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February 15th, 2009

Hope you are well. This email is primary for my beginner level Tai Chi
students, however everyone can benefit from the information these
youtube links contain.

10 Basic Foundation Postures for Tai Chi - The following is from my
foundational DVD. This is what the Tai Chi class will be covering
on the unit that starts this week. Tai Chi Basic Training will be
do the whole routine. Black Sash Training will be going over correction
and common mistakes. Masters Training will continue with the
double edge sword.

The ten basic foundational postures are also called chi-kung, chi-gong,
qigong, nei kung, chinese yoga, taoist yoga or zen yoga. Inside the
school we refer to them as Nei Kung. "Nei" means internal and "Kung"
means work...as in the name of the workbook that goes along with
this routine...The Book of Nei Kung which we sell at the school.

Hope this is helpful for you.

Sincerely,

Master Gohring

February 3rd, 2009

New Film Chocolate from Magnolia Pictures (http://www.magpictures.com/)

Chocolate , the new film from Prachya Pinkaew (director of the smash hit Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior) opens next Friday, 2/6 , at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. It will be playing midnights only on Friday and Saturday night.

Prachya returns with Chocolate, an explosive new martial arts masterpiece starring his new protégé, “Jija” Yanin Vismistananda, who spent five years training for the role. Jija plays Zen, a young autistic girl who grows up next to a Muay Thai boxing studio and is raised on a steady diet of chocolate and marathon viewings of Tony Jaa and Bruce Lee films. Zen's father, a Japanese gangster, has been driven out of the country by a rival Thai gang, so her mother has been forced to raise her alone.

It becomes clear over time that Zen has miraculously absorbed formidable Muay Thai techniques from watching the boxers next door and repeated viewings of martial arts classics. When Zen's mother is diagnosed with cancer and the cost of treatments prove overwhelming for the family, Zen sets out with her cousin on a violent mission to collect debts from the corrupt gangsters that owe her mother money.

Featuring death-defying stunts and a charming newcomer who is sure to blow the minds of martial arts fans everywhere, Chocolate represents Prachya's proper follow-up to the smash success of Ong Bak.

February 1st, 2009

Ten year old kid performing Chen Style Taiji in a park

January 1st, 2009

Master Gohring Featured in Rare Austin Magazine

Right Click and Select "View Image" to Be able to Read

or see below for transcription:

Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting

Thomas Gohring teaches his Kung Fu and Tai Chi students that energy. like fire, seeks something to burn. Gohring's students harness their energy by kicking, sparring and meditating. Gohring, a sixth-degree black sash master of Kung Fu, burns off his energy in other ways.

The 37-year-old fireball is always seeking his next challenge--whether it is opening his own Kung Fu and Tai Chi school or building his own coffee shop (Kick Butt Coffee) from scratch.
The native Austinite first began Kung Fu when he was 14, and eventually took over mentoring new students in his teachers' classes. He began teaching Kung Fu professionally in his backyard, and opened his own school on Airport Boulevard in 1996.

"Watchiing Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movies (as a kid) I thought. 'I want to do that,' " Gohring says, "But after a year or so training, there was some talent noticed in me. Not necessarily for my capabilities in martial arts, but for my capabilities in communicating. I've now learned to call it tuning in to what's going on with someone."

It's that intuitiveness and passion that has set Gohring and his school apart. "He's identified that people learn in different ways," says Mary Grabhorn, an Assistant Instructor at Master Gohring's school. "He has a talent for very politely and concisely making a student feel comfortable."
Gohring says that people seek out Kung Fu and Tai Chi for various reasons. Some enjoy the physical fitness and meditative outlet it provides. Others are admittedly in it for the thrill of learning how to weild nunchucks.

But no matter their motives, Master Gohring's school (which includes four instructors) helps them all, with a special focus on beginners and people with learning difficulties or physical handicaps. Some 200 students, ranging in age from four to 79 years old, choose from 30-plus classes each week. Master Gohring's also has become popular for entire families who learn Kung Fu and Tai Chi together.
"It's not what you get to do. It's what you get to become." Grabhorn says about the process of learning Tai Chi and Kung Fu. "It really adds to people's lives."

November 25th, 2008

After Pics from the
1st and 2nd Degree Black Sash Tests

August 8th, 2008

2008 Taiji Masters Performing Wushu Tai Chi
at the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremonies

ta i ji @ Yahoo! Video

June 3rd, 2008

Just got word that we won the 2008 Austin Family, Best Martial Art Studio - Austin

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support. Definately could not have won without you.

May 19th, 2008

12th Anniversary Party Pics: Click Here for All

May 8th, 2008

May 1st, 2008

Kicking butt, socially, at Kick Butt Coffee

Review of Kick Butt Coffee by Michael Barnes - Austin American Statemen

By Michael Barnes | Thursday, May 1, 2008, 07:15 PM

Social scenes evolve organically. Yet it helps when one particularly dynamic organism activates others in the gaping interstices of a city’s larger social environment.

gohring kick butt coffee austin

That’s what Thomas Gohring has accomplished on an otherwise arid stretch of upper Airport Boulevard. The ginger-topped, hazel-eyed martial-arts instructor at Master Gohring’s Tai Chi & Kung Fu noticed there wasn’t a convenient place to grab some caffeine around his lifelong North Austin haunts. From the dense retail district surrounding Highland Mall, one could bop up to Anderson Lane to the indie fave Genuine Joe, or hang down to Greater Hyde Park for Flightpath and Epoch, or settle for the fine product, but rather antiseptic scene at a Starbuck’s.

