By Patti Roberts
Neighbors gather at the north end of Curtis Park on Monday mornings,social distancing while following the lead of martial arts instructor Tav Byerhoff as he conducts a weekly tai chi class.
Byerhoff is interested in sharing his love of the physical, mental and spiritual growth he’s found in martial arts and sees a great need in this unprecedented time of uncertainty and stress.
So he’s begun to hold classes in the park and over Zoom.
“Right now I’m offering an introductory breath meditation and tai chi class on Monday mornings at 9 a.m.,” he says. He’s looking to add days.
“My goal for this park group is for people to get outside and get fresh air, breathe and relax, and learn something that can improve and sustain their health,” Byerhoff says. “Even though we’re observing social distancing, it’s important to be social, and seeing neighbors helps us all stay connected, even if we are behind masks right now.”
More than 20 years ago, Curtis Park native Byerhoff discovered his love of martial arts, which blossomed into a passion for its physical and spiritual components. When his kung fu and tai chi teacher moved to Glendale 10 years ago, Byerhoff followed to help him open up a studio.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Byerhoff was forced to close his Los Angeles-area martial arts studio.
“My wife and I had been discussing making the move back to Sacramento for a while to be closer to family and put down roots for our kids,” Byerhoff says.
“So, when all this happened, we decided to listen to the cues and return home.”
Byerhoff, his wife and two kids are staying temporarily with his mother on Marshall Way. Information on Byerhoff’s Curtis Park tai chi class can be found on his Facebook page, “Six Harmony Martial Arts,” and on the Nextdoor app for Curtis Park. His email is [email protected].