Tai Chi Chuan Instruction in Vancouver, Clark County, WA

 Tai Chi Chuan Instruction in 2025-

The Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Private or Group Lessons

Instructor: Mike Garofalo, M.S., B.A.

Instructor's Qualifications

In Clark County, Washington State:
Vancouver, Battleground, Camas,
Orchards, Salmon Creek, Minnehaha,
Prairie Creek, Five Corners, Felida,
Sunnyside, City Center, Mill Plain

Contact Mike Garofalo by Email or Phone

Teaching and practicing the Yang Style
Taijiquan Short 24 Movements Form,
the Standard Long 108 Movements Form,
Cane, and Qigong

 

Cost for Lessons:
$20 per hour for one person
$30 per hour for two persons
Senior Citizen Discounts
Large Group Discounts
Long Time Student Discounts
Gratuities Always Welcome

 

Location of Lessons:
9102 NE 100th Street
Vancouver, WA 98662
Also at Nearby Locations

 

Websites: Cloud Hands Tai Chi Chuan

Blog: Cloud Hands Blog

Qigong (Chi Kung), Longevity Practice

 

 

Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo
Qualifications and Experience

I began learning Yang Style Taijiquan and
Qigong in 1986, and have taught these
Body-Mind Somatic Arts since 2000.
I also taught Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga
in Red Bluff, CA, from 2003-2016.

All of my Yoga and T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Classes Include Some Qigong
(Chinese Yoga) Practices

In 2025, I am 79 years of age.

 

I began learning Yang Style Taijiquan and Qigong from
1986-1990 with Sensei Frank McGourick in Whittier, California.
I studied Lui Ho Ba Fa and Qigong with Sifu Robert Moore from 1987-1990 in Whittier, California.
I studied Red Dragon Kung Fu from 1991-1993 with Sensei Tony Ippolito in Hacienda Heights, California.

I taught over 950 one hour classes of Taijiquan and Qigong in Red Bluff, California, from 2000-2017.
I also practice the Chen 18 Style of Taijiquan and Sun 73 Style
of Taijiquan, the cane weapon, and many Qigong forms.

Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Trained and Certified by Dr. Paul Lam in 2003.
Tai Chi for Arthritis Level 2 Instructor (Sun Style) Trained and Certified by Troyce Thome in 2006.
Advanced Tai Chi and Qigong training at workshops or classes led by Robert Moore, Paul Lam, Ken Cohen,
Patricia Long, George Xu, Elaine Waters,
Bill Helm, Doc Fai-Wong, Sher K. Lew,
Kevin Weaver, Troyce Thome, Yang Jun,
David Fetyko, and Brian Knack.

I taught Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga in Red Bluff from 2003 to 2016 for over 1,460 hours of one hour classes.
YogaFit Level IV Certified Yoga Instructor (Standard 200 Hour Yoga Alliance Curriculum Completed) in 2004.
Over 100 hours of additional yoga training with Dr. Paula Barros, Desiree Rambaugh, and at the Ananda Yoga Center.
All of my Yoga Classes include some Qigong (Chinese Yoga).

Personal Fitness Trainer Certified by AFAA 2007
Mat Pilates AFAA Certified 2005
Spin Cycling AFAA Certified 2005
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certifications
SilverSneakers Trained Instructor 2012
CPR and AED certified from 1999-2017, 2024-.

Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, 4/1999-4/2017
Certified by the State of California Commission
on Teacher Credentialing.
M.A. Education, 40 units, CSU Chico.
M.A., Philosophy, 30 units at CSU Los Angeles.
M.S., Library and Information Science,
University of Southern California, 1968
B.A. Philosophy, CSU Los Angeles, 1967

Brief Biography

My telephone number in 2025 is 530-200-0750.