So Gohring, who graduated from Anderson High School and the University of Texas, researched real estate and coffee beans, took out a home equity loan, secured an all-important URL, commissioned a logo, and, in February, opened the Asian-themed, blood-red-and-black Kick Butt Coffee in a revived strip shopping center around the corner from Spec’s Liquor Warehouse.

booth kick butt coffee austin

Not everything rolled out as planned. One early customer said of the shop’s brewed coffee: “It’s not that kick butt.” So Gohring changed to a darker roast from local bean-sorter Republica.
What does Gohring mean by the term “kick butt”? It depends on the emphasis, voice and tone, but it can translate into 1) general excellence, 2) kinetic motivation, or 3) the physical results of over-indulgence. Even confined to decaf, slim, espresso-based lattes on multiple visits, I can personally subscribe to all three definitions from Kick Butt Coffee.

During the day, a softened southwestern light filters through the sleek shop, glancing off the blood-red walls and black, lacquered trim, without casting a glare on the flat-panel television, which on my visits screened martial arts movies. Laptoppers station themselves in booths — one April day real estate specialist Joe Beatrice lingered at one from 1 p.m. to past 10 p.m. that night — snacking on pastries from Russell’s Bakery or choosing from mostly healthy alternatives to coffee.

kick butt coffee austin texas comedy

At the night, the scene turns lively, as a tiny stage hosts — what else? — musicians and comedians, but not to the detriment of sippers to the rear of the shop. During a Wednesday open mike event, Bob Khosravi burbled on comfortably about this ex-girlfriend, his car, his Iranian heritage: “It makes a difference when you read Dr. Seuss to learn English rather than for fun. Everything begins to rhyme…”

Some customers, lounging outside in the welcome wind or clustered inside around cafe tables, said they drop by Kick Butt at least once a week, others more often. Living or working in the area, they clearly longed for a community with some character, and Kick Butt provides that, without the overstated funkiness of some Austin coffeehouses. It helps that — rare among coffee shops — Kick Butt secured a full liquor license. Gohring has created a clean, open, yet inviting space that could be duplicated in other slivers of lifelessness on Austin’s margins.

Original Link: http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/outandabout/entries/2008/05/01/social_scenes_e.html#comments

April 24th , 2008

Austin Kids Guide Interview

Parent Resources Interviews Master Gohring

Click Here

March 13th , 2008

Message from Master Teacher Christophe Clarke

ZHANG SAN FENG's Festival and Classical Taiji, Kung Fu and Skills Challenge
Part Two - The Second Step

Metropolitan State College of Denver, Department of Human Performance and Sports- Auroria Campus and Cultural Center for Asian Performing Arts (CCFAPA) Presents:

ZHANG SAN FENG's Festival and Classical Taiji, Kung Fu and Skills Challenge
Part Two - The Second Step

Greetings Master's, Sifu's and Martial Art Enthusiast's:

I am happy to announce the continuation of this event: The Second Step. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I wanted to take on the challenge. It's a lot of work, time and commitment that would have to be put into such an event. I'm sorry if this is a last minute notice to some of you. I apologize. But I looked deep into myself and know that this is my life work. What can I do to help, to promote the true quality of this beautiful treasure in art form? I believe its our duty and responsibility to restore what has been lost for the future of generations to follow. Over time the standards and the quality of this mysterious and mystical art of China has been diluted. Kung Fu means great skill and perseverance. To reach great skill, one mustn't give up and that's where the word persevere comes in. We only can achieve our dreams by not loosing sight of them. I have a dream, as many of us do, to raise the quality of our Taiji and Kung Fu here in the West and around the world. It is said, where there's unity there is strength. With your support I truly believe this can happen. I know that many of you share these feelings and disappointments about the quality and standards. Now that we have our Chinese Martial Arts tournaments established nationwide, it is time for us to go back to the roots and the principles of classical CMA.

One of the problems that we have sometimes in relationship to tournaments is the politics. The best competitor doesn't always win. The rules and regulations of federations, associations, organizations, etc., can interfere. Please don't misunderstand, there is no disrespect intended against those types of governing bodies. Some people don't like tournaments or go to them because of this and we need to get them involved. A tournament should be an educational arena. No one should feel like they lost but should walk away with valuable information on how to increase their level and reach a higher plane of achievement. I am determined to see this vision manifest. The principles of traditional CMA gives us the guidelines to do so.

This engagement will be one that is non-denominational. It will be put on by Taiji and Kung Fu friends from all over, those who believe and know that we must work together as a team, which is why I need your support. The main purpose for this event is not to out do another individual but to elevate the current standard and that way we all benefit. So the winner will be the contestant that demonstrates the principles and fundamentals of classical CMA. As I said earlier, we have the guidelines, we just need to follow and trust in them.

Every child looks forward to going to the playground to have fun and meet new friends. Even though they may get a few scrapes and bruises, they always come back. Why? Because they had a damn good time! I would like to see this event have the same essence as a playground, serious but lighthearted. CMA can keep you forever young. I don't want to lose the true spirit of what its all about: Fun, a good time, brotherhood, community and traditions. In this way, who wouldn't come back to such a fiesta!

I don't have all the answers. This only the second step. But the steps must be taken like the monks who walked on rice paper; with caution and stability. So like the principles that CMA teaches us and in the words of a scholar; patience is a virtue.

So let's join forces! I invite you to attend and be a part of this funfilled, educational and fundamental CMA event. Even if you can't make it this year but see merit in this idea, please contact me so that you may be apart of the third step or pass this information onto others who may be interested.

Master Christophe Clarke
720-365-4941
platoon13@msn.com

March 10th , 2008

Kick Butt Coffee has the ticket for music during South by Southwest

AUSTIN, Texas (March 10, 2008) – Think all of this week’s music action during South by Southwest is happening in downtown Austin? Think again.

During SXSW, Kick Butt Coffee in North Austin is hosting more than a dozen musical acts. Admission is free. Kick Butt Coffee is not an official SXSW venue, but hopes to become one in 2009. Kick Butt Coffee is at 5775 Airport Blvd. in the Highland Commons shopping center.

