhist studies with several teachers and began to share Qi Gong and TAI CHI practice with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and stroke recovery support groups.

Jef has received the 2000 Program of the Year and 2002 Leadership Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for the TAI CHI Program for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis. He has been featured in articles in the Miami Herald and the New York Times.

Jef, with the support of the Office of the Mayor, the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department and the Health Foundation of South Florida, offers the TCA program for individuals living with chronic and/ or terminal illness.

Most classes began with wheel chairs, canes and walkers, doing chair practice. In time, most, if not all are standing, and practicing the walking forms. "When they cross that doorway to practice, however they got here, it is a sign of great determination to feel better, so we practice." Contact Jef at jef@miamiTAI CHI.com

Zazen Meditiation: Jef is a lay Zazen practitioner of the Abbot John Daido Loori, Zen Mountain Monastery, whose self empowerment insights into one’s consciousness, perceptions, and the objective reality, provides the fundamental basis for practice.

Mindfulness Training: Jef continues Mindfulness Training with Dr. Jeanette Aycock, whose depth of wisdom balances co dependence and interdependence. Dr. Aycock’s questions, “ What is holding you back, and what are you holding yourself back from? “ still inspires reflection,...

Qi Gong Training: Jef is a Senior Student of Qi Gong Master Dr. Chao Chen, a research scientist, a physician and Teacher who brings clarity to the union of the inner and outer spaces, their harmonics and the results for our human experience.

Toaist TAI CHI Training: Jef honors Master Moy Lin-shin, Taoist monk and Founder of the International Taoist TAI CHI Society, who vowed to make the arts that helped him --“available to all.” Master Moy’s aims and objectives continue to this day.

Tony Garcia is an instructor of Dr. Paul Lam. Tony focuses his practice and is certified on TAI CHI for Arthritis parts 1 and 2, Back Pain, Diabetes and Sun style 73 forms. Tony has worked with Jef Morris for over 8 years and together they have developed MiamiTAI CHI.com and the TAI CHI for Health program in Miami.

Tony studied martial arts for over 25 years and was an instructor of Tae Kwon Do, Aikido and Shotokan. He has studied TAI CHI for the past 9 years. He has demonstrated and taught in centers throughout Dade and Broward counties, including hospitals, fitness centers, universities, retirement homes, public parks, libraries and the Miami-Dade County Mayor’s Fitness Programs. Stories of Tony’s work have appeared on Channel 7 News, Univision, TVC studios and in the Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel.

A former Computer Systems Analyst in New Jersey, Tony relocated to Florida in 1996. Through his practice, Tony meets people from all walks of life, and enjoys seeing people’s health and functionality improve with TAI CHI. He is certified in CPR and has master level Reiki training.

“With TAI CHI, people learn to relax and increase awareness. Muscles are strengthened, flexibility and balance increase and posture is improved.” Tony has seen marked improvement for many with health problems and is rewarded to see “people find ability within their disabilities.” Contact Tony at tony@miamiTAI CHI.com

Tony's background in the martial arts is strong. He has traveled to Japan for a Shotokan competition, was an instructor of Aikido and Tae Kwon Do for over 15 years and has practiced different styles of TAI CHI for the past 8 years. In addition, Tony is a Reiki Master and has helped many overcome emotional obstacles.

Demonstrations and classes are designed by Tony and he works with clients of all levels throughout South Florida. Faced with health issues himself,Tony focuses his instruction on the health benefits of TAI CHI. On a personal note he has 2 beautiful boys ages 5 and 7, enjoys playing percussion, traveling and eating sushi. He also has a CPR certifi-cation with
yearly renewals.

"Practicing TAI CHI has allowed me to stay within the realms of the martial arts while focusing on the internals and health promoting capabilities." Through his practice, Tony meets people from all walks of life, and enjoys seeing people's health and functionality improve with TAI CHI.

Certified to teach TAI CHI, according to guidelines designed by Dr. Paul Lam, Tony is able to teach and share with many. He has performed many demonstrations and has had participation in health fairs for corporations and educating entities. He is able to assist and has taught those who are having varied health problems.

" With TAI CHI, people learn to relax and increase awareness. Muscles are strengthened, flexibility and balance increase and posture is improved." "A gentle practice can improve and give confidence for many with limited mobility". Tony has seen marked improvement on individuals with health problems and is rewarded to see "people find ability within their disabilities."

It was supposed to just be a warm-up exercise for an office retreat. The TAI CHI instructor would help the marketing staff loosen up for a day of inspirational activities designed to foster teamwork and creativity.

For Elisa C. Smith, that opening exercise was a life-changing event. During the 15-minute session, she felt the knots and tension of being a marketing executive, working mom and wife fall away from her body like a silk slip at the end of the day. It was a feeling she craved to experience again. TAI CHI soon became part of her daily life. Elisa purchased a TAI CHI for beginners DVD by Dr. Paul Lam. Her practice became richer as she started taking classes with Jef Morris. She started experiencing more energy, less stress and her colleagues noted she wasn’t as “pushy.”

The most meaningful observation came from her then 11-year-old son. “Mom, you used to come home from that job tired and angry,” he told her. “I think that TAI CHI is working.”

Elisa desires to help others experience the spiritual, mental and physical health that she has received through the practice of TAI CHI and Chi Gong. She’s certified to teach Dr. Lam’s TAI CHI for Arthritis for Beginners and Advanced. Elisa continues to grow in the art form as she takes workshops and practices with Jef Morris, someone she calls her mentor, life coach, but most importantly her friend.

