short video introduction to s.m.a.r.t.'s world renowned mind

Douglas's work has been lauded by many, Deepak Chopra called William's 4th book "a gift to the world," and America's premiere library journal, Booklist Magazine described his work as "an excellent introduction to this ancient art." William is the Official Tai Chi Expert for best-selling naturopathic doctor, Andrew Weil, M.D.s, website. He was inducted into the Internal Arts (Meditation) Hall of Fame in New York in 2009 for his global efforts to share Mind Body sciences at all levels of society.

American Airlines Inflight Magazine, American Way, recommended his Tai Chi & Meditation book. Douglas has been a Mind Body source for major media worldwide, including New York Times; Wall Street Journal; BBC World Radio; South China Morning Post, and he was commissioned by Prevention Magazine to create their Tai Chi Tutorial for their article, "Tai Chi: The No-Sweat Way to Boost Immunity." Hear Douglas's recent interview on London UK based, UK Health Radio Network.

SMARTAICHI Presenter, Bill Douglas's, global health education work was cited by "The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi" (page 25). Bill is the Founder of World Tai Chi & Qigong Day (www.WorldTaiChiDay.org), a global health education event held annually in 100s of cities in over 80 nations, and it has been officially recognized by 22 UNITED STATES GOVENORS; and by Senates and Legislatures across the nation and world, including: New York, California, Puerto Rico, the National Congress of Brazil.

WHAT ATTENDEES OF SMARTaiChi Mind Body Training had to say ...

"If a money value could be placed on what is being offered here,
it would be worth millions and millions of dollars."
—Bill Lowenstein, of the Lowenstein Foundation, on SMARTAICHI's Program

RESULTS OF SMART'S MIND BODY PROGRAM ...

"My systolic blood pressure fell 22 points by the end of this class! It was amazing! Not even blood pressure medication ... could drop it like that and give me the relaxed feeling I got ...

—David J. Ryan, Director Computer Consulting Firm

"... suffering from symptoms related to osteoarthritis of the left coxofemoral joint, and, in addition, I was suffering from neck pain with limited mobility. This symptomology disappeared with the Tai Chi exercises [and Meditation]. My physician's recommendation is to continue with the practice ..."

—Agustino Molteni, M.D., Ph.D

"SMART's Program was profoundly beneficial in reducing stress, increasing mental clarity, and improving my emotional as well as physical health ..."

John D. Hernandez, E.R., M.D.

"... suffering for years from chronic neck pain consequent to a whiplash injury, and also suffering from a limited motion of the right shoulder, ... [SMART's Mind Body Course] was initiated after unsuccessful sessions of physical therapy, including mobilization, ultrasounds, heat application, etc After two months of SMART's program the pain in the cervical region disappeared while the range of motion of my right shoulder returned completely to normal."

—Loredana Brizio-Molteni, M.D., F.A.C.S. (Fellow of American College of Surgeons)

"SMART's Presenter explains the complexities of Mind Body in the form of an invitation, easing his students into a greater understanding of the usefulness and purpose of this ancient form of meditation."

Kristy Straits-Troster, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist, US Veterans Administration Hospital, Kansas City

"On behalf of Yellow Roadway Corporation, and the employees of its Overland Park campus, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your facilitation of the August 18, 2005 "Relaxation Therapy with Tai Chi and Qigong" lunch and learn.

The content you presented was insightful and relevant. Participants were engaged and expressed high levels of satisfaction in post session feedback. You demonstrated subject matter expertise and your delivery of the content was impressive.

Thanks for allocating the time, your enthusiastic delivery, and professional courtesy. We, at Yellow Roadway, look forward to future sessions.

Take care and thanks again for a "job well done."

—George A. Allin III
Yellow Freight Transportation
Director of Training & Development 

"Bill, Thank you so much for coming to Quintiles today... the glowing comments I have rec'd should make you feel great!!  I'm not sure the last time I was involved in a project that received this much positive feedback so fast."
—Molly, Quintiles, Inc.

Comments Received:
"I can't believe the difference a one hour
presentation class could make."

"I thought the Tai Chi class today was very relaxing and refreshing. My whole body felt light and tingly afterwards, and my mind got a much needed break from the fast-paced environment at work. This is exactly what a busy organization like Quintiles needs to keep their employees healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

I think it would be WONDERUL if Bill could teach weekly classes at Quintiles. I'll definitely be there!"

