A Sequoia Way for PE

Master Peter Hill

In Mesa, Arizona, Sequoia Secondary School has its merit. As a charter school, Sequoia uses time-tested teaching techniques and new technology to prepare students with the competencies, character, and confidence to become valuable individuals. Sequoia’s teaching focuses on math, reading, arts and sports.

12 years ago, Sequoia’s funders collaborated with Taichi and Martial Art Master Peter Hill. They implemented an extensive Taichi, Chi Gong, and Martial Art curriculum. There are multiple courses for students to select from. Currently, Taichi is offered three times a day and five days a week. Each class is 45-minutes long. There are about thirty students in each class, ranging from 7th to 12th grade. All Taichi classes are full and there is always a waiting list at the beginning of each semester. According to Master Hill, during some semesters there are more girls than boys, but overall the classes are pretty much 50/50.
 

Taichi Class at Sequoia Secondary School

Master Hill has been well trained and versed in all kinds of martial art styles and forms, ranging from Chinese Kenpo, hard style martial arts with weapons, Arnis (Pilipino stick arts), Jujitsu, Chi Gong and Taichi. He studied the original Five Animal forms along with extensive Taichi essentials, Hwa To’s Five Animals, 24 marrow washing and Chi Gong sets from the Shaolin Temple in China. He started teaching in 1980 and has trained and certified many martial arts and Tai Chi instructors. He created an integrated Taichi system which is based on Taichi essentials (Chi Gong) that is progressive and works it's way up into a variety of forms from the 13 integrated form, the 24 Yang, Taichi Fan, Yang, Chen and Wu elements from their long forms, the Wudang 108, and other Taichi forms.

In the below video, his students perform a combination of the Wudang Yang 108 Form, which Master Hill learned from Master Jerry Cook. Normally, the students learn this form along with of fun Chi Gong, self-defense applications, health concepts, and a conflict resolution/goal setting strategic paradigm over two semesters.
 

Taichi Class at Sequoia Secondary Schoo (2)

Master Hill extols that Taichi is a great physical education curriculum for teenagers because of its health benefits. Students also provide rave about practicing Taichi.

Elizabeth, 13, "Tai Chi has given me self confidence."

Austin, 18,"Tai Chi has helped me be more limber, get into shape and given me a calmer perspective on life."

Jen, 14, "Tai Chi has helped me relax and to help me be who I want to be,"

Dane, 14, "Tai Chi has helped me to focus, stay balanced and improve my other martial arts."

For more info: To learn more about Master Hill, please visit www.worldtaichi.com, www.getittogether.net,  and http://bureau.espeakers.com/inpr/viewspeaker15209.