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December 2023 by Funtz Michener
I first came to Tai Chi from Watching it. That was years before I finally joined Sifu's class.Be the time I found Sifu and Rachel I had had two hip replacements (different hips), various broken bones, chronic low back pain and a long struggle with posterior tibial tendonitis. The years of exhilaration from rock climbing, backpacking and running once gave my life meaning. It was wonderful, but it began to give way to a realization that, physically, I needed something else that would heal me while strengthening me.I have been learning Tai Chi and Chi Gong from Sifu and Rachel for several years now. I found that it is just what I needed. In a quiet way, Tai Chi demands strength and mastery - the kind of precise movement that I valued while rock climbing. Tai Chi both demands and enhances body awareness. Developing strength is a wholly different process than what I relied on earlier in my life. Now my strength is more integrated. My balance is improved.In addition, the students who work with Sifu and Rachel are great people. Sifu and Rachel create a supportive and warm atmosphere for learning.
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December 2023 by g Andrews
It is a privilege to write an honest and sincere endorsement for Sifu Jensen's online tai chi training and in person group class sessions. I can confidently say that they are not only informative and friendly, but also highly instructional.Sifu Jensen's teaching style is exceptional. His patience and dedication to explaining the application of each move, along with the proper execution, sets him apart from other tai chi instructors. Through his classes, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and skills, enabling me to improve both physically and mentally.I wholeheartedly recommend Sifu Jensen's class to anyone who is interested in enhancing their health, balance, and overall well-being. Whether you are a beginner or have previous experience in Tai Chi and Chi Gong, his classes cater to individuals of all levels. Sifu Jensen's expertise and guidance make him a true Grandmaster in the field.I've attended several Tai Chi classes in the San Francisco Bay area, so I can confidently say that Sifu Jensen's class surpasses all of the other classes I've been in. His dedication to his students' growth and his ability to create a supportive learning environment make his class an superlative experience.If you're looking to improve your health, balance, and overall well-being, this class is an absolute must. Sifu Jensen's class is like no other. I've been to several Tai Chi classes in the San Francisco Bay area, and none come close to what he offers! He is truly a grandmaster in his field, head and shoulders above the rest.Again, I can't recommend Sifu Jensen's class enough. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with tai chi, this class will take you to new heights. The energy and enthusiasm Sifu Jensen brings to his teaching is infectious. You'll leave each session feeling invigorated and ready to conquer the world.Sifu Jensen's online Tai Chi and Chi gong online training and group class sessions are a life enhancing experience. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to improve your physical and mental well-being. Join his class now and prepare to be blown away!
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November 2023 by Nubby Shober
Excellent local resource for training in T'Ai Chi, Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and T'Ai Chi Sword, based out of the San Rafael Community Center. Sifu Jensen--Scott--is a warm, fun and funny teacher who has many decades of experience both teaching and competing, and is probably the best T'Ai Chi teacher I've ever had due to his attention to posture specifics. I've been dabbling in different forms of Chi Kung and T'Ai Chi for about forty years now, and am very impressed with how friendly and supportive all the other students are, most of whom are older like me. After becoming a couch potato during the pandemic, three months and counting of T'Ai Chi have begun to get me back into shape! Classes Monday and Wednesday evenings.
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October 2023 by Pascale Hery
I started to practice Tai Chi and Tai Chi Sword 7 years ago.I primarily turned to Tai Chi for health issues. I was concerned by my weak legs and feet, so I looked for smooth standing exercises in order to be more grounded.Sifu Jensen gives us a comprehensive approach to Tai Chi. His precise practical teaching is always supported by detailed verbal explanations, insights on health issues, and even small stories that make the class interesting!He teaches and practices with us, among us. He is fully present, he motivates our troops! he is totally engaged in teaching and eager to share his passion.Moreover, I really enjoy his artistic skills, which bring everything up to a higher level.Everyday practice of Tai Chi helped me get physically and mentally stronger. My self-esteem, confidence, and willpower have greatly improved, as well as my awareness of my general body posture. Furthermore, I love the smooth, round, continuously flowing moves of the beautiful choreography of the Tai Chi and Tai Cho Sword forms.The more I get satisfied with my progress, and the more I am eager to fine-tune my knowledge and challenge myself by learning new things!