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"I really enjoyed today's Tai Chi/Qigong class. I came to class with a headache that had lasted a couple of days. After class the headache was gone and I felt relaxed and refreshed."
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"I wanted to thank you for arranging for Bill Douglas to present the Stress Relief workshop using Tai Chi & Qigong. I can't believe the difference a one hour presentation class could make. I noticed I actually felt lighter when I was walking and it felt like I could actually feel my joints moving.

I know this sounds strange but since I've had my hip and knee problems I never feel my joints moving when I walk. I also noticed I could feel my shoulders start to tense up because they've been in that position for so long but at least now I was aware of it and could let them relax again.

I was able to breathe in more deeply than I have been able to do for months because of my allergy induced asthma. I swear during the breathing exercises I could actually feel my lungs open up and I feel more alert and not as tired as I was starting the day."

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"As a real amateur, I really enjoyed learning about Tai Chi & Qigong. I can't wait to share this with my family.

I also appreciated Bill's sense of humor during his presentation. Bill's relaxed approach was very welcomed!"
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"Thank you for coordinating and setting up that class for us today. I really enjoyed it ... I thought Bill was an effective instructor so I would definitely be interested in taking a class from him again."
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"Molly, I really enjoyed the brief introduction into Tai Chi & Qigong. It was my first exposure to this and I enjoyed it a lot. I already believe in mediation and I already listen to a CD a night in bed. I have no knowledge of the breathing techniques and really felt this short exposure made a difference. If a class could be held during our daytime hours instead of afterhours I would be inclined to participate. At $5 a class it would be affordable for me. I will look forward to any information on a class here. Thank you for taking the time to make these arrangements today."
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"It was a great class! Please let me know if we will be having a class here at Quintiles because I definitely want to sign up. I like the idea of a lunch class because I can see going back to work energized and able to work more efficiently. Any day but Monday would work for me."
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"I thought it was great to relax & do the breathing exercises. I think it is something that would definitely help me. I am already one of these “all natural” people and I think if I focused & practiced on it more; it could be very beneficial for me."
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"I appreciate Quintiles bringing in Alternative health choices. I am a big fan and follower of complementary practices. I would take advantage of the Tai Chi classes if they were brought here. Thank you!"

SMARTaiChi's Meditation Teacher's book was recommended by American Airlines American Way Inflight Magazine ... and SMART's globally acclaimed DVD on Tai Chi was rated "excellent" by Booklist Magazine (America's premiere library journal) ... 

THEIR TAI CHI PROGRAM HAS PROFOUNDLY CHANGED PEOPLE'S LIVES worldwide, SEE BELOW:

 "Living an extremely unhealthy life style & taking numerous medications for arthritis, depression, and pain . . . then one day while browsing in the library I discovered a book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and QiGong. I was so impressed that I ordered Bill's videos [Anthology of T'ai Chi & Qigong: The Prescription for the Future]. Now that I am practicing T'ai Chi and QiGong daily I am off most of my medications. People keep telling me I look "different" and that I look happy. Well, I am happy and I feel great! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
—Dave Long, Washington 

"I highly recommend this book to all seeking to enhance their physical, mental and spiritual potential. Quantum Physics and leading edge cell biology emphasize the primal role of energy in our lives. In a user-friendly and meaningful style, Bill Douglas offers a compelling and easy to understand description of ancient Asian energy exercises that effectively reduce stress and improve health."
—Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D., Cellular Biologist & bestselling author of The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles

 Sometimes Chinese culture can be difficult to explain. Sifu Bill Douglas successfully uses American culture to explain the art of T’ai Chi Chuan. He simplifies difficult concepts, making them easier to understand. ... takes the best parts of T’ai Chi and makes them understandable [to Westerners] without requiring a grounding in Chinese culture and history.
—Sifu Yijiao Hong, USA All-Tai Chi Grand Champion and USA Team member; Certified Int’l. Coach and Judge, Int’l Wushu Federation. 