“For coffee drinkers and music fans not wanting to brave the SXSW crowds in downtown Austin, Kick Butt Coffee is offering a stage for a variety of acts to perform this week,” says Thomas Gohring, founder and owner of Kick Butt Coffee.

“Even when SXSW is not going on, Kick Butt Coffee is a premier place in Austin for musicians to perform and fans to listen music. Music fans and coffee lovers alike can grab a Kick Butt beverage, grab a chair and enjoy the tunes.”

Acts interested in performing at Kick Butt Coffee should contact mastergohring@kickbuttcoffee.com. For more information, visit http://kickbuttcoffee.com/swsw-south-by-southwest.htm.

Kick Butt Coffee is the first and only first martial arts-themed coffee shop in Austin. Aside from coffee, the shop serves beer, wine and liquor. Gohring, founder of Kick Butt Coffee (http://www.kickbuttcoffee.com), also owns Master Gohring’s Tai Chi & Kung Fu (http://www.mastergohring.com), a Chinese Martial Arts academy in Austin.

Here is this week’s Kick Butt Coffee music lineup:

Wednesday - March 12th, 2008:

Birds and Batteries - 3pm - 3:45pm
National Seashore - 4pm - 4:45pm
John Biz - 5pm - 5:45pm
Low Red Land - 6pm - 6:45pm
Aim Low Kid - 7pm - 7:45pm
Teneia Sanders - 8pm - 8:45 pm
Aloke - 9pm - 9:45pm

Thursday - March 13th, 2008:

Stace England - 3pm-3:45pm
Patt Todd & The Rank Outsiders - 4pm -4:45pm
Aloke - 5pm - 5:45pm
Christopher Denny - 6pm - 6:45pm
Tom Ovans - 7pm - 7:45pm
CB Brand- 8pm - 8:45 pm
Highway Bob - 9pm - 9:45pm

Friday - March 14th, 2008

Low Red Land - 3pm - 3:45pm
D. W. Holiday - 4pm - 4:45pm
Teneia Sanders - 5pm - 5:45pm
CB Brand - 6pm - 6:45pm
Liz Henry Richardson - 7pm - 7:45pm
Aim Low Kid - 8pm - 8:45 pm
Brian Wright & Sally Jaye - 9pm - 9:45pm
Birds and Batteries - 10pm - 10:45pm

Saturday - March 15th, 2008

Liz Henry Richardson - 3pm - 3:45pm
Ben Sollee - 5pm - 5:45pm

February 29th , 2008

Taiji Legacy in Dallas NOT happening this Summer - Maybe Fall

Letter from Jimmy Wong:

Dear Sifu's and Friends, Hope everyone had a Happy Chinese New Year! I know that many have asked about the upcoming Taiji Legacy for 2008 and I'm sorry for the delayed response. I understand that everyone needs to know for planning purposes. We wanted to change the location this year so while waiting to hear from the new venue, we had not secured the old one at the Plano Convention Centre. Now it is getting too close to July to hold the tournament at that time. So, the unfortunate conclusion is that we will NOT be hosting the tournament this summer.

HOWEVER, if we are able to secure a location in the Fall, we will host the tournament in the Fall. In either case, we will host the tournament next summer in 2009. We will keep you informed as soon as we have information. Thank you for your patience! I wish everyone a Happy & Prosperous Year of the Rat!

Respectfully,
Jimmy Wong

USA Chin Woo Federation
http://www.chinwoo.com
http://www.tournamentseen.com

February 29th , 2008

Master Gohring and Master Clarke Appear on KLBJ's Dudley and Bob Morning Show to promote the FREE Demo that night. Special thanks to 2nd Degree Black Sash Jimmy Earl, Associate Director of the Frank Erwin Center arranging through Bob Fonseca to appear on the show. Looking forward to seeing Dale Dudley do Kung Fu.

February 26th , 2008

Austin Family Magazine Editors Review of Kick Butt Coffee

We're sure you've heard of the martial arts school. Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu. Austin Family readers voted it the Best Martial Arts Center in Austin last year. Master Gohring's team is now bringing a new coffee concept to the Airport Boulevard corridor. It's called Kick Butt Coffee. Their mission: to "kick butt" in the coffee business by selling Kick Butt coffee and offering Kick Butt service. Kick Butt Coffee offers all the classic coffee drinks and smoothies as well as beer and wine. The shop's cinnamon rolls and delicious coffeeand liquor combinastion drinks are wonderful, too. Kick Butt Coffee has a flat screen and a Wii, and the space is unique and inviting. The most important thing, though, is the coffee. The baristas know how to pull a great espresso shot, so the coffee is premium. Kick Butt Coffee also has a stage and the shop plans to have music, comedy, dance and film events soon. Visit the store at 5775 Airport Blvd. (at 290 next to Spec's and across the street from Wendy's) or check out the website at kickbuttcoffee.com. Looks like Austin has another great coffee shop!

February 25th , 2008

The Dance of the Sword Under the Moon of Wu Dung - Friday, February 29th, 6:30pm
FREE Demonstration and Brick Breaking with Guest Master Christphe Clarke at
Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu at 6611 Airport Blvd.

The idea for the production of the performance for the Friday night is entitled 'The Dance of the Sword Under the Moon of Wu Dung'. It's a beautiful story about the founder of Tai Chi Chuan, the famous Master Zhang San Feng.

It is about the night he met the sword on Mount Wu Dung. Master Clarke will reenact the graceful and balletic ancient classical Tai Chi sword from the Wu Dung lineage and two Empty Hands sets. One is called DaMo Chuan, named after the divine Buddhist Master of Shaolin and the other is the divine Tai Chi form that will be taught during the seminar week-end.

