It is with great sadness that we have to report that Dan Docherty passed away on 9th December 2021. His memory lives on through this website, his articles, videos, podcasts and in the hearts, minds and teaching of his many students and friends throughout the world.

If you are looking for a teacher in this style, then please visit “Where to Learn” “Instructor Listings” page as although this is not being kept up to date it will provide contact details for a number of his main students.

The PTCCI practitioners Facebook page is useful should you have questions.

NICOLAS CHENAI

N Chenai

1. How (and when) did you start?
I discovered taichi during a stay in Paris in 1995. One of my best friends, Renaud studied this style with Phil Brown. among the other students there was also Patrice Becker. Then when I came to study in Paris in 1997, I started to learn with Phil Brown, then Patrice Becker and all the Parisian team of the time. In 2002, I returned to the island of Reunion. I continued to train with Jessie Cazales, another student of Dan Docherty. I then attended the instructor courses that Dan organized on Paris every year between 2004 and 2007, then I began to teach gently on my side while returning from time to time to attend seminars and camps with Dan in France until 2010. My complicated work situation between 2011 and 2018 did not allow me to continue these courses, but it is with great pleasure that I was able to attend two camps with Dan in 2018.

2. Why Practical Tai Chi Chuan?
Tai chi is more than just a hobby. It is a complete art: the more you are interested in it, the more it fascinates you with its richness and complexity. It is truly a Way, a way of life on all levels: physical, energetic, intellectual, philosophical and spiritual.

3. What is your favourite technique - and why? (in 50 words)
"Tiger embraces head" because it is a technique that is both simple and so effective. I find that it sums up a lot of Tai Chi principles in one movement. For the aesthetic side and feeling, I really like "brush knee twist step"

4. One piece of advice or knowledge you would like to give to fellow practitioners:
Train, train, train hard... Never give up. Tai Chi takes time to reveal to you all its treasures but it worths it.

5. How do you train now?
I give one or two classes a week with a little group of students. I try to do my own personal training 2 or 3 times per week.