Testimonials
Testimonial from Pamela Perrine:
I started taking Tai Chi classes with Master Franklin a month before the pandemic. I was grateful he offered the classes online so I could continue my Tai Chi journey. The online classes are so easy to sign into and convenient to take at home. I’m over 60 and out of shape and this gives me a nice slow gentle workout that doesn’t hurt my joints or muscles. Master Franklin’s routine also works on my balance and he has a special part that helps the arthritis in my hands. He focuses on increasing our breathing capacity and I think keeping our lungs and body healthy are so important right now with this pandemic.
Hello Master Franklin,
I am 69 years old and have known and studied Tai Chi with Taoist Abbot
Grandmaster Franklin (Franklin Wood) for 4 years.
He has learned the science and art of Tai Chi since he was five years old. Corning from a Taoist upbringing since childhood he has embodied Tai Chi as a way of life. He is also a Taoist Abbot so his teaching is enhanced with his deep and abiding knowledge and wisdom of the tradition that emanates from Tai Chi. Consequently, his method of coaching Tai Chi is very profound and at the same time simple in the sense that he is able to demonstrate the reason how the physiology of every movement unfolds. He also teaches how the movements are a form of meditation coupled with a most graceful exhibition of it as a dance of life.
His teaching ability is outstanding due to his experience with countless students. i-ie is very patient and goes out of his way to tend to people’s needs to learn without feeling inadequate.
George Monoson
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of Grandmaster Franklin Wood, a Tai Chi teacher that I have been studying under for over 30 years. My experience with Grandmaster Franklin’s teaching methods over the years has been extremely beneficial in helping my muscle strength and coordination, mental focus, flexibility, and overall good health.
Now that I am a senior citizen, I value his knowledge of Tai Chi and the healing benefits from this practice. I believe that Grandmaster Franklin’s teaching methods are comprehensive, in-depth, authentic, engaging, and extremely effective.
His in-depth knowledge of human physiology helps him to work with any and all physical difficulties including arthritis, muscle coordination difficulties, joint pain and stiffness and injuries, as well as developing mental focus.
Grandmaster Franklin has a particular way of connecting with his students and making classes enjoyable, motivating, and stimulating yet fun and effective.
Until his recent move to Oregon I have been having the pleasure of continuing to learn under Grandmaster Franklin and I look forward to doing so in the future.
Respectfully,
Sifu Mark W. Heusser
Teacher School of Tao Chi
To: Central Oregon Council on Aging Subject: Franklin Wood
Gentlemen,
I was a Tai Chi student with Franklin for over three years, and I took weekly private lessons. I was 79 years old when I started my lessons.
When I started working with Franklin, I had arthritic knees from playing competitive sports, and had stenosis of my L3 and L4 vertebrae which caused numbness in my feet.
Franklin’s teaching methods and his knowledge of human physiology helped me in just a few months to relieve these problems. At the present time, I am able to participate in all activities and other exercise programs, and I work full-time as the CEO of a Company.
Most importantly, Franklin was able to impart a sense of calm and well-being in each lesson session. I left feeling energized and renewed.
I give you my highest recommendation to Franklin, I am very disappointed personally that he has moved away and I will no longer be able to work with him. If you need any additional information please feel free to call me at my number below.
Sincerely,
Richard Johnes, CEO 480-250-3991
NOVO Solutions MD, LLC • 6710 North Scottsdale Road Suite 240 • Scottsdale Arizona 85253
I am writing this letter in support of Franklin Wood, my long-time teacher and advisor. I began studying Qigong, Tai Chi (Yang style), and Taoist philosophy in 2004 and continued through the end of 2011 with Franklin. Over 7 years of weekly sessions, I came to understand the level of knowledge that Franklin had, not only in the martial arts and meditative movement, but I also found he had a deep knowledge base regarding physiology and kinesiology, understanding how to keep the movements he taught to be safe, consistent and therapeutic. When I started learning from Franklin, I had been experiencing small seizures and night terrors that did respond to pharmacological treatment, but with the specialized training I received in my weekly sessions with Franklin, I was able to stop medications and became symptom free. Later, when I broke my arm at the top of the humerus (result of a jet ski accident), and my shoulder lost range of motion, my continued training with Franklin helped me to gain back full range of motion. I worked with Franklin from age 52 through 59, and I continue to practice the full Tai chi form and much of the Qigong practice that I learned from him.
As a side note, I did eventually train through the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi (Dr. Roger Jahnke) as a trainer in Qigong and Tai Chi Easy, and continued with this training to the point that I am a Senior Trainer. With this other training, I have even more perspective on the solid, safe and effective teaching I received from Franklin!.