The narrator, Michele Richards, will execute the story and the words will be reenacted as the story is told under the sounds of traditional Chinese music from the Mainland. In the midst of burning candlelights and the fragrance of spiritual incense in the air, the poetic movements of Tai Chi Chuan will mesmerize and intrigue family, friends and students.

Also, in this performance the mystical powers of Tai Chi will be demonstrated through the execution of the Internal Tai Chi palm strike going through a stack of bricks as if it was butter. This will be well received by martial arts enthusiasts and onlookers that ever had any doubt about the spiritual and mystical powers in the world of Tai Chi. Friday, February 29th, 6:30pm - Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu - www.mastergohring.com. Bring a chair to guarantee a seat.

February 13th , 2008

Black Sash Graduation 2007 Pics are up: Click Here

You can also see and comment on them on
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mastergohring Click on Pics

February 11th , 2008

MASTERS OF THEIR DOMAINS
Kung fu goes YouTube on martial arts instructor's Web site
By Omar L. Gallaga AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Monday, February 11, 2008 - Thomas R. Gohring is not just a master of his Web domains: He's a tai chi and kung fu instructor known by his students as Master Gohring.

In addition to running Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu on Airport Boulevard, he has built a new coffee house next door called Kick Butt Coffee, which opens for business today, and also owns a real-estate business.

In creating a Web site for his students at mastergohring.com, the martial artist has incorporated more than 600 video clips of extensive instructional materials to supplement his classes. The clips are available through YouTube and provide a place where students (and anyone on the Web) can ask questions about specific techniques from his curriculum. We asked Master Gohring to take time out from kung fu and coffee to tell us about his Web site.

American-Statesman: When did you decide to create a Web site and what work went into getting it started?

Thomas R. Gohring: I first created it a few months before I opened my school, in 1996. I used a template offered by the Internet service provider.

Your Web site offers supplemental videos of your curriculums on YouTube. How are your students using these videos and why did you decide to start posting them online?

Students use them to review and preview what we are covering in class. I decided to offer them to leverage my time spent in class. If the student has been reviewing, then I can focus more on their improvement and less on learning the move in the first place. This extends the efficiency I already provide in class.

How much time and work does it take to create these video clips? How do you balance that with your instructing, running several businesses and managing the Web site?

Oh boy, good question. The key here is that I enjoy what I am doing.

My time with students (30-plus classes a week) is balanced with my time alone uploading the video and creating Web pages. I like to stay on the cutting edge in my school and on the Web. The payoff is seeing students improve in less time.

Do you worry that people will watch the videos online for free instead of paying to take instruction with you in person?

Good luck. It is really challenging to learn (online). In the beginning, you must start with a competent instructor. There are those that can do it just from videos, but it is really challenging.

Also, I should add, we are not selling tai chi or kung fu lessons. We are selling the whole experience of studying Chinese martial arts: the ceremony, the culture and the community. Students come to us to transform their lives, not just to learn some moves. When you join our school, it becomes real.

Did you look to other Web sites or YouTube videos for inspiration?

Yes, constantly. I love surfing the Web and seeing what everyone is doing. For example, last year I updated all my Web sites to "Web 2.0" using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), which helps them have a more modern, clean look.

What are some of your favorite Web sites? Do you spend a lot of time online?

I'll confess, I think I am addicted to Digg.com and Ron Paul video clips. I also spend time on taijilegacy.com, a blog site for a yearly tournament we attend in Dallas, taijiclassic.com, a blog for our in-house tournament and thejoyshow.com, my sister's comedy Web site.

Are there any skills that are shared between learning martial arts and learning to build a Web site?

I've earned my sixth-degree black sash in tai chi and kung fu. I still feel like a white sash in the Web editing. The Internet is moving much faster and changing much more quickly than the martial arts world. Skills in common include the discipline to stick with it when it is not as "fun" and figure it out for one's self and make it my own.

ogallaga@statesman.com; 512-445-3672,

Article on American Statesman Website: Kung fu goes YouTube on martial arts instructor's Web site

Video from Austin American Statesman Website: http://www.statesman.com/news/mplayer/m/63068

February 4th , 2008

What? Kick Butt Coffee friends and family day.

When? Friday, Feb. 8th from 9am - 1pm
and Friday, Feb. 8th from 5pm - 9pm.
(yes, two different times - same day)

Where? 5775 Airport Blvd., Suite 725, Next to Specs: http://kickbuttcoffee.com/index2.htm (Map)

Why? Because we need your help. You're patient and understanding and realize we are still training. We get your valuable feedback, get a chance to check out Austin's newest coffee concept, FREE!

Note: This is not the grand opening or the soft opening. It is a practice day for the baristas. (Oh, if you didn't know, barista is the title for people who make coffee beverages.)

David Adamoski, Director of Operations, Kick Butt Coffee, LLC
D.Adamoski@KickButtCoffee.com • http://www.KickButtCoffee.com
512.454.KICK • 512.633.8306

January 30 , 2008

Next Rotation is up for the February 11th through April 10th, 2008 class period.

Here is the link: http://mastergohring.com/rotation.htm

Masters Path - Things to note.

1. Masters Path Intermediate Tai Chi bring your Fan.
2. Masters Path Advanced Tai Chi continue to bring your Sword.
3. Masters Path Beginner Kung Fu bring your Fan.
4. Masters Path Int./Adv. Continue to bring your Sword.
5. Friday Masters Path will continue with Chinese Calligraphy.

January 29 , 2008

The Tiger/Crane Long Form DVDs are in

Pictured to the left is Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling. A long time Hung Gar Kung Fu master and Hong Kong Kung Fu movie star and the star of this fantastic DVD. You may have seen him in the hit movie Kung Fu Hustle.

The DVD includes the instruction and demonstration of one of the most renowned Chinese Kung Fu forms, the Hung Gar Tiger and Crane pattern, demonstrated by Grandmaster Chiu Chi Ling, a direct descendant of the style's originator, is complicated array of fighting techniques employing the physical movements and behavioral aspects of both the tiger and crane in combat.

