ABOUT TAI CHI DAILY
Welcome to Tai Chi Daily.
Whether you're taking your first steps in Tai Chi or have been practicing for decades, I'm glad you're here.
If you're new to Tai Chi, I recommend starting with the Start Here page before exploring the rest of the website.
Tai Chi Daily was created to encourage people to continue their Tai Chi journey long enough to experience the lifelong benefits of consistent practice. Through trusted resources, shared experiences, and a supportive community, I hope Tai Chi Daily encourages and supports you every step of your journey.
What Tai Chi Daily Stands For
Over more than 32 years of learning, practicing, and teaching Tai Chi, I've discovered that the lessons of this remarkable art extend far beyond learning a form. They have shaped the way I approach life and have become the foundation of everything I share through Tai Chi Daily.
I believe Tai Chi is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Even after all these years, I still consider myself a student of the art. Every day I continue to learn something new, and I believe that's one of the greatest gifts Tai Chi has to offer.
I believe consistent practice has the power to change lives. The greatest benefits of Tai Chi aren't found in a single class or weekend seminar. They reveal themselves little by little through patience, persistence, and daily effort.
I enjoy learning from practitioners at every stage of their journey because everyone has a unique perspective to share. At the same time, I believe the strongest foundation comes from learning Tai Chi in person from a qualified teacher. A solid foundation helps us recognize sound Tai Chi principles, appreciate different perspectives, and remain lifelong students of the art.
My Yang-style Tai Chi teacher instilled in me the importance of understanding the principles and martial applications behind every movement. While my own journey has focused primarily on the health and personal growth that Tai Chi offers, those lessons have stayed with me throughout the years and continue to shape the way I think about the art. My background in Aikido has also given me another perspective on movement and martial application, further reinforcing the principles my teacher emphasized.
Finally, I believe encouragement matters. We all experience days when motivation fades or life gets in the way. That's why Tai Chi Daily exists. Whether you're taking your first Tai Chi class or have practiced for decades, I hope you'll always find encouragement here.
My Tai Chi Journey
My name is Joe Cavaliere. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised on Long Island, where I developed a lifelong interest in fitness, martial arts, and healthy living. My Tai Chi journey began in 1993 when I enrolled in an adult education Tai Chi class. I had no idea that one class would influence the rest of my life.
When I began practicing Tai Chi, I couldn't have imagined how much it would influence my life. Over time, the essence of the art was gradually revealed to me, and that journey of discovery continues today.
At the time, I was already passionate about health and fitness. I began lifting weights at the age of thirteen, studied Jiu Jitsu as a teenager, and eventually earned a Shodan in Aikido. While I enjoyed every martial art I studied, it was Tai Chi and Aikido that truly captured my heart.
As a beginner, I competed in the 1997 United States Koushu Tournament in Maryland, placing fourth in the Yang 24 Competition Form after practicing it for only a year and a half. Although I appreciate that accomplishment, it isn't what has stayed with me the most. The greatest rewards have come through more than three decades of daily practice and the lessons Tai Chi continues to teach me every day, both on and off the mat.
If you'd like to learn more about my personal Tai Chi journey, including how daily practice has influenced my life, I invite you to read my Inspirational Story.
Outside of Tai Chi, I've spent more than three decades working in web design and illustration. I'm also a proud father of three sons, and I enjoy gardening, playing guitar, drawing, and cooking healthy meals.
One of the things I love most about Tai Chi is that no matter how long you've practiced, there's always more to learn.
Why I Created Tai Chi Daily
Over the years, I found myself sharing books, martial arts quotes, articles, personal experiences, and lessons I'd learned through daily practice on my website and through social media.
Eventually, I realized those conversations were encouraging people I would never have the opportunity to meet.
That's how Tai Chi Daily was born.
Tai Chi Daily isn't here to replace qualified teachers or teach Tai Chi online. In fact, I strongly encourage learning from an in-person experienced instructor whenever possible.
Instead, my goal is to encourage and support your journey by sharing what I've learned, pointing you toward trusted resources, and helping you stay inspired to continue practicing.
Our Community
One of the greatest lessons Tai Chi has taught me is that we all have something to learn, and we all have something to share.
That's what makes the Tai Chi community so special.
Whether the lesson comes from a teacher, a beginner, an experienced practitioner, a conversation, a book, or a shared experience, I believe we grow stronger when we remain humble, keep an open mind, and encourage one another.
Tai Chi Daily is more than a website. It's a community where beginners and experienced practitioners encourage one another to continue learning, practicing, and growing together.
Some members practice every day.
Others are just beginning.
Many are returning after years away.
No matter where you are on your Tai Chi journey, you're welcome here.
The Story Behind the Logo
The Tai Chi Daily logo represents my own journey.
The silhouette is my favorite Tai Chi posture, Snake Creeps Down. The rising sun represents the daily practice that has guided my life for more than 32 years and reminds me that progress comes one day at a time.
If you'd like to learn more about its meaning, I invite you to read The Story Behind the Tai Chi Daily Logo.
Inspired by My Father
One of the greatest gifts my father gave me was a simple philosophy:
"Better. Because you want to be.™"
I share the story behind those words here.
Those words remind me that becoming a better person isn't about perfection. It's about choosing to improve a little each day—in how we think, how we move, and how we treat others.
That philosophy continues to inspire both my Tai Chi practice and the mission of Tai Chi Daily.
A Final Thought
Thank you for being part of Tai Chi Daily.
Whether you're here to learn something new, find encouragement, or reconnect with your practice, I hope Tai Chi Daily becomes a place you enjoy returning to throughout your own journey.
Want to learn more about the philosophy behind Tai Chi Daily and the story behind the community? Visit the About Tai Chi Daily page.
I wish you the very best on your Tai Chi journey.
Your journey, our shared path.™