Contact Elisa at: Elisa@miamiTAI CHI.com, Elisa@abideinchi.com
Website: www.abideinchi.com

Sonia Mesa brings a life's passion for fitness to her teaching style by offering a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to take the breathing and relaxation techniques learned in class and apply them to their daily lives.

Seeking to balance the physical demands of work, motherhood and sports including Hatha yoga, Womens™ soccer, rock climbing and triathlons, Sonia decided to embrace the eastern arts first with Taiji practice and Rinzai Zen Meditation, before becoming certified in Zen Yoga and Wisdom Qigong.

The Miami resident graduated in 1984 with an MFA in Communications from the University of Miami. Her teaching experience began in the mid-eighties as a certified aerobics instructor teaching water exercise and weight training in corporate fitness programs. She also taught movement to elementary school children and physically challenged teens.

Since returning to Miami in 2003 to home school her children, Sonia is one of only two instructors in the state of Florida certified to teach Zen Yoga. She leads classes in Taiji, Yoga, Qigong and Meditation to all ages and presents wellness workshops to assist those recovering from cancer. Contact Sonia: soniamesa@bellsouth.net

Sonia began her journey at The Woodlands Athletic Club The Woodlands, TX, as an AFAA Certified Aerobics Instructor, Aqua Aerobics and Weight Training. As a Production Administrative Assistant, for Fries Entertainment, Hollywood, CA, and began her study of Taiji, Wu Style, Long Beach, CA

Sonia became an At-Home Mom Atlanta, GA, after the birth of first child, and began her Buddhist Studies Rinzai Zen Meditation, Atlanta, GA, Roshi Ginny Whitelaw. While in Italy as her husband served the American Embassy Diplomatic Corps in Rome, ITALY Sonia gave birth to her second child.

2003 At-Home Mom, Miami, FL
Join International Zen Institute of Florida Roshi Soan and Jigen Poor
Began study of Chen Taiji with Dr. Bob Bacher
Began study of Chilel Qigong & Taiji-Qigong Form, Dashi Chu Kocica AP

2004 Chi Taekwon Do Studio, Miami Shores, FL
Teach Taiji-Qigong class series and continue study of Chen taiji with Todd Plager, American
Chen Taiji Association

2005 Certification in Zen Yoga, Miami, FL
Organize first Zen Yoga Workshop Series for Founder Aaron Hoopes’ visit
Within Wellness Center, Miami, FL., Teach Zen Yoga on-going classes

2006 Ritz-Carlton Spa & Fitness Center, Key Biscayne, FL
Teach Zen Yoga & Taiji-Qigong on-going classes
Organize second Zen Yoga Workshop Series for Founder Aaron Hoopes
Coral Gables Youth Center, Coral Gables, FL
Teach Seniors Taiji-Qigong on-going classes
UM/FIU – Lead Taiji & Qigong Workshop for BreastCancer Recovery
Ritz-Carlton, Coral Gables Youth Center & CG Country Club, on-going classes
UM/FIU Lead Meditation & Breathing Workshop for BreastCancer Recovery
Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Beach, FL
Teach Children’s Zen Yoga Classes

Julio started studying TAI CHI in 1995 at Chen Style Taijiquan Research Center of Puerto Rico. He studied there for 7 years, during which he learned the traditional Chen style empty hands, and weapons forms. Since 2002, he has been collaborating and assisting instructor Emma Mangual in her TAI CHI classes, and workshops.

In 2005, Julio obtained his TCA Instructor Certification during Dr. Paul Lam’s One Week Workshop in Sarasota, Florida. His TAI CHI for Diabetes Instructor Certification was obtained in a San Juan, Puerto Rico workshop conducted by Master Trainer Jef Morris, in 2007. At present, Julio teaches TCA and TCD in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.

Julio has many years of experience working as Radiotherapy Technician. He is married, has one son, and three grandchildren. Julio has a variety of goals and interests, but what he likes most is to learn, practice, and teach TAI CHI.

Contact Julio at caraballo@tld.net

Emma Livia Mangual is a Certified Instructor of the TAI CHI for Arthritis (2000), and TAI CHI for Diabetes (2007) programs.

Her specialized training includes workshops with Dr. Paul Lam, Grand Master Chen Xiaowang, Sifu Lee Gar Ke; and Sifu Humberto Pomales. Emma has attended four of Dr. Paul Lam's TAI CHI Conferences, and studied the Depth of Sun Style 73 Form with Master Trainer Caroline Demoise (2005).

Emma started practicing TAI CHI in 1994. Since then, she has been a leader in Puerto Rico, communicating the benefits of practicing TAI CHI. She taught classes as Assistant Instructor of Chen Style TAI CHI at the Chen Style Taijiquan Research Center of Puerto Rico (1995-1997), organized the first World TAI CHI & Qigong Day in Puerto Rico (1999), and hosted TCA and
TCD instructor certification workshops led by Master Trainer Jef Morris (2007).

In addition to teaching regular TCA classes, Emma gives TAI CHI demonstrations, speaks to various groups about the health benefits of TAI CHI, organizes practice sessions for TCA Instructors, and participates in the organization of the annual World TAI CHI & Qigong Day event in Puerto Rico.

Contact Emma at TAI CHIpr@yahoo.com