Over one hundred power generative movements, used to attack and defend in almost any self-defense situation, are analized specifically for home study. This is the exact same form we practice in class.

This Southern Chinese Shaolin style is traditionally taught as a process of imitation for the developmentof power and breath contolthrough various stylised and exagerated postures which, in the final analysis, are honed into a sophistacted and deadly martial art.

This rare DVD is only $45 (tax and shipping included)

Pick yours up today. Here is link to a youtube clip of the form at full speed and power: Click Here

January 28 , 2008

Candidates for Graduation List is up. Here is the link: Click Here

This is our Chinese New Year Graduation (Febuary 9th, 2008) and will be followed by our Chinese New Year Pot Lock Party. (Bring your favorite Ratatouille inspired dish, a chair and a serving utensil)

According to the Chinese Zodiac , the Year of 2008 is a Year of the Rat (Earth), which begins on February 7, 2008 and ends on January 25, 2009. First in the cycle of 12 Animal signs , Rat Year begins the sequence and recurs every twelfth year. It is a time of renewal in so many ways. From New Year to Valentine's Day, to the arrival of spring, may all the blessings and delights of the New Year be yours.

A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. This is a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product or make a fresh start. Ventures begun now may not yield fast returns, but opportunities will come for people who are well prepared and resourceful. The best way for you to succeed is to be patient, let things develop slowly, and make the most of every opening you can find. (Source: Spring Greeting Cards)

January 20 , 2008

Joy Gohring to Perform at Cap City Comedy
Tuesday - Saturday, January 22-26.

If you didn't know, Master Gohring's sister is a stand-up comic and will be stopping through Austin for a performance on her way to her European tour.

We may be able to score some free tickets to go as a group for the: Friday, January 25, 8pm

If you would like to go with us to see Joy Gohring perform please email Master Gohring right now: master@mastergohring.com

See sample clip above and Joy Gohring on Myspace: myspace.com/joygohring

Hope you can make it.

January 19 , 2008

Master Clarke Workshop is Now Scheduled

Master Gohring's
Mulitiply Your Mastery Workshop Series Presents:

Master Christophe Clarke
Friday, February 29th, 6:30pm
Free Lecture and Demo with Master Clarke

12 Hours Total
Saturday, March 1st - 9am
Sunday, March 2nd - 9am

For more information: Click Here

January 11 , 2008

Master Gohring helps DreamWorks and Hewlitt Packard with Kung Fu Panda.

Master Gohring was invited to Idea City (GSD&M) and met with representatives from HP (Hewlitt Packard) and DreamWorks Animation to help them think up innovative idea on how to market bundled computer packages. Master Gohring was the only martial artist to be on the panel. Look for the ads as we approach the June 6th, 2008 release. http://www.kungfupanda.com/

Kung Fu Panda is a CG-animated comedy about a lazy, irreverent slacker panda, Po (Voiced by Jack Black), who must somehow become a Kung Fu Master in order to save the Valley of Peace from a villainous snow leopard, Tai Lung. Set in the legendary world of ancient China, this is the story of Po, our unlikely hero, who enters the rigid world of Kung Fu and turns it upside down. Po ultimately becomes a Kung Fu hero by learning that if he believes in himself, he can do anything.

December 1, 2007

Black Sash Graduation was a huge success. Please Congratulate
the following Black Sash Graduates:

1st Degree Black Sash
Rahsaan Drumgoole
Spencer Gibb
Andrea Lam
Ivonne Rodriguez
Alan Sisco
Dwight Flinkerbusch
Mary D. Grabhorn
Erik Grostic
Clifton Jackson
Robert J. Mick
Ryan Mosley
Beryl Simpson
Erhard Sudermann
James "Andy" Prince
Janet K. Truzinski
Susan Wieland

2nd Degree Black Sash
Harsha Chakravarti
Richard Cohen
Theron Cook-Kassens
Jimmy Earl
Diane Graves
Michael Guidry
Constancia Peters
Elizabeth Richardson.
Ron Spittka

Video Clips from Graduation: http://mastergohring.com/black-sash-graduation-2007.htm

November 7, 2007

Coffee shop aims to kick butt in Austin

Good coffee certainly gives a jolt, but can it kick butt?

Thomas R. Gohring thinks so. He's launching the first location of his martial arts-themed coffee shop, Kick Butt Coffee , on Airport Boulevard in December.

Martial arts-inspired artwork will decorate the 1,700-square-foot shop in the Highland Commons shopping center and baristas will wear formal mandarin-collared kung fu clothing. Featured drinks will have martial arts names.

The new shop is less than a mile from Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu, a Chinese martial arts academy also owned by Gohring.

Once the shop opens Gohring plans to incorporate comedy and music performances. The shop will also offer free Wi-Fi.

Gohring envisions opening six or more Kick Butt Coffee locations in the Austin area within five years, all of them serving home-brewed coffee.

November 7, 2007

Kick Butt Coffee™, the first martial arts-themed coffee shop in Austin, will open for business in early December.

“We might be the only martial arts-themed espresso shop in the U.S.,” says Thomas Gohring, founder and owner of Kick Butt Coffee.

Aside from Kick Butt Coffee’s martial arts-themed logo being present throughout the shop, baristas will wear formal mandarin-collared kung fu uniform tops, martial arts-related posters will decorate the walls and specialty drinks will be inspired by martial arts names.

Kick Butt Coffee will occupy 1,700 square feet at 5775 Airport Blvd. in the Highland Commons shopping center. The new shop is less than a mile from Master Gohring’s Tai Chi & Kung Fu, a Chinese Martial Arts academy at 6611 Airport Blvd., a business that also is owned by Gohring.

