We had the good fortune of connecting with John Loera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I associate risk with regret. Burn the Boats. That’s how it was for me. I left the security of a management job I’d had for 28 years because the fear of failing was nothing compared to having to live with the regret of not investing in myself and the brand I wanted to create. In January 2020 I opened Legacy Tai Chi Martial Arts to the public. Today I’m proud to say that it was worth every personal and professional challenge I’ve had to face. I’m finally doing what I love to do which is teaching my brand of martial arts. I focus on teaching relevant and useful Tai Chi principles that help practitioners align their physical and mental energies. Tai Chi Chuan translates to Ultimate Supreme Fist. My method involves cultivating a strong and healthy mind and body connection as a way of developing practical self-defense skills. As the Chinese Proverb goes “it’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I teach 1:1 sessions all week. I also create the content for my social media. I’ve conducted seminars in the U.S. and in Mexico. I’ve also conducted self defense and team building seminars for the Yuma Airport Authority and organizations such as the Arizona Children’s Association and the American Business Women’s Association to name a few.

The other thing that keeps me busy is the time I invest in my own training which is several hours a day every day no matter the circumstances. This level of preparation enables me to give my absolute best each and every time I teach and present.

I’m most proud of myself for never giving up on my vision of teaching people the deeper knowledge of Tai Chi. I set out to prove in myself that no disease can live in me as long as my Chi/ Energy is at it’s optimum every day and I proved it to myself. It took practicing Tai Chi daily and other forms of exercise like running as well as just being out in nature. A balanced view is also required regarding training and knowing when the body needs to recover to function at it’s optimum. There is no magic pill, just work and a lot of it every day.

The biggest obstacle I’ve had in this journey has been me. I was the thing getting in the way of making my vision a reality. Once I realized this everything changed. The more clarity I got about what I wanted and how I wanted to live my life the more I realized what I did not want. It seems basic but we accept many things in our lives that are actually hindrances to us. It was a long process but every challenge and lesson has contributed to making this moment possible and for that I am very grateful.

What I’d like the world to know about me and my brand is do what needs to be done and don’t waste a moment on doubt. Get all the skills you need to be the best version of you you can be. Align all of your energies towards self-

improvement and hold yourself to the highest standard because mediocrity has no place in a life well lived.

Thank you for reading my story and I hope you all live your best lives possible.
For more content and videos Please visit and follow me on Instagram @Legacytaichi

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I was born in Northern California so I’ve always had a love for the ocean so we’d start the day with a morning session of Tai Chi at Sunset Cliffs. There’s always an energizing vibe there. Then we’d head over to The Mission – Mission Beach Breakfast Restaurant for a delicious breakfast. Afterwards we’d walk around Ocean Beach and check out all the cool spots there like People’s Organic Food Market. Then we’d have lunch at Rockin Baja Lobster Coastal Cantina for the amazing tacos. We’d end the day with a Tai Chi session at Sunset Cliffs. I currently live in Yuma, Arizona but travel to San Diego often because my son lives there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“It is a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation.” – Roberto Benigni. I am grateful for my wife, children and loved ones for their loving kindness.

I am grateful for my teachers Allen Abad and James Ibrao for sharing their vast knowledge of martial arts and leadership with me.

I am grateful for all of my past and present students. They help keep my skills sharp.

I am grateful for all the amazing people I’ve had privilege of meeting on my journey.

I am thankful for Shoutout SoCal for showcasing a multitude of world changers. Much success to all of you!

Books
Blessed and Unstoppable by Dr. Billy Alsbrooks
Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend
The Time Keeper and Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Relentless by Tim Grover

Instagram: @legacytaichi

Youtube: Legacy Tai Chi

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.