Testimonials

Silent Dragon Schools

 

“My normal blood pressure is considered ‘borderline’, as it averages 130/90.  A healthy BP is 120/80.  I have been doing Kung Fu & Tai Chi for about 3 months and otherwise my habits and lifestyle are no different.” Recently my BP was 120/60, a remarkable improvement in my cardiovascular health.  I can attribute it to nothing else but Kung Fu & Tai Chi.

                                                            -Chris Chorney, 38

                                                          Systems Programmer     Meriden

 

“My ballroom dancing has improved.  I move with better balance and can do more advanced footwork quicker.  (I love my Tai Chi instructor – a man of compassion!)

                                                            -Valerie B.

                                                          Health Educator/Artist Hamden

 

“Tai Chi has been such a positive thing in my life, and since I attempted it once before with only moderate connection, I truly believe that it is tied to your incredible ability to share your knowledge.  You have an acceptance of all kinds of people and ideas… I think that you are not only a great teacher, but also a healer.

                                                            -Kate C.

 

                                                          Nurse                             Madison

“This was the first thing I wrote when I started writing again – largely inspired by your…teaching.  I guess I’d been in a kind of fugue state for so long that it’s amazing to me that I’m emerging out of it – not quite my old self- this is someone new and I think I like her.  I realize that…what you’ve given me and what you’ve done for me, to my mind, is nothing short of a miracle.

                                                            -Yel

                                                          Artist/Teacher               Branford

 

“Stephe’s Tai Chi classes are a strong influence on my work as a massage therapist, both in deepening my sensitivity to clients and in helping me use my own body more effortlessly.

                                                            -Lloyd Carter

                                                          Massage Therapist                  Hamden

 

“I’d like to say ‘thank you’ for the incredible difference you’ve made in my physical and mental consciences; attitude of life/outlook.  Your teaching is inspirational down to the last detail of a foot turn or just the smile you have on your face every class.  You’re the best teacher for Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and (last but not least) my life in general.  So again, thank you for your expertise, charisma, and gentility- you’re everything I aspire to be.  Thank you.

                                                            -Jen Karotkin, 22

                                                          Letter Carrier, U.S.P.S.  West Haven

 

“Just a few months of Tai Chi practice tonified my system dramatically, resulting in better health than I had enjoyed in years.  I am convinced that Stephe’s approach had as much to do with my improvement as did the art itself.  For instance, the philosophy…shapes my approach to life’s daily challenges, and the focus on quality creeps into my practice and work as a musician.  I often utilize several aspects of Stephe’s training prior to important musical performances.  Most of all, I have embarked on a fulfilling and exciting journey that takes me new places every week.

                                                            -Jeff Higgins, 37

                                                          Musician   Guilford

 

“there are no words at present that allow me to express the gratitude I have experienced in the short time with you as my teacher.  Your class has been one of the few times that I have achieved any degree of living in the now.

                                                            -Kevin Hurley

                                                          Writer                            Albany, NY

 

Stephen Watson is an excellent teacher of martial arts. I have talked with many teachers of various martial art forms in the past, and from what I can tell, in Stephen, there is a big difference. It’s hard to put into words, but Stephen makes things clearer for me within the learning process. He not only explains what to do, but he also takes the time to explain why you do it. Once a student knows the “why”, he or she will retain the information in a much more dramatic way. Stephen will tell you … he’ll show you until you understand. Stephen’s belief system, in terms of martial arts and the Tao, pervades his entire life and it makes a difference in how he teaches and how he interacts with his students.  It, martial arts and that particular way of life… is his life. And it makes a world of difference when he teaches.

 

                                                            -David Chorney   

                                                          Financial Planner                   New Haven

 

It seems to me that teaching is a bit like making a tree into a piece of furniture.  You can’t change the nature of the wood material, or its grain, or any other property about it.  However, by judicious use of your shaping tools, you can make it into something quite wonderful that it never was before.  I like the way you teach because you respect your raw material, and you are excellent sandpaper.

We all shape those around us and smooth each other out as we interact, and you seem particularly good at it.  I feel very fond of sandpaper.  Since I work with it all the time, I value the good stuff, and you are good stuff.  Thanks.

 

Thanks for the encouragement Stephe.  I am sure you think you are not as good as you seem, but you sure look impressively graceful and coordinated to me.

