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A Year to Reflect, Celebrate, and Look Ahead

Every once in a while, a year carries a little extra meaning.

It turns out that 2026 is one of those years for us.

We didn’t plan it that way. We didn’t even see it coming. But when we paused and looked more closely, it became clear—this is indeed a special year.

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The Fire Horse is a rare and powerful combination—spirited, independent, passionate, and bold. It comes around only once every 60 years. The last time it appeared was 1966—the year I (Alfons) was born.

Life has a poetic way of circling back.

Thirty years ago, in 1996, a quiet but defining milestone shaped the path ahead. After five years of training several hours a day, seven days a week—yes, every single day—I was awarded my first black belt. Soon after, Uli and I were entrusted with establishing and leading our own groups within the school where we practiced. In the language of martial arts, this was our Ha phase—stepping beyond imitation, beginning to test, refine, and express what had been learned.

Twenty years ago, in 2006, another milestone unfolded. Uli earned her third-degree black belt—the result of years of disciplined practice, teaching, and steady refinement. There was no rush, no chasing of rank. Just commitment, patience, and a deepening understanding of the art. In many ways, this is the essence of long-term practice: allowing skill and character to mature over time.

Then, ten years ago, in 2016, we opened our own school. We didn’t announce it as a grand transition. We simply followed what felt right. Only later did we realize we had entered what is traditionally called the Ri phase—where the practice becomes your own, where the art begins to live through you rather than outside of you.

(If you’re curious about these stages—Shu, Ha, and Ri—you can read more about them here: https://bozemantaichi.com/shu-ha-ri/)

When we look at all of this together—the 60-year cycle of the Fire Horse, 30 years since that first black belt, and 10 years of teaching in our own school—it feels less like a coincidence and more like an invitation.

An invitation to pause. To reflect. And to appreciate what truly matters.

Because beyond milestones and timelines, what stands out most to us is something much simpler—and much more meaningful: the shared journey.

The hours of practice. The quiet progress. The moments of challenge and breakthrough. And above all, the community we continue to build together—week after week. This is what makes the journey come alive.

As we stand in this unique moment, we also feel a deep sense of excitement for what lies ahead. The path of Tai Chi and martial arts is not measured in months or even years—but in decades.

And in that spirit, we are genuinely excited for the next 30 years of our shared martial arts journey—continuing to learn, to grow, and to walk this path together with all of you.

To our students and our community: Thank You.

Thank you for your trust. For your presence. For your dedication to showing up—again and again.

It is a privilege to share this path with you.

With gratitude,
Uli & Alfons