Tom Wolf Receives Teacher Credential

While visiting for a retreat in Virginia Beach, Master Jim certified Tom Wolf, Senior Instructor for the Nam Hoa tradition at Bending Tree Tai Chi as Teacher. The ceremony happened as a surprise for Tom who thought the ceremony would be at the retreat.

Tom received his Teacher credential from Master Jim and a message from Teacher Jude, who initially trained Tom but could not be present for the ceremony. Phillip Szpiech read the message that included Tom reading his original paper titled, "My Readiness to Instruct" that was written in 2006 when Tom was certified as an instructor. Tom later told Teacher Jude, "As I reflected on the writing, I realized that what I had written was still true for me today." The final paragraph read, "I know that I have always been on the path. Now I see that path opening a little wider, allowing me to walk alongside others, students and teachers all, so that we can all share our experiences. I will share the path with gentleness, caring, acceptance, humility and compassion." Tom also received the complete file of all of the instructors who trained at Bending Tree.  All except his own- which Teacher Jude retains (a little joke between them). 

Special thanks to all the other instructors and students, family and friends who supported him throughout his nine year journey to become a teacher with the Nam Hoa tradition, “when the students are ready, the teacher will appear.”Congratulations to Tom Wolf!