-LD, 51

                                                Teacher                          Guilford

 

 

I want to tell you I really appreciate you taking the time to work wonders the other night. I am and have always been intrigued by the power of touch and the healing energies so it was FANTASTICO seeing you work :)

                                                -Lisa Cicero

                                                          Editor/Publisher

 

            I enjoyed the talk that you gave the class today (8th period) in eastern

philosophy.  Strange, but all my life nothing has ever been as clear to me

as the tai chi that you explained

                                                -Isaac Taylor

                                                          Student                          Branford    

 

I want to thank you for sharing so much with me this past weekend. You added a great deal to my experience. You are a unique individual whose martial skills are only surpassed by your humor and philosophy of life.

                                                -Ed Archer

                                                          Farmer                           Lovettsville, VA

 

GOD! I can't express enough how awesome that weekend was! I wish that happened more often.

 

                                                -Ethan DeFord

                                                          Student                          Montreal, Quebec   

 

Last night was beyond words so I won't even try to describe it.  Let me simply say I am very happy to be training with you.  I completely enjoyed the class.  Sorry if my enthusiasm got the best of me.

 

-Walter Bruce

                                                West Haven

 

My head does feel better and I’m going to think positive from this moment on.  I know my tai chi is what's keeping me going now... and I thank you for everything you've done - you are a great teacher/friend.

 

                                                -Kathy Bertier

                                                          Sr. Admin. Asst.            Madison

 

Thanks for Wednesday Stephe; really appreciated the private lesson.  More than appreciated, felt inspired...  I'm so excited by that latest move, and love what you said about it--the idea of offering or giving to the whole world.

 

                                                -Cecily Mader

                                                          Retiree                           Madison

 

I just wanted to thank you for an excellent workout on Wednesday. That was probably one of the most enjoyable and relaxing classes I have ever participated in.

                                                -Matthew Miller

                                                          Graphic Designer           East Haven

 

 

"Work like you don't need the money,

love like you've never been hurt, and

dance like you do when nobody's watching."

 

It's amazing how you actually live these words. A sincere thank you for the guidance that has made me vastly richer, happier and healthier than I was 2 years ago.

 

-Jeff Higgins, 37

                                                          Computer Systems Analyst         Guilford

 

 

                                               

You really are the most Humble, nicest, sweetest, not to mention especially good hugging person I have ever met, seriously.

 

Thank you so much, I am thankful I have gotten the chance to have you in my life.

-Holly Mitchell-Carter

          Self-Employed                Guilford

 

I really enjoyed Monday night.  I mean, normally when I leave Kung Fu, I enjoyed it a lot.  I'll be thinking about something we worked on, or something I need to better, or what have you.  Last weeks "in the dark" went beyond that normal enjoyment I get from class, and then on Monday, with the "playing" it took it even farther.  It was like taking something that you know already got an "A" in your book, and suddenly finding out that not only can it get an "A+", but it can also get like extra bonus points and stuff.  It was so cool.  I'm still having fun running around the house like a little monkey.  And, the after class talk was also super.  For once I finally had the feeling that I had a concrete understanding of how Tai Chi worked.  I've known for a long time that it was good for you, but I never really knew exactly how, and I think I sort of do now.  In short, just writing to say thanks for a extremely kicking time.

                                                -Kit Wilcox

                                                          Ne’er do well                            Madison

 

I think you know how much I respect you.  Even though I haven't been back to class I don't think a week goes by without some thought of tai-chi, the silent dragon, or the sound advice you have given me in the past.

                                                -Mike Stone

                                                          Retail Manager              Clinton

 

I really enjoyed the discussion group last Saturday.  I need these types of discussions in my life as much as I need food.

 

I can't wait until your T'ai Chi course starts.

                                                -Sally Brown

                                                          Writer                            Branford

 

I want to thank you for your total professionalism.  I really mean it when I doubt there are too many people out there who are as dedicated to their art as you are or if it ever came down to it could go toe to toe with you. (Or hand to hand or elbow to elbow.)  In school the classes we learned the most in were the ones where the teachers made learning fun.  I think if those kids can come to your school and have fun while they learn Kung Fu and get a good work out at the same time your school will continue to grow and prosper.

                                                -Paul H.

                                                          Sales rep                         Branford