Tai Chi Pearl City

Sifu Paul Imada was a long time karate man, but after many years of training in a hard style martial art, he wanted to expand his knowledge and experience in a softer style like tai chi.  He realized that he couldn't do the hard rigidity of karate forever, and as he's constantly open to new styles, decided to look more into the soft style of tai chi.  He was surprised to see what it had to offer.  He learned Yang Style tai chi from Sifu Sam Kekina and Sifu Andrew Lum for 15 years before opening his own school in 1991.

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Tai chi has many benefits, the most basic is the gentle manner in which it can strengthen the body and increase range of motion.  No matter your age or physical limitations, you can still do tai chi.  Consistent practice will help you develop better balance and focus, teaching you to breathe and relax properly.

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This gentle martial art is tough enough to strengthen arms and legs, tighten the midsection, and increase range of motion and flexibility. Many seniors ask if they are too old to do the required stances. Absolutely not. In the beginning it's hard because the legs need to be strengthened and developed. It happens very fast if you keep following the basics. Within 3 weeks you will see an incredible difference in your leg strength.

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Working with seniors and getting them into long stances is very challenging; along with the physical difficulties, Sifu Paul must also work with a student’s preconceived notion of what they can and cannot do. Yet, he gives every effort to each student so they can achieve their goals because he feels they have entrusted themselves to him in hopes that he can help them have a better quality of life. He says, "I will never give up on a student." Teaching with such dedication takes its toll, but for Sifu Paul the end result is well worth the effort.