Dmitrij is an exceptional Tai Chi instructor who has won the hearts of our community’s residents. His classes are always filled with enthusiasm, joy, and positivity. His expertise in Tai Chi has helped our residents to improve their physical and emotional well-being.

Dmitrij’s classes are tailored to suit the individual needs of each resident. He takes the time to understand their unique challenges and limitations and then creates a safe and effective program. His gentle approach to teaching Tai Chi has made it easier for even the most physically challenged residents to participate in the class and benefit from regular practice.

Many of our residents have reported significant improvements in their balance, flexibility, and strength since joining Dmitrij’s class. They have also experienced a reduction in their stress levels and an overall improvement in their emotional well-being. Dmitrij’s class has become a highlight of our community’s activities, and the residents eagerly look forward to attending each session.

We feel incredibly grateful to have Dmitrij as our Tai Chi instructor. His passion, expertise, and commitment to our residents’ well-being are admirable. We highly recommend his class to anyone looking to improve their health and well-being through Tai Chi.

-Erin Motter, Life Enrichment Director, Heather Glen at Ardenwoods – Aden, NC. (2023)

• With many of the residents that regularly engage, Tai Chi has certainly helped with improvements of their balance and, in some, their mobility. Each resident has different capabilities, and depending on the day, I can notice certain participants holding their balance with a certain ease for two minutes. That always makes me proud of them, and I know that they feel that pride within themselves.

• Tai Chi helps to lower blood pressure, increase vital signs in a positive way. I have also noticed that if residents have been feeling overstimulated, it helps to relax the nervous system. I feel like it also helps gross motor function.

• During and after this class, the energy of the residents is overwhelmingly positive, and it carries them throughout the day. The class helps the residents to feel less anxious. Being able to focus on the movements and their breathing helps them to have a clear mind and improved focus.

• I have noticed that this program has positively impacted our community, by not only providing the positive physical results, but also gives our residents, who engage frequently, confidence. We have new residents that are shy and timid at first, but I see them laughing and having a good time during this class. I see that with our other residents, as well, but seeing certain people come out of their shell because they feel that they are in a safe place, is really special.

• Friendships have been forged in the Tai Chi classroom. A couple of our residents that had been attending the class regularly are now best friends and always want to sit together. Tai Chi is a popular class at our establishment. People look forward to it, not only for the physical and mental benefits but also for the social aspect and the fun that is always guaranteed to be had. I think that the collective laughter heard from inside the room is a draw to the other residents that hear it and perhaps want to join the fun.

• I was personally curious to what Tai Chi was all about, so I began to attend the classes whenever I could. I began to notice the mental benefits that I felt during and after the class. It helps me to mange my anxiety, of which I have a lot, and it teaches me how to utilize my breathing to help clear my mind. This class has certainly exceeded my expectations and try to join the class whenever possible.

• Each class feels like it is transformative to all the residents who attend.

• I would absolutely recommend this program to others. I can tell that it has an immediate effect on the mind and body after one class. The combination of physical movement, breathing, and energy movement is spectacular, especially when one really needs to let go of negative energy.

• I feel that the teaching methods have been honed to be absolutely perfect for this demographic. Dmitrij knows his craft inside and out, and that can be seen easily by just attending one class. Teaching is second nature to him, and it comes so naturally. That is one of the things that makes his class so beloved by residents.

• I am a big fan of the class because I have attended many, and therefore am aware of how I physically and mentally feel after his class.

-Wendy Romanwski, Life Enrichment Director, (2025)

Heather Glen at Ardenwoods – a luxury assisted living facility in Buncombe county, North Carolina. Part of the larger Ardenwoods Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) 

I feel great, but I had no idea how much I’ve taken my walking for granted, every step, so it made me really slow down.

-Emma Grace.

I’m loving this class because I’m improving in my standing. And my goal is to walk. I enjoy this class.

-Jo-Ann.

I feel great, I feel light, a little burning, warmth from my hips down to the ankles. I LOVE this class

-Brea.

This is a magnificent class, everything that we have learned is just mindboggling and a wonderful thing. I appreciate it and I thank you very much.

-Paul.

YA-TaiChi/12 Steps™ – Participant Testimonial

Since starting the Ya-TaiChi/12 Steps™ program, I’ve noticed a stronger tolerance for stress and overwhelm. The practice has given me weekly support, a sense of community, and consistent stress relief that has significantly lowered my anxiety levels. Learning about the philosophy behind Tai Chi has also positively shifted my perspective on life.

One of the most valuable aspects of this program is its accessibility — it’s designed for all ability levels, even for those who may not be able to stand for long periods. The exercises can be adapted to each person’s capacity, making it inclusive and supportive.

Participating in the group sessions was particularly transformative. Working alongside others, supporting one another, and witnessing each person’s progress created a deep sense of connection and motivation.

Since joining, my awareness of each step I take and my attention to breathing have greatly improved. This heightened mindfulness has brought positive changes to my emotional and mental well-being, helping me maintain balance in daily life.

Overall, the program has enhanced my relationship with my mental and emotional health. It has exceeded my expectations in every way — I initially joined for overall wellness and spiritual growth, and I’ve gained far more than I anticipated.

I would definitely recommend the Ya-TaiChi/12 Steps™ program to others. It offers accessibility, variety, and genuine life and wellness improvements. The teaching methods and support are excellent, with multiple ways to access lessons — including printed handouts, online resources, and videos.

At this time, I wouldn’t suggest any changes — the program already provides a rich, supportive, and transformative experience.

– Thank you, Dmitri!

YA-TaiChi/12 Steps™ – Professional Senior LIving Supportive Services Testimonial.

George Knight at Skyland Apartments started with YA-TaiChi after receiving a supportive services grant after Hurricane Helene to support residents. This grant included a part-time Service Coordinator position and a budget for bringing supportive services to the building to enrich the senior residents’ lives and health. I became the service coordinator and I found Dmitri’s program by looking for senior-specific instructors for Tai Chi practice to reduce falls and improve balance and strength among aging adults.

The program has provided many benefits. Camaraderie between the participants is huge- the building community was quite fragmented in the past, but the Tai Chi sessions bring people together who otherwise would not be. The participants refer to this practice as something they cannot miss in their schedule. Participants all reported improvements in general flexibility and a reduction in pain. Residents from many different backgrounds reported enjoying the breath work and overall improvements in mobility as lasting benefits.

Participants can access important health and wellness practices and coaching in their own building, where many are not able to drive. The residents can access this education and support through an expert, whereas most other programs are volunteer-run and do not have the expertise or specialty that Dmitri has. Other residents have become interested and now we can repeat the series on a different day for additional participants. The program has had a great impact on the community and the participants, especially.

I would recommend this program for all senior living facilities as a community-building, health-improving, stress-releasing, and emotion-elevating practice. Multiple benefits in one small payment that really works.

Emma Grace Fairchild | Service Coordinator at Laurel Wood Apartments and George Knight at Skyland Apartments

Laurel Woods and George Knight at Skyland Apartments, Asheville, NC – George Knight Homes at Skyland Apartments is an independent living community for older adults seeking affordable, dignified housing with supportive services and amenities. The community promotes personal independence while fostering connection, well-being, and a strong sense of belonging.