 

Qigong
(Chinese Warm-up Exercises, Chinese Yoga,
Chi Kung, Energy Development, Energy Work)

Eight Section Brocade Qigong (Ba Duan Gin)

Five Animal Frolics Qigong (Wu Qin Xi)

The Magic Pearl Medicine Ball Qigong

Ba Gua Circle Walking Eight Mother Palms

Entering Tranquility: Standing Meditation

Silk Reeling and Circles in Taijiquan

Temple Qigong

Dragon Qigong

Muscle-Tendon Changing Qigong (Yi Jin Jing)

Cloud Hands Website

Cloud Hands Blog

25 Steps and Beyond: Collected Works

 

Updated on April 12, 2025

 

Buying a Used Car

We purchased a 2003 Ford Explorer for $3,000 in 2016.  We have put in probably under $2,500 in maintenance since then.  Thus, over five years for $5,500, not, of course, including gasoline.  

We have traveled in this 2003 Explorer between Red Bluff, California up to Portland and then north to Bellingham, Washington.  From  Okanagon, WA, Hanford, Yakima, all parts of The Columbia Gorge, the high deserts of the Columbia Plateau, and everywhere in Oregon.  The fabulous Pacific Coast from Bodega Bay, CA, to Port Orford, OR, to Cape Flattery, Makah Indian Reservation, Neah Bay, WA.  

We have many fond memories of our travels together, Karen and I.  Also, many trips with family and friends.  That old reliable 2003 Ford Explorer tackled all the hills and valleys of the Cascades, and provide all the suburban ease (e.g., good heat in the SUV, space for outdoor recreation gear, etc.).  

However, it is now time for me to give this old 2003 Ford Explorer to my son to sell and keep the proceeds.  This old Explorer SUV runs fine, has OK tires, 4WD, 120,000 miles, a few rusted areas in roof, ... yet still may have some practical uses for on the cheap (mas o menos $1,300??) for somebody else.      

So, what other used car to choose?  1.  A SUV that my wife is very comfortable driving.  She does most of our driving, because she likes to drive the most and is a very safe driver.  2.  Under the amount we have saved for cash purchasing.  3. Under 40,000 miles.   4. A newer Ford product.  

So, we purchased and are now (2/27/2021), driving a 2018 Ford Escape, Titanium Model, SUV, AWD, 4 cylinder, 2.0 L engine, 22-27 mpg.  This SUV has 35,100 miles on its bones and engine.  The 2.0 L Turbocharged engine can put out 245 horsepower.  Reviews?  

The Ford Escape SUV has many safety features and road handling AWD capabilities, and meets all the Washington State emission control and road safety standards of 2018. This model uses a Sony electronic, audio, and communication system.  There is plenty of room in our "new" Ford Escape for loading groceries from the Kroeger Fred Meyer's in the Orchards area.  Or, room for moving gardening supplies and plants, boxes, travel gear, clothing, lunches and coffee, and recreational gear.  This SUV model has new tires, good handling and AWD stability and adaptability, good lights, and is silver in color.  

99.9% of the time there are either one or two persons in the car.  We will not be towing anything, or carrying any gear on the hard top of this Ford Escape vehicle.  We rarely camp anymore; and stay in motels, cabins, or hotels.  Besides suitcases, we have a variety of recreational gear (boots, camera, backpack, maps, emergency supplies, raingear, tools, folding chairs, blankets, backup food and water, backup clothing, toiletries, auto stuff, etc.) to carry on some day trips or overnight trips.  Plenty of room for two travelers!!  

This kind of newer used card should provide good service for our uses for many years in Southwestern Washington, Clark County, Washington.  We have traveled many U. S Interstate  highways and roads, Washington and Oregon State roads, U.S. Forest Service Roads, local Clark County roads and backroads into and through and over the Cascades to the east of Vancouver, WA. This Ford Escape should have plenty of power and safety features for two auto travelers in our typical 150 mile and less radius of travel ... Portland Metro and Beyond from Desert to Mountains to River Valleys to the Pacific. 

Post from 2019

Travel and Camping in 2019

Traveling in an SUV (2003 Ford Explorer)
2019-2020
Northwest United States and British Columbia
Camping Notes, Equipment, Plans, Experiences
By Mike Garofalo
January 2019

Travel in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and B.C.
Books, Maps, Travel Guides, Natural History Manuals, Maps
Bibliography, Links, References, Notes
By Mike Garofalo
From 2006-2019

My Travel Plans for 2019-2020

I write about these short travel adventures in my Cloud Hands Blog. Follow the adventures by the Category Labels: Oregon, Southwestern Washington, Washington, Travel, Camping.

