Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael DeMarco. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

In our lives there are many chance encounters that influence us to various degrees. When I started college, I already had a strong interest in Asian philosophy and martial arts. There was a gentleman who worked in the library and also taught Mandarin language courses. He was born in China, a scholarly type, soft-spoken with a polished character.

Mr. Chou was always kind and supportive. Besides Mandarin, I found out he learned Tai Chi in Hong Kong. He started teaching me in an empty classroom every week. At the time I was too unaware to realize he was giving his precious time to do so. After graduating, I’d visit him and his wife every week just to share conversations, usually with some hot tea. By this time, he became more like a grandfather than just a teacher.

Before graduating, Mr. Chou helped prepare me to go to Taiwan to continue language studies and also introduced me to a Tai Chi master there. It was a wonderful year abroad followed by enrollment for a Master’s Degree in Asian Studies. All this was about fifty years ago! So, looking back I see this time as one of great fortune. Mr. Chou nourished my way for my future work. Above all, he inspired me just by knowing such a wise, caring person — one of the rare friendships anyone could be fortunate to have in a lifetime.

Michael, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started studying martial arts in eighth grade since it seemed practical for self-defense if ever needed. It was good exercise and I met some nice people involved in the arts. With time, I wanted more than just punching and kicking and Mr. Chou introducing me to Tai Chi, opening a new door. It was the early 1970s and not many even heard of Tai Chi at that time.

Tai Chi is part of Chinese culture. I was mainly interested in Chinese philosophy and that is the thread that helps one understand the culture. It takes much time and hard work, studying the language and reading on all facets of China. Each year of study gives new insights. Tai Chi is a good example because there’s so much more than meets the novice’s eye. The vast majority who study the art keep at a superficial level and don’t get the full benefits from the practice, which is not only for health for which it is famous, but also as a practice that offers a unique way to become aware of our human development and nourish our character.

In 1992 I founded Via Media Publishing in order to publish the quarterly Journal of Asian Martial Arts which became noted for its high aesthetic and academic standards. It combined my hobby with my academic work. I was doing what I liked but was a poor choice for a profession. Why? The scholarly pursuit in the subject of martial arts leaves few readers. Most are not serious enough to dive deep into the subjects, not being very familiar with the foreign languages and cultures. So, it is a frustrating job when looking at the meager financial income.

Of course the academic work coupled with the studies under Tai Chi masters over the years shows in how and why I teach the art today. We usually practice in a local park under the name of the Winged Lion School of Tai Chi. The “winged lion” being symbolic of inherent power, yet light. The great reward for teaching Tai Chi is helping others nourish their health (physical and mental). It’s a joy to see the results.

I see Tai Chi as four things: a martial art, an exercise for health, a dance-like way of movement, and as a moving meditation. A teacher needs to deeply understand these elements in order to teach well. Students may focus on one or two of these aspects. I’ve tried my best to learn all side of Tai Chi and share what possible with students so they can gain the most benefit from their practice, enjoying the work along the way.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Products and customers. If we can call Tai Chi a “product,” it seems logical to offer it to as many people as possible. When I started to teach, students came, some studying for years while others left. It took a long time to comprehend the difference of perception each individual had of Tai Chi and their expectations and needs for studying it. Many came looking for some magic that Tai Chi didn’t offer. Or, they didn’t realize the time and effort it takes to learn it well.

It took an embarrassing long time for me to see that the “product” must suit the customer. What do they want to learn? Tai Chi as a form of exercise? A martial art? Or something else? I had to take into account age differences and states of health. My “product” may not be suitable for the elderly, who should be focusing on Tai Chi as a form of mild exercise. Some people, usually younger, wish to study for self-defense. So, I must select what aspects of Tai Chi I want to teach and to whom.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

When very young, it was known that good martial art teachers were difficult to find. From a teachers’ perspective, a good student is difficult to find! You may be surprised that it is often said that one should not teach martial arts as a profession. If one does, then it becomes necessary to welcome as many students as possible to have a satisfactory income. This results in accepting people of bad character. Martial arts can be lethal, so shouldn’t be taught without concern for its use or abuse.

I am a full-time publisher and teach Tai Chi part-time. It is a good balance. My students are happy because those in our classes keep a pleasant atmosphere. I love our classes because it keeps us in a regular exercise routine. It is refreshing and prepares us to feel good doing other work and enjoy each day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wingedliontaichi.com
• Facebook: Winged Lion School of Tai Chi
• Other: Via Media Publishing website: www.viamediapublishing.com

Image Credits

All photographs courtesy of M. DeMarco, except “three applications” photo by Gail Springer.