Michel Czehatowski began studying Tai Chi in 1975 as a student of Paul Pitchford in Moscow, Idaho. Over five years, he immersed himself in the study of Yang-style Tai Chi, learning single movements, two-person San Shou, and Push Hands. In 1985, he started training in Redding, CA, with Arthur Mendez, developing his martial arts skills and deepening his understanding of applying Tai Chi as a practical method of
self defense.

After learning the Tai Chi 108-movement set in Idaho, Michel found that its depth and complexity provided more than enough material for a lifetime of study. Like peeling an onion, each layer of practice revealed new insights and challenges, making the pursuit of other forms unnecessary. This focus has allowed him to delve deeply into the principles and applications of Tai Chi, cultivating a profound understanding of its art and philosophy.

Throughout his decades of practice, Michel has attended seminars and workshops with several renowned Tai Chi and martial arts instructors. While he values the insights gained from these experiences, he considers only those with whom he has trained extensively—Paul Pitchford and Arthur Mendez—as his formal teachers. This distinction reflects his commitment to honoring the depth and integrity of the teacher-student relationship in Tai Chi.