“The mission of Kick Butt Coffee is to Kick Butt in the coffee business by selling Kick Butt coffee and giving Kick Butt service,” Gohring says.

Once Kick Butt Coffee is up and running on Airport Boulevard, the shop will host Kick Butt Comedy and Kick Butt Music events. Former Austinite Joy Gohring, a comedic actress and Thomas Gohring’s sister, is the shop’s Comedy Consultant. Austin guitarist and vocalist Spencer Gibb, a member of the band 54 Seconds, is its Music Consultant.

As a free service to its customers, Kick Butt Coffee will offer Wi-Fi connectivity, Thomas Gohring says. Surveys have shown Austin is one of the top places for wireless “hot spots” in the country. More than 300 locations in the Austin area are considered “hot spots,” including dozens of coffee shops.

Hours of operation for Kick Butt Coffee will be 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.

The arrival of Kick Butt Coffee comes as coffee consumption among Americans is surging. According to the National Coffee Association’s 2007 National Coffee Drinking Trends report, coffee consumption among American adults has surpassed that of soft drinks, reversing a two-decade pattern. The report indicates 57 percent of American adults drink coffee daily, while 51 percent consume soft drinks each day. Daily coffee consumption among 18- to 24-year-olds jumped six percentage points to 37 percent this year.

Capitalizing on that trend, Gohring envisions operating a total of six or more Kick Butt Coffee locations in the Austin area within five years, with all of them serving “premier home-brewed coffee.”

Dave Adamoski, an apprentice instructor at Master Gohring’s Tai Chi & Kung Fu (www.mastergohring.com), is Director of Operations for Kick Butt Coffee. Mary “The Coffee Queen” Grabhorn is a Special Consultant for the shop.

“We have assembled a Kick Butt team for this unique brand of coffee shop in Austin. We want to have a Kick Butt time and, more importantly, we want our customers to have a Kick Butt experience,” Gohring says.

For more information about Kick Butt Coffee, visit http://www.kickbuttcoffee.com or call (512) 633-8306.

October 7, 2007

The next rotation has been posted: Click Here

The major thing to note is that if you are a Masters Path student in Advanced Kung Fu or Advanced Tai Chi you will need to bring your Saber to class.

Tai Chi Beginners should review their Book on Nei Kung and their DVD.

Friday's Masters Path class will continue with the:
Wudang Taoist Kung Fu Double Edge Sword Form

September 23, 2007

Apprentice Certified Instrucor Training Program gets a major upgrade. See the web page:

Click Here for Apprentice CIT Process Page

The upgrade is mainly in the offering of more structure and a clear path and definition to what is actually covered in the program. Now is a great time to conference with Master Gohring about becoming an apprentice. If you are not familiar with the program please visit the main Apprentice Page: Click Here

June 19, 2007

Master Gohring’s Tai Chi and Kung Fu Wins Austin Family Magazine Readers’ Poll For Best Martial Arts School

Austin, Texas – June 15, 2007 – Austin Family magazine and Master Gohring’s Tai Chi and Kung Fu announced today that Master Gohring’s school won the Austin Family magazine Reader’s Poll for Best Martial Arts School in 2007.

“Our readers have spoken and declared Master Gohring’s school the best in Austin,” said Austin Family magazine. “We like to hear from our readers and base our awards on their experience. We feel our readers provide the best perspective in terms of what works for them as a family and what doesn’t. It is certainly much more genuine.”

“Master Gohring has provided a place where our family can share a common interest that is healthy, active and affordable,” said Tammy Shroud, student. “It is evident, through Master Gohring’s sincerity, that he has the best interests of the students at heart. He is honest in both praise and correction. It is clear to us why the school has grown so much over the last ten years.”

The school has evolved over the last ten years to become one of Austin’s premier martial arts academies. Gohring began teaching out of his home and at local companies before opening his own school ten years ago.

Initially, the academy was focused on teaching Tai Chi. Later Kung Fu was added to the curriculum. Today, there are a number of programs for families, children and adults to choose from – including Little Dragons, Family Kung Fu Hour, and Adult Tai Chi and Kung Fu.

“We’re honored to receive this award,” said Tom Gohring, head instructor of Master Gohring’s Tai Chi and Kung Fu. “It’s especially meaningful when it comes from the people who are taking classes with me. We’ve worked hard to build a school, a community actually, where both the parents and children feel comfortable and can grow.”

About Master Gohring’s Tai Chi & Kung Fu
Master Gohring’s Tai Chi & Kung Fu is dedicated to helping students get the most out of life as well as helping families grow strong together. Based in Austin, the academy is a place for personal development focused on physical, spiritual, and mental growth. The academy teaches martial arts as a tool for success in all aspects of life, instilling discipline and confidence for the journey. Master Gohring’s Tai Chi & Kung Fu was founded in 1996. For more information, visit www.mastergohring.com.

Congratulations! Well deserved! - Anna Escimilla

CONGRATULATIONS!!! It is well deserved! You do an outstanding job in bringing Martial Arts to standard of excellence and provide a safe, fun envrironment. I am proud of your recognition! Keep up the great work you do Sir!

Faithfully,
Ms. T

Congratulations !
You really deserve it.

yahoo! You go Sifu!
xo,
Cook Kassens family

Congratulations! And it's much deserved! - Matt Berg

Congratulations! - Dad

Congratulations!

It has been great to see how your school has grown in just the last few years. It is a great credit to all the work you and Ms. Peters have done.
And now this recognition! Truly great.

Stacy Holt

April 15 , 2007

The new Taiji Classic website is up.

Check it out: http://www.taijiclassic.com

Now is a great time to register.
This years organizers are Black Sashes Mr. Leu and Mr. Trudeau.

