Q: Can you please explain what “Zochi” exactly means? Does it come from a certain language?

Zochi is my Zen Dharma name: It means “Hidden Wisdom”.  Zochi is also Nigerian / Igbo origin and means "Only God" or Energy which is part of my ethic identity.

Q: What motivated you to build TaijiAfrica Community in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana?

When I first went to the continent of Africa in October 2018, I taught Aikido and Tai Chi in Kenya and Ethiopia. Both arts were somewhat new to these areas and a lot of old timers in the martial world in Africa expressed me their interest to learn these two arts because they were effective, healing, and cause less physical impact and injuries on the body. 

In addition, some participants in my classes found it difficult to practice seated meditation and yoga as a method of relaxation and stress release; yet, when practicing  meditation in movement with Tai Chi, they found it fun and relaxing. Many of the students were surprised about how good they felt after practicing. Prior to their experience in class, they had only witnessed the elders in movies and on TV practicing.  For the young, Tai Chi looked easy and simple, but they found the practice a complete workout without pain or stress.

The last reason: they enjoy the practices because it connected them to nature and there was no required equipment.

I took all these things into consideration. But more importantly, I saw Tai Chi as a unifying art, therefore, an opportunity to connect communities in the dance of humanity.

Q: You are an ambassador of a program for youth and adults called Pushing for Peace, teaching Tai Chi movements and philosophy to prevent violence and increase mental and physical health. Can you please tell us more about your teaching in this program?

Pushing for Peace (https://www.pushingforpeace.org) is an organization created by Tai Chi Master Marilyn Cooper. She is also the author and creator of the Peace Games.  The foundation of the Peace Games come from a combination of Tai Chi, Qigong, and Baqua. The objectives of these games are first and foremost to have fun as the participants kinesthetically learn the principles of listening, connectivity, empathy and being in harmony.  These games are more of a subset of Tai Chi and a somatic/embody practice to improve the student interaction with one another, awareness, and physical/mental/emotional health. I have used them ice breakers, communication practices and working with couples for creating a safe container for deeper work. I have taught these classes at Kenyata University, Kenya International School, Khul in Ethiopia as well as in various communities.

From time to time, I have had the opportunity to team up with the organization Trust for Indigenous Culture and Heath (TICAH) in Kenya where I have taught the game and MU-I Tai Chi in rural areas. I think the greatest time I had is when I was invited to sit and speak with Kenya’s indigenous healers.  That was a sign that this where I needed and wanted to be to do this work.

Q: How did you use Tai Chi to help alcohol or drug addicts?

When working with people trying to recover from alcohol and substance abuse, I use a subset of Yang 108 form call Mu-I Tai Chi created by Roshi Kow in Hawaii and taught to me by Roshi Norma Wong and Rev. angel Kyodo williams.  This form is better suited because it is only 10 movements. Over the years, I have replaced classical name with more contemporary convention and affirmations to assist the practitioner. As a precursor, we practice Qigong movement, and breathing as a part of my toolbox which are targeted for needs associated with recovery from substance abuse. Depending on the client, I am working with the MU-I and Qigong are followed by NADA protocol treatments - depending on the location this is either a combination of acupuncture, seeds, and Tea to help clients rest and heal. 

Q: You developed a program specifically for women and girls called “Women Empowered”, in which you teach participants strategies and applied methodologies of awareness, prevention, and preparedness. Is Tai Chi part of this program?

Simple answer to your question there is that always an element of Tai Chi is in everything I teach. “Women Empowered (WE)” program is about assisting women to heal from the stressors and traumas as well as being able to maintain their personal safety and eliminating violence against women and girls.  Tai Chi like is self-care and teaches us there is no need of force or aggression to transform and support difficult situations. It also teaches us to relax in times of chaos, expands our capacity to set clear boundaries and embodies the principles of awareness of one’s environment while listening to one’s own intuitive self.  “WE” understands that self-defense, awareness, prevention, and preparedness are acts of Love and Self-Care. Tai Chi was a perfect discipline to be integrated into Women Empowered.