"A must have for stressed people. In my daily work I get loads of stress, which causes my shoulders and neck to tighten up ... That's why I bought Bill Douglas's DVD ... I was impressed by the sitting Qi Gong exercise as I felt really what Bill said. It calmed me down and I felt it during the following days too. I am learning now also the Tai Chi movements and every evening I am looking forword to my 'unstressing moments of Tai Chi'. Even during stressed moments I think to my 'unstressed moments' and I can control my stress/emotions.

Thanks Bill for being the guide.

—Johan Pyfferoen, Veurne, Belgium

"I'd like to say that your videos are the best Tai chi videos I've seen. You explain everything in detail, and the steps are easy to follow ..."

—Francesca Sato, Rome, Italy

"As a practitioner of taichi and qigong after discovering Bill Douglas's book and DVD (both of great help), I know the benefits because it has helped reduced my anxiety/panic attacks significantly. Best wishes and continue the great work in educating the world to the benefits of tai chi
—Fee Young, United Kingdom

"From the perspective of a health psychologist serving patients who are coping with chronic illness and stressful life events, I see the gentle mindfulness exercises of T’ai Chi and QiGong relaxation therapy as potentially useful for a broad spectrum of people. The author of this book, Bill Douglas, explains the complexities of T’ai Chi and QiGong in the form of an invitation, easing his students into a greater understanding of the usefulness and purpose of this ancient form of meditative movement."
—Kristy Straits-Troster, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Primary Care Medicine

 "If you want clear instruction, a knowledgable instructor, and a great product get this DVD!"
—Arthur L. Fleschner, Philadelphia, PA 

 "Somehow, I stumbled upon this little gem. Folks, I give you 'The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi and QiGong' by Bill Douglas and Angela Wong Douglas”. I highly recommend giving it a read!"
—G.T. Francis, Customer Service, Intramural-Recreational Sports
University of Virginia 

 "The BEST!!!!!!"
—E. Young, California 

"Visionary! If you only buy one book on T’ai Chi, then this is the book. This book is all you ever needed to know to change your life. I have taught T’ai Chi for several decades myself, yet I have now read Bill’s book from cover to cover seven times, and still get something new from it each time."
—Dr. Michael Steward Sr., D.MA, Ph.D., MA, Senior Coach for Team USA, Inductee of the World Sports Medicine and World Martial Arts Hall of Fame

"After leaving my very first T’ai Chi class with the author of this book, I remember driving home and it was as if someone had opened up every one of my senses. It was an overwhelming sense of happiness that swept over me. It was at that very moment I knew T’ai Chi is something I want in my life forever."
—Lisa Shikles, Shawnee, Kansas

"During a time of high stress levels at work I began to have heavy Parkinson’s type tremors. At a psychiatrist’s recommendation I began taking Xanax, but the anxiety still continued. After my very first T’ai Chi class with this book’s author, I was so calm I forgot to take my Xanax that afternoon. Before this I’d anxiously looked forward to each dose. … I’ve told my therapist to tell other patients about T’ai Chi."
—Tarren Rains, Edwardsville, Kansas

Unable to find a [Tai Chi] course at a convenient time in my area, I decided, after much initial hesitation, to try learning Tai Chi from Bill's DVD. I began working my way through each lesson (one per week) in late fall and recently completed the last one. Now I follow Bill daily as he works his way through the entire form.

It's almost like having one's own personal trainer. I particularly value his instructions on breathing. And if I wish to review any particular step, it's very easy to switch back to that lesson. It's clear that my initial hesitation was unnecessary.

As a long time university professor, I am not easily impressed, but I consider Bill to be an excellent teacher. His instructions are very clear, well structured, and easy to follow. I am extremely grateful to you for this extraordinary teaching tool. Well done!
—Larry, Pennsylvania, United States

ON SPORTS PERFORMANCE:

"Bill, here is my story about how Tai Chi made me the star of the day.

I was playing in a softball game, elementary teachers against middle school teachers. It had been a very boring game. Most of the base runners got on base through errors, dropped balls, bad throws, etc. But the middle school team was ahead. (I played on the elementary team.) The pressure was on me when I came to bat in the last inning with two runners on base.

I recalled you telling our Tai Chi class about Tiger Woods having such a powerful swing due in part to his early practice in Qigong. You said he swung from his Dan Tien. As I approached homeplate and assumed my batting stance, I thought about this. My eyes focused on the ball, but my body and mind were focusing on my Dan Tien.

