Thank you for reaching out to offer your own take on the takeaways from your time studying with us!
What People Say
Stephen Watson is, without a doubt, one of the finest Push Hands Masters in the US. Despite his size, he seldom uses more than 4 oz against incoming force and is willing to push with anyone. He can control an opponent with only his fingertips. I’ve seen high level Masters who are able to control with the minimum amount of force. Stephen (and Lenzie Williams) have proven to me that the skill can be achieved, but if you haven’t felt it you will not know what to look for. Stephen is also a kind and fun person with a deep spiritual foundation, not just an accomplished Taoist, but also a great human being. I urge everyone to take the opportunity to study from him. He avoids self promotion so try to catch him when you can. Experience the Real!
Justin Meehan
I want to tell you about a moment that inspired me about you that I often share.
While attending one of Raffi Derderian’s martial arts seminars at his school in RI, I participated in the Aikido section. I had never been exposed to Aikido, so I decided to give it a try. You were in that class as well, which intrigued me because I knew you were an experienced practitioner. The instructor was a young Black Belt, and I got the impression that he was new to doing seminars. Not to say he was bad or lacked knowledge. It was just a feeling I had. Of course, this intrigued me even more as to how you were going to interact with him. You were attentive, approached every technique he taught as a newbie, and did not openly question what he was teaching. During the break, I saw you inconspicuously walk over to him and talk to him. I knew it was a teaching moment, and you were there to help. Sure enough, when the class reconvened, there was a change in how he taught a technique or something, I don’t recall. That moment sticks with me. No arrogance, no trying to overshadow someone’s moment and no showing off, just teaching. My Father used to always say, “Someone is always watching you.” He was right. It inspired me and continues to let me know how much growth I continue to need.
DeRon Franklin
It’s been almost 11 years since I was diagnosed with MS and started Tai Chi, and just wanted to reflect on the benefits of Tai Chi in dealing with my illness and life since then.
The whole life change started on March 2, 2001 when I saw the Doctor and was diagnosed with MS. It was an incredible shock and his first question was did I want to go on disability or keep working. My response was not to change anything and to try the most aggressive treatment available and to take it from there. On April 4 I was notified my job was being eliminated which certainly added to the stress of the situation.
After I was diagnosed one of the first things I did was to research what alternative therapies were out there for MS. My research uncovered a study by the Mayo Clinic about the benefits of Tai Chi with people with MS. The next item I discovered that dragonwell tea also provided benefits.
With that knowledge in hand, I started betaseron (a shot of interferon) every other day, began drinking green tea and started Tai Chi. I met Steve Watson and asked to learn Tai Chi the chinese way so that I could learn the form and only progress when both Steve and I were ready. I learned the form and some warmups and have been playing with Tai Chi almost 30 minutes a day daily since then.
The Tai Chi has provided innumerable benefits to my illness including allowing me to continue my regular activities, maintained my energy level, improved my balance and gave me peace of mind. One of the challenges of having MS is that the glass is always full, meaning there isn’t a day when it isn’t on your mind. However for those 30 minutes it all melts away.
I have also studied Xing Ye and looked into Yoga, however Tai Chi gives you the overall benefits of mind and body. One of my personal theories is that if you can achieve the ultimate level of Tai Chi, then even if your muscles don’t work, the chi will flow through the blood stream and allow you to continue all your activities and use the muscles.ff
Working with a Tai Chi master has also been great. By taking a weekly private lesson (I must have had over 400) you’re also growing Chi literally and spiritually as the master grows. We have moved several times so I’ve been practicing solo for almost four years, however the lessons continue. It’s as though the lessons continue every night I practice.
I would certainly be glad to share of any of my knowledge or advice for someone with a medical condition and give back. Tai Chi is the the way. It really allows you to see the beauty in everything and deal with life’s adversities and the daily practice provides a discipline that allows you to build your knowlege.
John Holland
I took a Tai Chi class with Stephen in a beautiful spot with a stream running by. He combined slow, rhythmic exercise with an opportunity to meditate and discuss our thoughts. I am eager to take more classes with Stephen.
Julie Clark
Excellent instruction. Teaching is practical and useful, without posturing or unhelpful obfuscation. Stephe is a devoted, supportive, and honest teacher.
Dr. Nathaniel Doherty
I’ve have been studying, training , working and learning under Sifu Stephen Watson for over 25 years. My family and loved ones including my health professionals all believe I’m alive and move the way I do is in direct reflection an results because of Someday Farm . Yes I am biased now but don’t take my word for it .check it out for yourself you will be well pleased. 25+ years of Tai chi an taoist thoughts and approach has changed my life. Doctors told my parents I wouldn’t live to 30 and doctors are astounded that I can move the way I do being 61 with lifelong arthritis issues and juvenile diabetes. outstanding place to learn the arts.
Thomas Given
I am 86. I did Osoto Gari for the first time 71 years ago. I have been exposed to the martial arts for a long, long time. Never really understood them until I began to study under Stephen Watson. Whatever your martial art, he will make it better.
Ed Ricciuti
Let’s build something together
“Each year when I attend the Tai Chi Gala in Albany in June, there are a handful of teachers whose workshops I plan to attend, no matter what or who is on the agenda. Steve Watson is one of them. I know from experience that I will learn something useful, hear something profound, and have fun, no matter what he’s teaching. This local workshop is a rare opportunity for Syracuse-area tai chi practitioners, other martial artists, and those with an interest in Eastern philosophy and practices to spend a few hours with a world champion push-hands player, generous teacher, and all around swell guy. I’ll be there. You’ll regret it if you’re not.
-Jim Reilly
Someday Farm 