Maarten Vercruysse

Turns out the cure for a stiff body and a busy mind is moving really, really slowly.

As a PhD student, an early-onset genetic rheumatic disease had me in constant pain, and I knew I needed something to change. Tai Chi Chuan turned out to be that something, and two decades later, I'm symptom-free and still in love with the practice.

I've been fortunate to learn from extraordinary teachers. I started at the YMAA school in Belgium and later trained directly under Master Yang, Jwing-Ming at YMAA headquarters in Boston. YMAA gave me a strong foundation — it's where I learned what Tai Chi is really about, both as a martial art and as a path to health and well-being. In Boston, I also studied with Master Ramel Rones, whose therapeutic work with cancer patients reshaped how I see this practice.

Then, in 2015, I became a direct disciple of Master Tung Kuan Yen — a rare honor, and one I don't take lightly. Master Tung's lineage traces back hundreds of years through generations of true Chen-style masters, and I'm the only disciple of his in Switzerland. Through him, I've come to understand Tai Chi at a deeper level — the feeling underneath the movement, the grounding beneath the stance, the strength hidden in softness, and the quiet power of intent. This is the real deal, the kind of Tai Chi that's increasingly hard to find.

What I hope to offer you is a practice you can make your own — one that meets you where you are, helps you feel more at home in your body, and gives you tools for whatever life throws your way.

Come move slowly with me. You might be surprised by what you find!