The first pitch I swung. I was stunned as the ball sailed far over the outfielders heads. I stood at the plate and watched until the sounds of people hollering, "Run, run," registered with me."
—Anna Jones, Kansas

Bill,

Just wanted to let you know that I think your Anthology video is outstanding! . . . having fun "playing" Tai Chi . . . I always wanted to learn the art and your teaching style in the video is fantastic. Considering the cost of lessons at a studio your video is a steal! Wishing you and yours much success.
I would be happy to recommend your video to anyone interested in learning the art of Tai Chi.

—Bob, Braintree, Massachusetts

"I have found so many health benefits since beginning Bill Douglas’s T’ai Chi program, which I began during a nervous breakdown with panic, chest pains, fatigue, and chronic migraines. I saw Bill’s T’ai Chi and QiGong program information and I gave it a try. I felt sudden and immediate benefits. My chest pain started to go away, my heavy fatigue went away, my nervousness calmed. My migraines are now nonexistent, as is the severe hay fever I’d had since childhood. And if that isn’t enough, I have also lost my craving for fatty foods I once used to soothe my stress, and am now losing weight."
—Tina Webb, Shawnee, Kansas

At the conclusion of a good course in TaiChi QiGong, I decided that I wanted to move ahead and learn a Tai Chi long form. Unable to find a course at a convenient time in my area, I decided, after much initial hesitation, to try learning Tai Chi from Bill's DVD. I began working my way through each lesson (one per week) in late fall and recently completed the last one. Now I follow Bill daily as he works his way through the entire form.

It's almost like having one's own personal trainer. I particularly value his instructions on breathing. And if I wish to review any particular step, it's very easy to switch back to that lesson. It's clear that my initial hesitation was unnecessary.

As a long time university professor, I am not easily impressed, but I consider Bill to be an excellent teacher. His instructions are very clear, well structured, and easy to follow. I am extremely grateful to you for this extraordinary teaching tool. Well done!
—Larry, Pennsylvania, United States

"Since beginning Bill Douglas’s T’ai Chi program, I have taught the exercises I learned for the past five years in our Pain Management multi-disciplinary program at Research Medical Center. My clients have found improved breathing, larger mobility, better posture, improved balance and coordination, flexibility, increased endurance and strength, and relaxation."
—Berni Wheeler, Occupational Therapist, Kansas City

"I had the privilege of studying T’ai Chi with this book’s author, Bill Douglas. As a practicing physician, there are certainly times where stress can seem to be the norm. I found T’ai Chi to be profoundly beneficial in reducing stress, increasing mental clarity, and improving my emotional as well as physical health. Where else can you find such a highly effective tool to achieve these worthwhile goals without fancy equipment or complicated formulas? If T’ai Chi can help with stress in an ER room where lives often hang in the balance, imagine what it can do for everyone else!"
—John D. Hernandez, M.D., Integrative Medicine (formerly of Kansas City)

"It has been a year since I began practicing T’ai Chi under the teaching of the author of this book, Bill Douglas and his associate instructor Erik Feagans. This span of time certainly allows me to evaluate the result of this gentle “martial art,” not only as stress management therapy but, more impressively, with regard to its effect on my physical health.

Suffering for years from chronic neck pain consequent to a whiplash injury, and also suffering from a limited motion of the right shoulder, I approached the T’ai Chi course with some skepticism. The course was initiated after unsuccessful sessions of physical therapy, including mobilization, ultrasounds, heat application, etc. After two months of T’ai Chi, the pain in the cervical region disappeared while the range of motion of my right shoulder returned completely to normal. This achievement remained unchanged during the past winter up until now.

I would not hesitate to recommend T’ai Chi to individuals suffering from the same ailments as well as to mature persons who are seeking to maintain or improve their health and to remain free of chronic pain due to the aging process."
—Loredana Brizio-Molteni, M.D., F.A.C.S., (a surgeon) Kansas City

My attitude, since the first few lessons, changed, due to your effectiveness and to your ability to teach this gentle “martial art.” I was suffering for symptoms related to osteoarthritis of the left coxofemoral joint, and, in addition, I was suffering from neck pain with limited motion. This symptomology disappeared with the T’ai Chi exercises. My physician’s recommendation is to continue with the practice of T’ai Chi. I would pass the same recommendation to individuals with similar sedentary life styles as well as to people involved in activity, which requires exertion of the musculoskeletal system.
—Agostino Molteni, M.D., Ph.D. (a pharmacologist) Kansas City

