I became a student of the Art of Fitness through a friend.  One day at my pool in Florida, I saw her standing on one leg, arms out, and fingers pointing down, seemingly just standing there watching the clouds pass by.  I walked out and asked what she was doing.  Was she OK or having some sort of mental collapse?  She said she was engaged in Tai Chi, a form of martial arts.  She told me how it benefited her mentally and physically and that I should try it.  

After some thought, I contacted Dmitrij and asked if I might try out a lesson.  Dmitrij said let me give you a few lessons “on the house” and see if you like them and feel they are right for you.  And so our journey began.  It’s been almost five years now, and Dmitrij’s mentoring has helped me through some very dark times and, in the process, has kept me fit both emotionally, mentally, and physically.

I did not start with any goals; at 70 years old, when we began, I wanted to be flexible, regain my balance, and be able to do what I wanted to without pain and the inability to move in a way I was used to.  Initially, Dmitrij started me with breathing exercises that continue today.  At the same time, we began to explore how I might enhance my balance.  As time progressed, the exercises became more complex and required more mental understanding of my body.  

Over time, different elements were added to our sessions.  These elements included using a staff and, most recently, swordplay with a katana, which I purchased.  Also, we both experimented with Tai Chi in the water during the past year.  Yes, water.  I have one bad knee, which at some point will require surgery, and we found that water exercises worked well both for balance and breathing.   I located some items that provided resistance to enhance our workouts and also allowed me to improve my upper body strength.  

We weathered COVID together and, most recently, the discovery that I had cancer, a rather aggressive form of melanoma.  During this time, my reliance on Dmitrij and his teachings kept me focused and moving forward, not faltering and regressing.  His daily quips, sayings, and force of will kept me going in a straight line.  Without his support, positivity, and willingness to work and push me, I would not have come out stronger and more positive.  

The results have been positive.  I have regained my balance, my thinking is positive, and I am looking forward, not backward.  However, what stands out the most for me is Dmitrij’s steadfastness, belief in his students, ability to pull the best out of you, and calm, caring way of teaching.  When I told Dmitrij about my cancer, for which I was devastated and thought the world had ended for me, Dmitrij took me to a place of tranquility and peace.  He brought me home in a manner of speaking.  

So it has now been over five years (and counting); I would recommend Dmitrij’s program to individuals, groups, healthy persons wishing to stay that way, and persons like myself who want to continue to do the daily things they are used to.  

In short, he has given me a new lease on life and time to enjoy my grandchildren.

Robert R. – Washington D.C.