Nicholas Mann

http://www.practicaltaichi.ca/

What brought you to the realization that you are a healer? Or, if you don’t define yourself as a healer, what led you to your current profession?

I can to the realization I am capable of healing people when I started teaching Tai Chi to groups of University of Guelph Employees. I didn’t get involved with Tai Chi for the healing aspects, but when I saw how the beginners were lumbering about, I realized that Tai Chi can drastically help people’s postures, balance, flexibility and co-ordination.

What obstacles have you found in considering yourself a success in this field?

The biggest obstacle is finding out what exactly people are looking to benefit from the classes. People come to Tai Chi classes for many different reasons and I don’t always have time to get to know people personally for the first little while. It is easy for me to give people teachings that help me get what I want out of Tai Chi but until I get to know people I cannot give them teachings to help them get what they want out of Tai Chi.

What schooling or training have you completed?

I completed an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of Guelph. This degree got me excited in Asian art forms and eventually let me to Tai Chi. I began learning Tai Chi in Victoria in 2006 and since then have travelled to China twice to live and learn Tai Chi. I’ve completed two three month long full-time residential Tai Chi instruction courses in Shandong, China, and am certified by Master Chen Zhonghua to teach the Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method.

Do you find group gathering to be helpful in supporting you on your journey?

Getting together with other healing art and martial art professionals has always been supportive for me. It is always helpful to get other perspectives on topics such as energy, health, balance, and lifestyle from people who teach things other than Tai Chi.

Does networking with others assist you in achieving your goals? What networking techniques have been most effective for you?

Networking is helpful in that it is a way for me to get my name out there. It does not turn into immediate business but does help by allowing me to introduce myself to the wider community. It can also be a lot of fun if the right people are involved in the networking.
Networking at festivals and conferences has been a great way for me to get myself out into the public eye.

Is there advice you would offer to someone starting on this path?

I would advise anyone interested in starting on this path to be patient. It is a good idea to get trained from a well respected school/teacher to help build your credentials. Most importantly make sure you love what you’re going to do and that you will be practicing what you’ll be teaching. It can some times be obvious who is in these fields for the passion and who is in it for the money.

What type of advertising has worked best for you? What has been your best resource for building a client base?

The best form of advertising for me has been referrals from existing business clients. My public classes have been attended mainly by people who heard by word of mouth and who saw my posters up around Guelph.

Where do you see yourself in a year? 5 years? Do you have any particular goals that you would like to achieve in the near future?

In a year I would like to have even more stable classes set up in the Guelph area. Classes take time to start up and also time to grow and I’m hoping in a year or two the word will be out about me and Practical Tai Chi. I plan on returning to China this summer to receive even more training and therefore be even more capable to share my knowledge with my students.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?

Practical Tai Chi is a Guelph bases Tai Chi instruction business specializing in Chen Style Tai Chi. Nicholas Mann is the owner and head instructor of this rapidly growing business. Although great for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, Chen Style Tai Chi is known for its low stances and dynamic postures. It is also know for its marital arts applications.