March 28, 2007

Austin Parks Foundation and Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu

To Host Tai Chi In The Park

Free Tai Chi in the Park every Wednesday in April at Republic Square Park

Austin, Texas – March 28, 2007 – Austin Parks Foundation and Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu announced today that they will be hosting free lunchtime Tai Chi classes at 12 p.m. every Wednesday in April. This is the first time Tai Chi in the Park will be offered. It is a new program, building on the success of the Foundation's popular Yoga in the Park class series, held in March with teachers from Yoga Yoga.

“ We're glad to work with Master Gohring's school to add a Tai Chi component to our very successful Yoga in the Park program,” said Rosie Weaver, Austin Parks Foundation Outreach Director. “Both Yoga and Tai Chi are well known for their stress reduction and low-impact exercise routines. Considering the hectic pace and schedules most of us have, people really need a way to relieve stress—and our downtown parks are a great place to do it.”

“ We're excited to be a part of this program,” said Tom Gohring, head instructor of Master Gohring's Tai Chi and Kung Fu. “Having grown up in Austin and having been a part of the Austin community for most of my life, it's great to be able to give something positive back to the community. Tai Chi is a life-long endeavor that will keep practitioners feeling youthful and balanced the rest of their lives.”

Tai Chi in the Park takes place every Wednesday from noon – 1 p.m. at Republic Square Park at 5th and Guadalupe. The classes are free and open to all ages and skill levels. For more information, visit this website: http://www.austinparks.org/yoga.html .

About Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu

Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu is dedicated to helping students get the most out of life as well as helping families grow strong together. Based in Austin, the academy is a place for personal development focused on physical, spiritual, and mental growth. The academy teaches martial arts as a tool for success in all aspects of life, instilling discipline and confidence for the journey. Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu was founded in 1996. For more information, visit www.mastergohring.com.

About Austin Parks Foundation

Austin Parks Foundation is committed to creating and sustaining beautiful and active parks throughout Austin. We seek to fill the gap between what needs to be done and what our parks department can afford to do. Since 1992, Austin Parks Foundation has initiated, promoted, and facilitated physical improvements, new programming, and greater community involvement for Austin's parks. Tai Chi in the Park is a part of the foundation's efforts to revitalize Austin's historic downtown parks.

March 7, 2007

Master Gohring's

Graduation to

6th Degree Black Sash:

Click Here for Much More

April 21, 2006

T'ai chi is a low-impact, strong workout
4/21/2006 3:43 PM
By: Amy Hadley

T'ai chi is slow like yoga, but centers around self-defense like kung fu.

You don't have to be flawless, graceful or strong, but t'ai chi will get you closer to all these things.

"I used to sit there and think, 'My goodness, these people are so graceful. It's beautiful the way they move. I'm not going to be able to do this.' But he's brought me to the orange belt," student Juanita Johnson said.

This Chinese martial art is known for being slow and steady.

"It's artistic. It's like taking up a musical instrument or something. And it's exercise, too," teacher Tom Gohring said.

But don't think that makes it easy.

"I was thinking, 'Well, this is easy.' Three-fourths into it, I remember sweating. I hadn't sweated in a long time," Johnson said.

Student Andy Prince calls t'ai chi the "thinking person's martial art" because it involves you physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally.

Just watching, it's hard to tell what t'ai chi can do for you. But suit up and try it and you'll see what it takes to get through a class.

"It's become famous for its health benefits -- strength, flexibility, coordination, relaxation, stress reduction," Gohring said.

Johnson used to walk with a cane because of a knee injury. Then, she took up t'ai chi at 63.

"This is the only thing that's worked so far. I'm feeling better. I lost a few pounds," Johnson said. "It builds you up slowly and you acquire strength you don't even realize you get."

So, where does self defense come in if it's slow and gentle?

"It's like someone's attacking you as if they're playing checkers, but you're a master of chess. And so you use strategy, you use your mind. You don't rely on how strong you are," Gohring said.

"It gives you life skills to take outside the classroom. How do we live our lives on a daily basis? It gives you skills to help you understand and react to people in that way," Prince said.

To find out more about t'ai chi, or to sign up for a class, call (512) 422-4245 or visit mastergohring.com

July 3, 2006

Tai Chi Saves Former Fire Fighter
by Pam LeBlanc

FIT CITY - Disabled and extremely overweight, Thomas Terbay finds mental and physical solace in the martial art

Thomas Terbay stashes his walker along the wall of the mirror-lined studio and shuffles to the center of the room. He raises his arms, moving silently through a series of tai chi positions like a martial arts movie in slow motion. Sweat beads on his forehead, and every few minutes, he pauses to catch his breath. He apologizes, because for the past two months leg pain has kept him from his usual routine of classes here at Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu academy.

But Terbay, a former firefighter who credits the mental and physical benefits of tai chi with helping him turn his life around, says he'll be back to his regular schedule in a few weeks. And considering the odds he overcame in getting this far, it's not hard to believe him.

Life crashing down

Terbay, 39, grew up in Austin. He earned a nursing degree and started working as an emergency medical technician at a volunteer fire department in Tarrant County. Even then, he was a big guy, weighing in at 315 pounds.

In 1991, he was working an apartment fire when he missed a rung on a step ladder and came crashing down. He hit the ground feet first, suffering a compression fracture in his mid-back. He wore a hinged cast for 10 months.

"At first I didn't have problems. But as the months went on, it became apparent I couldn't stand for long or run. My firefighting career was over and my nursing career, too," he says.

He started to gain weight. He couldn't stand for long and got out of breath after hardly any exertion.

"I was sedentary and continued to eat like a high-school football player," he says. He got depressed and moved back to his parents' home in Austin. Soon, he weighed 525 pounds and was essentially bedridden. He developed diabetes and heart disease.

When his mother died in May 2003, he was spiritually adrift. Friends suggested he try yoga, but he felt he couldn't do it because of his size. "I couldn't get down on the floor and tie myself into a pretzel," he says.

