Jonathan first began his practice of Tai Chi in 1988. After studying Shotokan Karate for several years in college, he followed a yearning for a softer, more gentle and internal approach to martial arts. After completing a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Delaware and before going into U.S. Naval Service, he learned the Yang Style Long Form from his teacher, Alan Tillotson near Jonathan's family home in Delaware. After 6 years in the Navy, working in Nuclear Reactor Operations and practicing his Tai Chi while on the aircraft carrier, George Washington (CVN-73), Jonathan remained in the Virginia Beach area where he was able to focus on his practice.  There he learned the Cheng Man-ch'ing style short form and practiced for ten years under the Benjamin Jeng Pang Lo (1927-2018) lineage at the Tidewater Tai Chi Center. Ben Lo was Professor Cheng-Man-Ching’s principle disciple in Taiwan and immigrated to New York City at the request of, and to help Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing introduce Tai Chi to the West. In the late 90's, Jonathan’s understanding of the art was deeply enriched during workshops by Master Lo on the East Coast when he would travel from his home in San Francisco.