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July 2023 by Adam Banakus
I have studied with Sifu Jensen for 10 years. His knowledge and skill in martial arts is amazing. Not only his he effectively an encyclopedia of knowledge, but he can convey it in a digestible way that is easy to understand and implement.Before joining 10,000 Victories, I had studied other martial arts extensively and had the normal wear and tear you'd expect. But after training with Sifu Jensen, I was able to eliminate my need for orthotics resulting my plantar fasciitis by following Sifu's advice and training.I whole heartedly believe anyone of any age can benefit by training at 10,000 Victories. Each individual loves being there and enjoys sharing their knowledge and journey with others.
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July 2023 by Bill Goedecke
I recommend 10,000 Victories School of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. I have been practicing under the supervision of Sifu Jensen for over five years and I have been practicing Tai Chi for many years and have done other movement arts such as yoga and dance. Tai Chi is a basic practice for me as it brings benefits to my overall health, and specifically helps my nervous system. The practice involves long and expansive movements opening and closing the joints. It helps me to lower and sink and balance my hips. The form that Sifu Jensen teaches is a long yang style. This long yang style is traditional (it has not been simplified) and is interesting to do. I also do a Tai Chi sword form. The sword form incorporates many balancing poses which helps my mind relax. I have been doing and enjoying the Xing Yi forms and practices. Xing Yi is move vigorous but is an internal art like Tai Chi. Xing translates as form or shape and Yi translates as intention or mind. The practice involves unifying the body and mind in movement so is more subtle than it appears. I also have learned and practice some of the kung fu forms taught at the school, including other sword forms. These are also vigorous and grounding and help keep me vital and focused. The movement practices support my meditation practices, both standing and sitting, which are very important to me (the movement practices strengthen, balance, and stabilize the body, which supports mental acuity and overall relaxation). The 10,000 Victories School retains a traditional approach to training, which is not common, and is comprehensive specific to Northern Shaolin and related martial arts and forms. I enjoy the authenticity of the school and the dedication of the Sifu, Scott Jensen and recommend it to anyone interested in any of these arts if one is looking for authentic teachings and committed practice.
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July 2023 by Jacalyn Thompson
I came to study Martial Arts with Scott Jensen to heal a severe injury. I had been on heavy painkillers and had many neurological problems along with chronic pain and had what they call "Thorasic Outlet Syndrome". I was also disabled from my previous occupation. I was recommended by my chiropractor who said "The Only thing I know of that might heal you is training with Scott Jensen. You need to learn new ways to use and move your upper body".I began slowly and within several weeks the pain and numbness in my hands and arms and shoulders began to dissipate. Today I am without any pain or numbness unless I exacerbate my old injury. I can now say I don't need any more painkillers! I don't even have to see the chiropractor anymore. My neurologist said when he saw me a few years after my initial evaluation "The only thing I can offer you is pain control. About 85% of my patients with your problem are on heavy pain medications and it gets worse. Whatever you are doing you'd better continue since I have not seen anyone recover in this way."Not only was I out of pain and numbness but I had improved my overall health, flexibility and quality of life!!. I can't thank Scott enough for my turnaround. This of course took time and patience to begin to integrate all that I had learned into a daily practice. I can't thank Scott enough for giving me the tools to heal my body. I recommend anyone who wants to feel energized and begin to improve their flexibility, balance and heal their body Join Scott's Classes.Blessings JT
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June 2023 by Suzanne Hendriks
Five years ago, while our daughter was expecting our first granddaughter, the Husband and I decided we needed to do something to ensure our being able to keep up with our grands.For a long time we had heard about the benefits of Tai Chi.We feel unbelievably fortunate that we were connected to Sifu Scott Jensen. We have taken lessons from him (with some time off during Covid) for five years. We added Qi Gong classes a year ago.We couldn't be happier with Sifu Jensen's supportive, patient and encouraging teaching methods. His explanation of purpose, techniques and knowledge of the workings of the body are unmatched. His wife Rachel adds an incredibly graceful and welcoming presence.My physician was thrilled to know that I participate in the practice of these beautiful martial arts. He said it is the best thing I could do to improve my bone density as I age.We have benefited greatly from these gentle, but effective workouts. We have improved our body tone, posture, mindfulness and joint movement. Our balance has improved greatly.We look forward to going to our classes twice a week and being part of this community. And most importantly, we can keep up with our granddaughters!
