Raymond Sol
Tai Chi Educator/Professor
Testimonials
Teaching Tai Chi and Qigong

PVCC Black Mountain Tai Chi instructor named Outstanding Adjunct Faculty

JANUARY 10, 2013

Raymond Sol, also known as the “Tai Chi Guy” at Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain, has a new AKA to add to his credentials: 2012 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty.

The Maricopa Community College District’s Adjunct Faculty Association recognizes outstanding adjunct faculty through a multiple stage process that includes self-assessment, a detailed descriptive application and two or more recommendations. Sol was one of 24 adjunct faculty selected from the 437 who initially submitted self-assessments.

Sol was hired in Fall 2010 to teach a Tai Chi class at Black Mountain in partnership class with the Desert Foothills YMCA. Starting with just six students, he immediately took initiative to promote his class and build enrollment. His strategy not only boosted enrollment, it created a community.

“His enthusiasm and charismatic personality have really helped grow the Tai Chi program from six people to 35 students,” says Loretta Mondragon, Black Mountain site coordinator. “Ray’s students speak highly of him and the Tai Chi style that they have learned. During periods when class is not in session, students will gather together and practice their Tai Chi moves.”

In Fall 2012, the Tai Chi program was moved to a local church, allowing students to take the class without paying an additional YMCA membership fee, which resulted in enrollment growing 106 percent and allowing PVCC Black Mountain to offer three sections of Tai Chi in Spring 2013. He has expanded his Tai Chi to include an outdoor recreation class at local parks, which incorporates hiking with Tai Chi.

“I teach to help students make significant changes in their lives. Positive interactions with students, and making learning fun for students are my primary goals as a teacher,” Sol says. “Whether in schools or corporations, I have been teaching most of my life. I’m the most proud when students achieve success in the world, using what they learned in my classes. This happened when one of my students won a Gold Medal in the 2010 Arizona Senior Olympics.”

Mondragon notes that this champion senior had never taken a Tai Chi class before taking Sol’s classes. “This is a great confirmation to Ray’s teaching and motivation.”

Sol participates in professional growth activities to enhance not only his martial art instruction but also teaching and learning in general, says Lori Anonsen, PVCC Health & Exercise Science Division Chair. He worked with the PVCC’s Center for Teaching and Learning to develop an instructional video that helps students practice skills on their own.  He also developed a comprehensive Tai Chi instructional manual provided to the students as part of the curriculum.

“Ray practices what he preaches, and is a wonderful role model, as well as mentor, for his students,” Anonsen said. “They continue to reap the many benefits of physical, emotional and spiritual health that comes with this martial art.”

Sol also has worked with the Foothills Community Foundation at the Black Mountain Campus. Some students who have taken senior Tai Chi in partnership with FCF are now taking Tai Chi classes for credit at PVCC.

Sol has his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education and is a member of the Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Association and the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association.


Points of Pride

The Official Blog of Paradise Valley Community College

Phoenix, Arizona   


PS note:  In 2015/2016, Ray again won the Outstanding  Adjunct Faculty Award, and was the only professor from Paradise Valley Community College to win the Award.  This makes him the only professor from PVCC to win the Award twice, in the school's history.




About the Tai Chi / Body Balance classes


 We consider ourselves lucky to have been able to learn Tai Chi from Ray, who is one of the most patient, positive and humorous teachers one could wish for!  (and that's from 2 former teachers ourselves!)  He has a way of presenting the information we need by words, demonstration and repetition that really works.  We've so enjoyed our classes over the last few years whenever we are in the Phoenix area and will continue to do so -- they are wonderful for de-stressing, helpful with balance and health, and FUN!  He goes above & beyond most teachers in helping us connect more with our right brains through art, our bodies through encouraging exercise and our souls in appreciating our natural surroundings and the great outdoors.  If you get to Phoenix be sure to find time to meet this great 'Renaissance Man' and take one or more of his classes!

