The Zuo Method - Clifford Michaels

The Master

Clifford Michaels has been practicing Chinese Martial Arts since 1990 when he began his studies of Babu Mantis Hand Kung Fu, Zuo Style Qi Gong and Yang style Tai Chi Chuan in Taipei, Taiwan under the tutelage of Master Zuo Hsien Fu (disciple of the late Grand Master Wei Hsiao Tang of the R.O.C military, native of Shandong Province P.R.C.) After several years he decided to focus his learning solely on the latter 2 “soft” types of Martial Art – Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. Clifford returned to Canada in 2004. Through extensive research in the fields of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, he has developed the Art of Life Method.

Clifford Michaels is a highly skilled Tai Chi Chuan instructor and practitioner whose expertise is presently at work in a variety of businesses, adult and seniors community centres, physical therapists and private homes around the GTA. He has tailored specific programs to be used with each of these groups according to their needs, range of abilities and desired goals.

He is well known for his ability to engage with his exceptionally positive and approachable personality. His experience teaching people from a variety of cultures on three continents has helped develop a high degree of interpersonal skills as well as the ability to assess the needs of individuals and groups and work with them towards reaching their full potential through the Art of Life Method.

Clifford has a Bachelor of Arts and a Certificate in Education from Carleton University and has been certified as a practitioner/instructor of Tai Chi Chuan by the Chinese Martial Arts Institute in Taipei, The Republic of China (Taiwan). He can speak Mandarin, French and Spanish and is by nature, a communicator and teacher.

"I have always wanted to take a martial art and when I signed up for Clifford’s Thai Chi class I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it is a very healthful, graceful and strengthening art. I felt the benefits of Thai Chi in my very first class. I walked in feeling achy and lethargic. By the end of the session, my aches were gone and I felt rejuvenated and energetic. I was so excited because I knew I had finally found a form of exercise that worked for me. Clifford is an excellent, patient and friendly instructor. He makes the class fun and inviting and walks you patiently through each movement. In fact, he makes it his priority to ensure that everyone is comfortable and understands each new movement. He has the unique ability to simplify a complicated movement and make it achievable to his students. Thanks to Clifford’s careful instruction, I can perform the first section of the 108 Movement Yang Style Thai Chi Chuan unassisted. He is an excellent teacher. I am convinced that anyone who is looking to improve their health, strengthen their mind, body & spirit that Thai Chi is the answer. I strongly recommend you try Clifford’s Thai Chi class. It’s fun, relaxing and stimulating. You won’t regret it. "

Angela Tantalo