He saw a flier for tai chi at his doctor's office, and assumed the ancient Chinese martial art was like yoga, only done standing. Maybe he could do that. The thought passed until he saw another ad a few months later. He remembered the karate classes he'd taken as a teenager. He decided to give it a try.

Terbay lasted just two minutes at that first introductory class. Then he sat and watched, mesmerized by what the students were doing.

"When I walked in the door, I felt this positive energy I hadn't felt in years," he says. "The tai chi was beautiful. I wanted to be able to do what those people were doing."

He started attending classes twice a week. In the beginning, he used a walker to get to class. For the first six weeks, he could last only five minutes. He kept at it.

"It took three months before I could substantially participate," he says. His classmates encouraged him. In six months, he exchanged the walker for a cane.

His "chi," or life force, was growing stronger. He started to heal, in many ways. Tai chi was helping him relax, and improving his coordination, flexibility, endurance and strength. It was calming him mentally.

"It gave me, before the end of my first year, my sense of confidence almost back up to where it was when I was a firefighter. I felt like part of a community," Terbay says. "That's all I had in my life — tai chi or doctors. And it was a better place to be than a doctor's office."

Slowly, his weight started to drop. So far, Terbay has lost 130 pounds. He hopes to lose more.

The style of tai chi that Terbay studies has 10 basic postures. Sometimes, the class moves through those postures to the beat of a drum.

Tai chi also incorporates the use of weapons, and Terbay is training to use a fan. In ancient China, the fan's stays were made of sharpened metal instead of bamboo, and were concealed in the user's sleeve. Terbay demonstrates, whipping his bamboo fan out of his sleeve with a pop.

For Terbay, though, tai chi is self-defense only in the sense that he has used it to save his own health. "It's self-defense from yourself — from your own poor choices, your own bad decisions and life pressures — not just someone on the street," he says.

Tai chi skills are measured on a 10-color sash system similar to the belt system used in karate. White is the most novice level; black the most advanced. Terbay's proudest moment came when he earned his white belt. It took six months.

"I never thought I'd get that white sash because I never thought I'd be able to stand through an entire class," he says. "That's when I really felt like part of the school." But even that sash doesn't mark the most important change for Terbay. "It's more about what's happened to me and how I've changed as a human being than how high I can kick or what sash I'm wearing," he says.

Now he's a purple belt, a little more than halfway through the 10-sash system. He's started a program to earn an instructor's certificate, and works a few hours a week for Master Gohring, recruiting potential students.

No limitations

Tai chi is a nonimpact form of exercise. You don't have to have a sleek, toned body to reap its benefits. People who are overweight, or have arthritis or other physical limitations, can take classes. Some students come to class using canes or walkers. Even people who use wheelchairs can do a modified version of tai chi.

"It's excellent for people who are returning to exercise or who have never exercised," says Master Gohring, a fifth-degree black sash and owner of Master Gohring's Tai Chi & Kung Fu martial arts academy. "It's almost a form of physical therapy."

That's why he encouraged Terbay to keep coming to class.

"It is my belief that everyone can make it to black sash with the right training, environment and program," Gohring says. "That's what we provide here. I didn't consider that Thomas couldn't be successful."

Besides advancing his own training, Terbay has inspired other students.

"When you look at someone who gets up on the floor in his condition and participates and puts himself out there in front of people, your problems seem kind of dwarfed. You think 'Wow, if Thomas Terbay can get up there and do tai chi and live up to the challenges given by Master Gohring, I can do that,' " Gohring says. "To have Thomas get up there and overcome his fears right in front of us is like, well, OK. That's a leader."

Now, when Terbay misses a class or two, the other students at the academy ask about him and want to know when he's coming back. They've become a sort of support group that rallies around him when he gets frustrated.

Andy Prince, 38, a public relations consultant, started taking tai chi classes at Master Gohring's a year and a half ago to improve his fitness. He met Terbay, and was immediately struck by the former firefighter's persistence. "I thought, 'Here's someone who's trying to better himself, hats off to the guy,' " Prince says.

Eventually he got to know Terbay, who was at the studio nearly every day.

"When he started telling me his story, I was shocked and amazed and impressed," Prince says. "I thought I had a good motivating reason to come here, but I didn't fall off a ladder and get hurt. To think he comes to class every day with the things he's gone through was a tremendous inspiration to me. What would I do in his situation? Wallow in pity, stay in bed all day?"

A mild setback

In the past six weeks, Terbay has experienced pain in the joints and muscles of his legs. Doctors aren't yet sure of the cause. But he can't drive and is once again homebound.

He hopes the setback is temporary. He expects to return to tai chi, and has been visualizing the training even though he hasn't been able to participate at the studio.

Still, he attended a small tournament at Master Gohring's academy last week, watching with interest the competition and assuring fellow students that he planned to return to classes as soon as he could.

Besides continuing with his own training, he has another goal in mind — to encourage people who don't think they can get fit to start a tai chi program. Martial arts, he says, transcends the physical. It can provide mental and emotional tools for life.

"I still want to help people out with their lives, and I want to use tai chi to do it," Terbay says. "My hope is that they can look and see this guy was crippled, he weighed 130 pounds more than he does now. If he can do it, maybe I can."

pleblanc@statesman.com; 445-3994

Links of Interest

Year of the Boar • Chinese Calligraphy and Painting • T-shirt • Chess and the Expert Mind • Five Animal Form • Master Clarke • Doing Business with People you Know • 12 Secrets to Black Sash Parenting • Chinese Calligraphy Description and History • Chinese Calligraphy Class Pics • Austin Martial Arts Festival • Pics from Solomons 2006 • Spear Form • Picasa Google Photo Albums • Black Sash Graduation Pics • Taiji Legacy
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