Swift Reservoir, Skamania County, Southwestern Washington

Swift Lake is about 17 miles long and 2 miles wide.  It's maximum depth is about 330 feet.  This lake is behind a rock dam and hydroelectric plant, created in 1958, managed by PacifiCorp.  The Lewis River drains from Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens' through three reservoirs then into the Columbia River near Woodland, WA.  Campgrounds and boat launching parks on the north east side of the Swift Lake provide some access points operated by Pacific Corp, e.g., Swift Forest Camp.

We have good maps of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest area.  We also have very good maps of Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz Counties. 

North Fork of the Lewis River, Video Essay, by Nick Fisher, OPB

  Looking north towards Mt. St. Helens

Karen, Mick, April

We enjoyed a picnic lunch at Yale Lake Park and Boat Launch.

Swift Forest Camp

Kayaking in Clark County

Sea Eagle 370 Pro Inflatable Sport Kayak
12.5’ long and 32" wide, for 1 or 2 persons, holds up to 600 lbs load, 32 lbs weight, white, $360.  I paddle this kayak by myself.  I primarily travel on calm flat water like at nearby Lacamas Lake, Yale Lake, or Lake Merwin.  With car shuffling arrangements I can float down local rivers.  

Essentials, Safety, Supplies, Accessories:

Personal Flotation Device, Stohlquist Edge, $105
Electric 12V Air Inflator Outdoor Master, Up to 20 PSI, Adapters, $155

Books about Kayaking:

Paddling Washington: 100 Flatwater and Whitewater Routes in Washington State and the Inland Northwest By Rich Landers.

Paddle Routes of Western Washington: 50 Flatwater Trips for Canoe and Kayak By Verne Huser.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Canoeing and Kayaking By Canoe and Kayak Magazine

The Art of Kayaking: Everything You Need to Know About Paddling By Nigel Foster

Recreational Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide  By Ken Whiting.

The Complete Sea Kayakers Handbook By Shelley Johnson.

Books, manuals, videos, maps, guides:  $150

Fishing in Clark County

My son is taking my grandaughter fishing next week.  I was invited to join in the outing.  I need to renew my fishing license and get my fishing gear out of storage.  

We could fish in many nearby lakes or rivers.  Fishing opportunities abound in the Columbia River Gorge area where we live.  

Traveling the Rivers of Washington: Sightseeing, Fishing, Nature Studies

Washington River Maps and Fishing Guide.  By Doug Rose.  Frank Amato Publications, 2013.  87 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571885135.  VSCL.  Excellent resource for river trips and fishing.

Washington's Best Fishing Waters.  Wilderness Adventures Press, 2nd Edition, 2007.  161 pages.  ISBN: 978-1932098525.  VSCL. 

Washington Lake Maps and Fishing Guide.  By Bill McMillan.  Edited and illustrated by Esther Appel.  Frank Amato Publications, 2012.  48 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571884770.  VSCL. 


Flyfisher's Guide to Washington.  By Greg Thomas.  The Wilderness Adventures Flyfisher's Guide Series.  Wilderness Adventures Press, 2013.  500 pages.  ISBN: 978-185106582.  VSCL.  

Washougal Waterfront Park

We could not stay outdoors for long, because it was very cold and very windy this morning.  Invigorating brisk cold and bright sunshine.  Very dramatic views towards Mt. Hood.

Washougal, Washington

On the Columbia River east of Vancouver, WA 

Washougal Waterfront Park

Captain William Clark Regional Park

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Water Falls: Dougan Falls

We enjoyed the 13 mile drive north from Highway 14 up the Washougal River Road.  There are many private residences along the lovely Washougal River.  The winter grey trunks and branches of the leafless deciduous trees contrasted nicely with the evergreen firs and pines.  The river had a good flow.  The Dougan waterfall was energizing and noisy in its winter power display.  A wonderful excursion for any family into the hills and rivers of the Washougal backwoods country.