Adam Montoya

Tai Chi Instructor, CYI

Adam loves watching his students connect with tranquility and learn how to use it in their lives.

Adam has practiced martial arts since the age of seven. At age 13, he began to explore the mind body connection through Zen meditation to overcome his fears in martial art competitions. Pleased with the results, he pursued further study through Taoist meditation, Yoga, Chi Kung and a variety of martial arts, which led him to Tai Chi. Tai Chi brought everything together and the philosophy continues to enrich his life.

He enjoys blending Yoga and Tai Chi together and in August 2007 he completed the 200- hour yoga teacher-training program at Desert Song. Adam loves watching his students connect with tranquility and learn how to use it in their lives. His teaching style moves towards the essence of Tai Chi by encouraging his students to sense and cultivate relaxation, alignment, clairity, and deep breathing. He encourages his students to employ the principles of the art to their unique body type rather than shadow his exact movements.

Adam also provides valuable help in the Desert Song office, where his calm demeanor is a joy to all those around him.

Favorite Quote/Poem

"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. I believe that dreams are more powerful than facts, that hope always triumphs over experience, that laughter is the only cure for grief, and that love is stronger than death."

- Robert Fulgahm

Monthly Entry

To me, mindfulness is like being physically centered. It has a supportive quality, allowing one to feel open, strong, and in the flow. Many times in tai chi, a practitioner will lose their center and fall out of balance. However, as they become more accustomed to accepting the flow of gravity, they begin to experience a fluid connection of uninterrupted equilibrium. They learn how to adjust to changes in pressure and force, riding the currents of gravity like a bird soaring in the air.
I would define mindfulness as complete acknowledgment of what is taking place in the moment. People sometimes think if they are mindful they will not make mistakes in life. Then they become frustrated, falling out of balance when things are not going so well. Just like accepting the flow of gravity, the purpose of mindfulness does not mean mistakes never happen, but rather to experience openness and understanding during the ups and downs. This approach to mindfulness has helped me playfully connect with more peace and fluidity.

Schedule

Tai Chi one on one sessions and private group classes available throughout the week and weekend.