Since beginning Bill’s T’ai Chi program, my resting heart rate has gone from 81 to 61. It’s amazing!
—Anne Bauman, Kansas

 

I found that the Energy Work (Sitting QiGong) and breath work, learned in Bill’s T’ai Chi program, to be calming and to have that effect on those around me as well, including a returning patient who was hallucinating and having panic attacks. By walking with him and breathing deeply, the patient eventually calmed and laid down breathing evenly to await the doctor.
—Psychotherapist, Kansas City Area

After studying Tai Chi with this book’s author I found an illness of the digestive system I’d had for several years has essentially disappeared. My energy levels remain high, even when I’m fighting an illness, and I get sick much less often.
—Tom Hansen, Lenexa, Kansas

TOP NOTCH DVD! This is by far the best instructional DVD I have ever purchased. Bill gives you complete instructions/demonstrations (from several angles) and gives you the opportunity to incorporate each lesson into the skills you have already learned. The sitting QiGong segment will leave you totally relaxed and ready to tackle our hectic world. The principles described here will change your life - if you let it!

If you've been considering T'ai Chi.......BUY THIS DVD!
—Chris Owens, Kansas City

Easy. Authentic. Comprehensive. Fun. These words describe my views of Bill Douglas' DVD. During the past eight weeks, I have been practicing T'ai Chi in my living room by learning and following Bill's demonstrations of this ancient chinese martial art. Anybody can do it under his tutelage. I'm 72 and I'm finding its mind-body benefits well worth the price. I wish I had discovered this marvelous art 30 years ago. I recommend it to all ages.
A convenient and fun way to learn T'ai Chi!

Bill Douglas's T'ai Chi & Qigong: The Prescription for the Future is excellent. Bill has a wonderful way of teaching so that even beginners can catch on quickly. The practice sessions are particularly helpful as they allow you to go back, review and practice the movements previously taught. I highly recommend the video series and was delighted to see it is now available in dvd as well.
—Robert H. Kobler, Bonner Springs, Kansas

Best in it's Field, Perfect for Beginners & Refining Moves. I practice outside, so don't use the DVD daily, but sure is nice to review and refine a new movement whenever I want to! Have tried other styles on VHS, but this version and the way it is presented, is MUCH easier to pick up, and very relaxing. Still have a way to go, but now I can improve on movements and breathing by reviewing even the earlier lessons. Our instructors say "It took the Chinese 400 years to develop T'ai Chi, so we have plenty of time to get it right." Always thought I'd like to learn T'ai Chi, THANKS Bill!
—Janice Langham, Leavenworth, Kansas

A convenient and fun way to learn T'ai Chi! Bill Douglas's T'ai Chi & Qigong: The Prescription for the Future is excellent. Bill has a wonderful way of teaching so that even beginners can catch on quickly. The practice sessions are particularly helpful as they allow you to go back, review and practice the movements previously taught. I highly recommend the video series and was delighted to see it is now available in dvd as well.

—Lenexa, KS

SMART Tai Chi has offered Corporate Wellness Meditation presentations, including Mindfulness Meditation, in their corporate tai chi program for nearly 30 years, led by Bill Douglas, author of a Tai Chi best-selling book, and the 2009 Inductee to the World Internal Arts Hall of Fame in New York.

Bill was commissioned to teach for management and employees of many of the world's largest corporations and for major institutions: Hallmark, Black & Veatch, Associated Wholesale Grocers, National Catholic Youth Conference, Catholic Hospice Workers, the American Heart Association, ALS Association, the National Council on the Aging, etc.

Bill has been a Tai Chi Source for media worldwide, including: Reader's Digest; WebMD; Prevention Magazine, SELF Magazine; Strive Magazine; New York Times; Wall Street Journal; China's Xinhua News Agency; BBC World Radio; Hong Kong's South China Morning Post; etc.

Local KC Tai Chi teachers have been lauded with major awards from the world's top Tai Chi & Qigong organizations: National Qigong Association; World Congress on Qigong; National Tai Chi Chuan Federation; Brazil's Being Tao Association who honored Bill with an honorary doctorate degree in Chinese Medicine.