Susie and Tom Briody, Oregon


Raymond Sol has been an inspiration in introducing me to the practice of Tai Chi.  I was captivated on my first lesson.  Ray engages his students from the very onset.  He understands his students' caution and apprehension and cuts to the core of making everyone feel capable and welcome.  Under Ray's tutelage I have learned all the required moves and learned to love the discipline.  I am inspired to practice on my own to improve my own well being.  Ray's enthusiasm is infectious.  I was thrilled to learn after three months of practicing Tai Chi with Ray that my health numbers improved dramatically.  I thank Ray for his infectious enthusiasm and support and for allowing me to continue my participation.
 
Karoline Jones, PHR
Human Resource Manager


Ray Sol's Tai Chi classes have become the anchor of my week. As a School Nurse, I am always juggling three or four (or more) different tasks and activities throughout the day. Even when I'm not at work, I am never content to deal with just one thing at a time. An amazing thing happens when I'm practicing Tai Chi. My mind is fully absorbed in the movement, balance and breathing involved, bringing a sense of calm and order and shutting out distractions. An added bonus is the wonderful group of people I've met through these classes. Ray's easy-going and welcoming personality promotes an atmosphere where students can relax, make new friends and have fun. Ray offers a unique variety of Tai Chi programs, including Tai Chi Fan and Sword forms. I have participated in Ray's Tai Chi classes for more than 3 years, and I hope to continue learning and refining my technique for as long as Ray will have me!

 

Dana D., RN, BSN

Tai Chi student and coach




About the Office Tai Chi class


I have had the good fortune to receive Ray Sol’s instruction in the deceptively simple, but profoundly beneficial exercise movements of Tai Chi.  The moves he has incorporated in the Office Tai Chi program were easy for me to learn, and perfect for my small office space.  In a few moments, I notice the immediate positive effects of stimulating blood circulation, increasing oxygen intake, and taking my busy mind off its race track.  For me, it’s a simultaneous “pit stop” for the mind and “kick start” for the body.  I can return to work rejuvenated.

 

Peggi Cornelius, Programs Coordinator

Maricopa County Volunteer Lawyers Program




Parkinson's and Tai Chi


Six years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson's.  I have aggressively challenged this disease by lifting weights, movement classes, walking/hiking, dance classes and yoga for all six years.  Almost one year ago I added tai chi to my repertoire and am delighted with the impact on how I feel.  After a class, I feel more alert, rested and definitely better at all balancing exercises.  I enthusiastically recommend Ray Sol as a professional, sensitive and motivating teacher.


Gary S. age 74, Phoenix




Multiple Sclerosis and Tai Chi


I have participated in Ray's tai chi classes for over a year. As a multiple sclerosis patient I took tai chi to address balance and memory issues and to also get some form of regular exercise. It does not create the same heat issues for me that a higher paced cardio exercise would. I would highly recommend tai chi as a form of regular exercise for multiple sclerosis patients. It can even be done in a seated position.


Denise, ms

Arizona




About the Tai Chi Dragon Sword class


I thoroughly enjoyed learning the Tai Chi Sword form.  It was a graceful and fluid form that I found very satisfying.  Ray did a great job teaching, helping me refine my technique, and showing its relationships with the weaponless Tai Chi form.

Mark Carnes
Phoenix



About the Tai Chi Lotus Blossom Fan class

I am a student of Raymond Sol's Tai Chi Lotus Blossom Fan exercise program. To me, it is so much more than an “exercise” program. I have studied Tai Chi for many years in the Chicago area and now in Arizona. The Fan variation that Raymond created is so much more because it is dance like in how the movements are interpreted. What I think is interesting, my name “Nancy” is a variant of Ann, which means “grace,” “favor.” I have not always felt that graceful and I have always envied ballet dancers because of their unique ability to leave the earth and fly above. If you put mind, spirit and body into this discipline I know you will be rewarded with a great feeling of accomplishment.

Nancy O'Neal

Chicago / Phoenix




Tai Chi Programs for Mature Adults


When I was suddenly without a Tai Chi instructor in the Spring of 2012, I hopped on the internet to search for a new one. Luckily, I found Raymond right away and sent him a message. Ray started teaching our 50+ Tai Chi classes in June and by the Fall session we had to add another class because of the demand for his classes. He makes learning Tai Chi fun and the effectiveness of his instruction in terms of balance and fall prevention on his students is invaluable.


Diana Meyer
Sr. Recreation Coordinator
City of Tempe / Pyle Adult Recreation Center