Testimonials - Parkinsons & Multiple Sclerosis

Jim Roach, Philadelphia, PA
Starting in 1997 I began noticing my writing was getting worse than usual and my walking was becoming unstable. I went to several doctors and chiropractors who told me the problem was with my spine/back. After repeated spinal manipulations and various medications I went to a neurologist in 1999 who informed me I had a form of Parkinson’s Disease called Parkinson’s Syndrome. By this time I was having difficulty with my motor skills and was stiff like a board in my movements. I tried various medications but they seemed to have little or no effect on my stiffness. My doctor thought maybe physical therapy would help and sent me to Pennsylvania Hospital to try physical therapy at the Parkinson’s Disease Center who specializes in this type therapy. At one of the sessions two instructors from Golden Breath American Tai Chi came to put on a demonstration of how Tai Chi works and helps with movement. I was very skeptical at first but when they observed how stiff I was they made it a point to pay special attention to me and try to get me to do some of the exercises. They then told me when and where classes were held and I should come and take the classes.

After several weeks of telling my wife I was not interested I finally gave in and we went to our first class and gave it a shot. Let me make this clear - this was the best investment I have ever made in my life. I love this program and the instructors and people attending are the greatest. The founder of the program, Sibok Robert Kassof, immediately noticed my problems and assured me that his system could help me gain back my mobility. I have been attending classes once or twice a week for the past three years and have attained the rank of High Junior. My motor skills are almost back to normal and the movements and breathing exercises have changed my life. I make sure that I am able to make class at least once a week and would highly recommend this class to anyone who has difficulty with motor skills or to anyone who wants to participate in a exercise program that will dramatically change their life for the better.

Although I know Tai Chi is not a cure for Parkinson’s Syndrome or any other disease it surely has given me the ability to live my life in a way that I never expected after my diagnosis and the future looks a whole lot brighter for my family and myself.
No matter how hard I tried I could never thank all the instructors who took me under their wings and never let me give up and helped me reach the level I am enjoying today.

I can never say this enough times but anyone who wants to enjoy a fantastic program, whether or not you have a medical or physical problem, please give Golden Breath American Tai Chi a chance and you will never regret it for the rest of your life.

Scott Newman, Philadelphia, PA
It's been nearly 20 years since I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the past five years, I have been studying Golden Breath Tai Chi. I've always been a bit of a skeptic, but I have no doubt at all that this has been the major factor in the functionality I have been able to maintain. When I first started learning the system developed by Sibok Robert Kassof, I needed a cane to balance while walking. Now I'm able to walk unassisted, and recently was able to navigate the steps at the Spectrum Stadium even though there were no railings. Other than Golden Breath Tai Chi, there have been no other changes in my treatments or therapies. My physician said he was surprised I wasn't in a wheelchair! I cannot explain it, but I am now able to accomplish things that I never though I would be able to. I've been able to hold down a full-time job and while it may seem trivial, the ability to accomplish the everyday tasks that most people take for granted is a true miracle. Recently, I have made the rank of High Junior, and have also been sharing this miracle with an M.S. support group.