WaterWheel Tai-Chi is the name of our teaching studio; it does not refer to a style or method of Tai-chi. The waterwheel image is intended to convey the harmonious and productive potential of human technology when developed through the desire to understand and capitalize on what nature makes available. We regard the first responsibility of the instructor as that of being always a student and embodying the learning process that students of Tai-chi make their own, rather than modeling a rigid understanding of techniques.
We do not promote either sport competition or inflated promises of personal transformation at WaterWheel. The two intertwined branches of Tai-chi and its sister arts, health promotion and self-defense, are not necessarily ends in themselves but opportunities for self-development in the broadest sense. Nothing is guaranteed. B.P. Chan attributed any success solely to hard work, perseverance, understanding and luck. We strive to learn to take interest and pleasure in the small details of practice and leave the big things to time.
Tim Regan, principal instructor for WWTC, began his study of tai-chi in
1988 as a student and assistant to instructor Reggie Jackson, a student of
Da Liu. Tim has gone on to study traditional and modern styles of tai-chi,
as well as chi-kung, hsing-i and pa-kua for both health promotion and self-defense. His most extensive studies have been under B.P. Chan and his students. He continues to study with Westchester, NY based practitioner, Richard Satlow.
Since 1994, Tim has taught tai-chi at various Connecticut institutions including St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital and Fairfield University. He is currently adjunct faculty at Norwalk Community College and the Acupuncture Institute at the University of Bridgeport, as well as operating the WWTC studio.
Tim has a diverse background in teaching and the arts. After completing his B.A. at Fairfield University, he worked as a painting instructor and performing musician throughout southern New England. More recently, he received his M.A. in the Health Arts and Sciences from Goddard College in 2006 and apprenticed in Chinese bodywork with Tom Bisio, cofounder of Zheng Gu Tui Na.
Deb Schick has practiced meditation since 1990 and began her study of Tai-chi with WWTC in 2000. Deb has gone on to study Chi-kung, Hsing-i, and push-hands with students of B.P. Chan and Chinese bodywork with Zheng Gu Tui Na.
Deb leads beginning classes in Tai-chi and Chi-kung for Norwalk Community College Extended Studies and Wilton Continuing Education.
"The first teacher is the most important."
I would like to thank Reggie Jackson, whom I was fortunate to call a friend, for introducing me to Tai-chi and helping to instill in me the drive to endlessly learn, question, pursue, and grow without self-satisfaction, and how to take oneself lightly while treating others with care.
His endless generosity of spirit and good humor have touched many.
"
We work together to make our understanding a little clearer."
I am deeply indebted to B.P. Chan, both as a friend and guide.
Working with him was instrumental to developing an understanding
of what it meant to study the martial arts and share from the
heart without titles, awards or hyperbole.
B.P. Chan was a man of rare compassion that stood out even over his
encyclopedic knowledge of the martial arts. He is well remembered by
his students, friends and family.
Our studio is located on the second floor of 17 South Main Street., above the cell phone retailer, "Eastern Phones," and across the street from "Chocopology." Above the entrance to the second floor reads, "Cooke Building." We have a flier for the studio on the door but no sign.
There is often two-hour metered parking available on the street. A municipal parking lot is located on Haviland Street, the first left after the studio. If this lot is full, circle left around the block to the lot behind 50 Washington Street, the tallest building in the area, or the parking garage on Marshall St.
I-95 North
Take exit 14. Take a right off the ramp. At the first light, bear left onto Washington Street. At the third light (at the train trestle) take a right and the studio is in the second building on the right.
I-95 South
Take exit 15 and bear right. At the bottom of the ramp take a left. At the fourth light take the left lane turn onto North Main Street. At the train trestle, continue straight and the studio is in the second building to the right.
Rte. 7 South: (accessible from the Merrit Parkway North)
Take the center exit at the end of the expressway. At the end of the ramp take a right. At the third light take the left fork onto North Main Street. At the train trestle, continue straight and the studio is in the second building to the right.
MetroNorth Railroad:
Detrain at the South Norwalk station. Walk to the North end of the platform and take the stairs down to Monroe St. Turn right and walk to first intersection, South Main St., where the Police Station is located. Turn left down South Main St. You will see another train trestle ahead of you. The studio is on the left hand side before you reach the train trestle.