I also use these practices (from both Franklin and Roger) in my research with patients with cardiovascular disease and with people living with cancer. I have been funded over the past several years by the National Institutes of Health to study the medical and psychological benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi. In the early years of this research, I would regularly ask for Franklin’s guidance and opinions to be sure that our research protocols were safe and effective and he was always knowledgeable and helpful in that regard. I know that he is familiar with the research literature on the effects of Tai Chi and qigong for a variety of conditions, and I’m aware of the work he has done to help patients with Parkinson’s disease.
During the years I have known Franklin, I have brought in friends of all ages, and my own kids for special care when they needed specific help with pain or other difficulties. He is very knowledgeable in the healing arts and has been able to help with a variety of conditions, helping people find their own healing through practice.
I came to know Franklin, his work, and his achievements very well over these many years and can attest to my personal experience of benefit, as well as the benefit to others with various conditions. At 63 I am profoundly healthy, flexible, and mostly pain free, and still use many of the techniques that Franklin taught me to stay healthy. I would highly recommend him for implementing a program in your state to provide help to older adults with joint pain, or many other conditions that come with aging.
Feel free to contact me if you would like further information.
Yours sincerely,
Linda Larkey PhD, CRTT
Professor, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University
Senior Sustainability Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability
Professor of Medicine, Adjunct Faculty, Mayo Clinic (Scottsdale)
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in regards to Franklin Wood. By grace and good fortune, Franklin came to us in the Fall of 2014. He has been a blessing to our community on many levels. Initially, he began offering Tai Chi classes here and quickly grew an audience of devoted students. Over time, he offered Singing Bowl Meditations, which were usually filled to capacity. In 2015 he offered a calligraphy and Taoist Philosophy course, which again, was nicely attended. As owner of Yoga Breeze, I personally attended all of these events. Before Franklin moved to Oregon, he offered an 8-week Taoist Philosophy and Meditation series. All of his offerings have been of immense value, but this course was exceptionally powerful.
Franklin is a natural teacher. A gift to those he speaks with. He has the ability to effectively deliver a complex subject to a diverse group. His depth of knowledge and experience flows through each lesson. His ability to stimulate the mind with a keen use of stories, parables, personal experiences and provoking questions is powerful. Often, there were moments of silence as students digested his words. All of his classes were highly interactive where students participated with enthusiasm and deep thought.
There is a saying that “wisdom is knowledge experienced”. Franklin speaks with wisdom. His teachings do not give you the answers but instead guides the students to explore and experience the knowledge themselves.
Franklin is deeply missed by this community and is an irreplaceable and valuable asset in a number of capacities. You too, will be blessed by his presence and gifts.
Respectfully,
Christine M. Thomas
To Whom It May Concern:
Re: Letter of Recommendation for Franklin Wood
As a Senior Citizen I have a great respect and profound interest in the teaching abilities of Taoist priest, Grandmaster Tao Situ Franklin Wood. He takes each of his student’s abilities and limitations into consideration with their knowledge and advancement of learning the art of Tai Chi and Qi Gong. He has an exceptional ability to teach which encompasses small children to senior citizens and all ages in between. I have taken Tai Chi from an instructor in San Diego, CA and also from Franklin Wood, a teacher of the fine art of traditional North Shaolin Tai Chi and Qi Gung in Anthem, AZ. There is no comparison between a teacher and an instructor. Tao Situ Franklin incorporates the history of Tai Chi/Qi Gong as well as the meaning of the various forms for a meaningful benefit of his students. I have observed him teaching children as young as 3 years old and he makes the art fun for them as well as learning the forms. I have also benefited greatly from his Qi Gong, medical Tai Chi, class as well as his Senior Stretch and Tone Class. He truly is a gifted teacher and makes learning fun. I have also attended his various meditation “sittings” which have been very relaxing and beneficial to all that attended.When I first met Tao Situ Franklin I was 72 years old, recovering from a stroke and walking with a walker. Today at age 77 I am so very much improved through his nutrition counseling, Tai Chi/Qi Gong, meditation and gentle helpful spirit of aid and assistance that I am able to walk without the aid of a walker or cane and live a completely unassisted life, taking care of my 2 dogs and myself. Tao Situ Franklin has been of great help and assistance to many people of all ages through his training as a Taoist priest and his greater than 55 years of training and teaching in the field of Chinese Martial Arts, ie: Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Kung Fu, meditation, etc.
His empathy for his fellow man makes him highly successful in anything he chooses to pursue. He is very focused on positive end result for all his endeavors. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact me at 623-551-8679.
Sincerely,
Joanne Holle Retired