There is strength in softness

I first started tai chi in 2017 in Northern New York. I had recently started attending a support group for people with chronic illness when a local tai chi instructor was invited to present about the health benefits of tai chi and give a short demonstration. During the demonstration, Master Sean kept telling dad jokes, a weakness of mine, using humour to distract us so we could feel the movement without overthinking. I had no martial arts experience at all, but I caught on quickly and enjoyed the feel of the flowing movements. I started classes with North Country Tai Chi the following week, and what started as a very skeptical, “I’m here for the jokes; we’ll see if it helps,” quickly turned into a dedicated practice that has had a positive impact on both my physical and mental health.

I advanced from the beginners class to the intermediate/advanced class in a few short months, and when Master Sean started training people within the school to become a shifu, or teacher, I was the youngest and most recent member of the school to join "Team Shifu". After a year of shifu training and assisting Master Sean during classes, I moved to Athens, GA for graduate school, where I continued to assist teaching classes online.

I am happy to be at a place in my academic career where I feel I am able to start dedicating more of my time to tai chi and sharing my practice with others. With Master Sean's blessings, along with his support and guidance, I am honoured and grateful to be able to start my own tai chi school to share the skills and knowledge I have learned over the years for the benefit of others.

and softness in strength

Gate of Life
24 form
48 form
42 Competition
Sword Form

Over the past 9+ years, I have dedicated myself to learning the nuances of various forms in several different styles of tai chi. I regularly practice 3 modern Yang style forms, as well as the Yang sword. I also have training in the 108 form (old style Yang) and Sun style short and long forms, and will begin training in the Mulan fan form and Chen style in the coming year.

I find the sword very relaxing

Sun Style
short form & long form

Old Style Yang
108 form

Learn more about Shifu Allonah's training and lineage at

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Join Shifu Allonah for in-person classes Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings at Social Dance Preserve in Watkinsville, GA.

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