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October 2014 by David S.
I've studied with Sifu Jensen for 10 years or so and have benefited greatly. He teaches the real deal, the results of years of intensive practice and study with grand masters of several lineages. He is a gifted and inspiring teacher, with inexhaustible patience and energy. He has a real talent for adapting his teaching to the student's ability, age, and physical capacity. I have been in classes of his along with people of all types and ages (10 to 80-plus), and everybody got something valuable out of it.
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August 2012 by Barbara S.
Sifu Scott Jensen is a supremely talented and thoughtful martial arts teacher. He interacts very well with very young children, teens and adults. He has a refreshing, whimsical sense of humor and is very sensitive to the physical/emotional issues of individuals. I am fortunate enough to be able to take Tai Chi classes (Yang style Long Form), and, hopefully soon Qigong classes as well, with him at 10,000 Victories School of Martial Arts, San Anselmo, Marin County, California. He is a outstanding master of several martial arts disciplines, and has the modesty and lack of self-importance one hopes to find in a teacher. Learning fundamentals of Qigong and Tai Chi in a supportive environment is providing me with tools for a life-time. He patiently corrects individuals even in a group context. He offers other types of instruction as well - my observation of some of these classes (for example,Northern Shaolin Kung Fu ) suggests the same type of high-caliber teaching.
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March 2012 by Bob F.
"I have been studying Tai Chi with Sifu Jensen for only 7 months, but it has become clear that his classes are something special. I tried to learn Tai Chi two previous times with disappointing results. The teachers taught basic "dance steps" with little comment and no emphasis on the real Tai Chi fundamentals. Sifu Jensen teaches all of the nuances and subtleties of the form with emphasis on proper alignment and maximum health benefit. The state of mind that you can achieve, even early on, is quite remarkable. He is a master at imparting concept. He adds depth at just the right time, a sign of a real master. Physically, I have already experienced a marked increase in energy, flexibility and leg strength. On a recent vacation, my wife could not believe how fast I was walking and how far I could walk with ease. As an added bonus, several old injuries are behaving better than they have in years. As importantly (maybe more), I am developing a body awareness that I never had. I carry myself with a sense of what the various body parts are doing, so that my balance is clearly better and I use my body more carefully and appropriately as I walk, carry things and go through the twists and turns of daily life. It is a journey that requires some dedication and lots of practice. I have barely begun to appreciate it. I wish I had started with Sifu Jensen a long time ago. I am very fortunate to have this as a part of my life." Bob F. Kentfield
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July 2011 by Sue J.
Sifu Jensen and Joseph have been great teachers for my daughter of 7 years. She began with trepidation and after her first 3 weeks and 1st stripe she was thrilled and wanted to continue indefinitely. We found 10,000 Victories through a recommendation from a former classmate of his. And glad we did. My daughter has grown a lot in these past few months, in character and in confidence. She enjoys the techniques she is learning and the meditation sessions included in each class - which include learning about a different animal each month and its characteristics by which they can grow and learn from as well. I also appreciate, as a single parent, the care and understanding coming from the Sifu and his wife/team. They offer a lot of encouragement to the kids and the parents, as well as guidance. Thank you Sifu, Rachel and Joseph! I'm looking forward to joining myself before much longer!
