Dear Robin,

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for instructing me in the Qi Gong and Tai Chi techniques and forms. These have had a profoundly positive impact on my health and recovery.

Following my back surgery, I diligently participated in the orthodox physical therapy program, which was incredibly beneficial and laid the foundation for my recovery. However, given the significance of the surgery and the finite duration of the prescribed therapy, I was left with lingering challenges, including muscle weakness, limited flexibility, and sporadic pain. In addition to these physical challenges, I have also been struggling with behavioral health issues stemming from an extremely negative and life-impacting military experience. These challenges have been significant and have affected various aspects of my life.

After I began attending the Qi Gong / Tai Chi class, I quickly realized how complementary these practices are to my previous therapy. These practices have not only helped me regain strength and mobility but have also introduced a sense of balance and calm to my routine. The gentle, deliberate movements have eased my sporadic pain, while the focus on breathing and mindfulness has provided mental clarity and stress relief. Furthermore, these classes have been instrumental in supporting my behavioral health, helping me manage the emotional and psychological aftermath of my military experiences in a meaningful and effective way.

Your guidance and encouragement have been invaluable, creating an environment where I feel supported in my journey toward healing and overall wellness. I truly appreciate you and the VA for offering such programs that address both the physical and mental aspects of recovery in such an integrated way. I have also recognized that the techniques you are teaching are not just to get me back to a healthy version of me, but are tools I will continue to use throughout the rest of my life.

I wanted to take a moment to share this feedback and to let you know how much I value these classes. They have made a meaningful difference in my life and recovery. I hope the VA continues to make such classes available for others who might benefit as much as I have.

Thank you once again.

With sincere appreciation,

Jack Baker

Arizona Veteran testimonials

“Tai Chi - Absolutely Amazing. I feel much calmer. Less angry. Centered all day. Life Saver”

SBV Verwolf

“Robin is instrumental in my recovery physical, mental & Spiritual. As a 20 year practitioner of martial science I have not seen a better instructor”

D.M. Wright

“Tai Chi has been a valuable tool in my recovery to help and stimulate my brain and help in meditation at night”

M. Parker

“This is my first experience with Tai Chi. I have to say how much it has helped my physical recovery after weight lifting days. Also on the days I attend Tai Chi I find myself able to fall asleep with much ease”

D. Lozada

"As a fellow student of 2 Tai Chi Instructor courses HME (Heaven Man Earth) and Tai Chi Chuan with Sifu Mark Rasmus I have gotten to know Robin Betton. He is a skilled Tai Chi practitioner as well as a skilled instructor. We have often collaborated about Tai Chi. From Tai Chi philosophies and movements to push hands applications. I have watched him teach and it is a pleasure to see him helping others learn the art of Tai Chi and Qigong. He has a good understanding of breathing, body mechanics and the use of Qi. I would trust and recommend him to teach my friends and family."

- Donald Francis Owner / Shifu New Life Kung Fu

"Robin has always impressed me with a rare combination of playful curiosity and earnest industry. He has been able to remain open to various teachings, ideas, and instructional approaches while staying eager and inquisitive. Robin’s sensitivity and powers of perception also seem remarkable to me. Lessons with Robin have always benefited me because he can ‘listen’ so well, pointing out aspects and details that I was overlooking." – Michael Koch, PhD

“I've observed, in what seems like the ever changing organic flow of life, new and unique tasks at hand often show up with a teacher.  A few years ago I was practicing  tai chi in the hallway of The New England Conservatory of music and it was there Robin Betton introduced himself. We talked a bit about Tai Chi, he gave me a book, and a few years later he was my teacher. Robin is helping me relax, soften, and take another step toward an understanding of a truer nature of life, one constantly in flux. I find, with the application and practice of the techniques and concepts he imparts, a new and developing evolution in how I see myself within the bigger picture. Robin, thank you for helping me toward greater depth in Tai chi and in life.”

-Gary Fieldman

New England Conservatory Preparatory and Continuing Education Faculty member (Jazz Percussion and Ensemble)