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April 2011 by Lola R.
Sadly, one star. And we had such high hopes. My daughter was so SO excited about learning Kung Fu. She stuck with it for 8 months and by the end she was so turned off to martial arts that I had to bargain with her to get her to try other Dojos. Why? Other kids were often goofing off and Sifu rarely took the time to correct her and really teach her how to do things properly. He seemed more concerned with (in my eyes not hers) watching himself perform the moves than teaching the kids. On our last day there one of the students had mentioned that he was being bullied in school. Sifu's advice to the kid being bullied was that he, "should punch him in the genitals." When the boy recounted this story to us we decided not to go back. We have moved her to another martial arts studio (Marin Practical Martial Arts) that is astounding. Interestingly, I was in the City this weekend and happened upon a Kung Fu Studio where some kids were training. There was a dashing instructor leading them across the studio performing the moves that they were to copy while counting adeptly in Cantonese but when I looked at the students there were all doing these half-assed movements with little to no heart or conviction. Maybe this is the culture of Kung Fu teaching. who knows....
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November 2010 by Adam S.
I am writing this to share with the world my great fortune of training with Sifu Scott Jensen and the 10,000 Victories School of Martial Arts located in the heart of Marin County, CA. 10,000 Victories offers classes in the "old-school" traditional style of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Ji Chuan, and Qi Gong. I am a Licensed Acupuncturist with a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine and prior to joining 10,000 Victories I studied with several great teachers of Hsing-I, Bagua, Tai Ji and Kung Fu for nearly a decade. So, I kind of know what Im talking about as you read on.... First of all, Sifu Jensen is a kind, compassionate and approachable man who has dedicated himself to these arts for the better part of his life. Having studied with several great masters himself, he was encouraged to share his teachings to benefit others and help preserve and perpetuate these ancient arts. He takes this role very serious and will openly share his knowledge and help train you to be the best you can be! He works with all ages and skill levels and does an excellent job of giving everyone the individual attention they deserve. With such a wealth of knowledge, Sifu Jensen gives you all you can handle and more. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is very athletic with deep stances, high kicks, and fast strikes. It requires that the student be strong and flexible with great balance and stability. Our classes begin with an intense workout that then flows into sparring practice to help improve your timing and confidence. Next we work on (empty) hand forms that teach martial technique while continuing to enhance the students physical fitness and mental acuity. Lastly, we learn weapon forms that include swords, sabers, staffs, spears, daggers and even the cane and fan! I also study Tai Ji Chuan with Sifu Jensen which is an effective martial art and a great way to help center the mind and body while promoting the healthy flow of Qi or energy. It along with Qi Gong are excellent for those who are not physically able to join the Kung Fu class, as well as individuals looking to combine movement with meditation. I love the combination of Kung Fu and Tai Ji and feel that it helps to complete the picture. I have personally gained so much. Physically I have never felt better. I am stronger, faster, more flexible, better balanced, and have greater endurance than ever before -- and thats saying a lot as I am a serious athlete in my own right. At the same time I feel more relaxed, confident and centered from my practice and believe it has made me a better husband, father, friend, and professional. 10,000 Victories has become my extended family and the school operates efficiently with the help of Rachel Jensens enthusiasm, determination and grace. I encourage anybody whos looking to improve their health and/or take themselves to a whole new level to check it out. Oh, did I forget to mention how much fun we have too? Dont miss out! Sincerely, -Adam Shapiro, L.Ac., MSTCM
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March 2010 by Erik P.
I have studied from Sifu Jensen for nearly 20 years. I was very lucky to pick his school when I first started. Over the years I have met with many martial artists and I can say that what he taught me was useful, effective, and correct. His knowledge and ability are first rate. This is especially important considering the sophisticated arts he teaches. The classes go from beginner friendly to as tough as you want them to be. The environment is always kept fun and friendly. Many of my fellow students have become life long friends.
