Francisco E. Alvarez, President and Senior Instructor at Tai Chi Center of Fresno

On this episode of Fresno’s Best, Jordan Mattox sits down with Tai Chi instructor Francisco E. Alvarez to explore the discipline, philosophy, and lineage behind one of Fresno’s longstanding martial arts communities.

Inspired as a child by Bruce Lee’s appearance in The Green Hornet, Francisco began training in different martial arts, building a foundation of discipline that eventually led him toward the internal arts. In 1995, he began formal study at the Tai Chi Center of Fresno, later apprenticing and becoming an instructor. Today, he serves as President of the nonprofit and senior instructor, teaching the 37-movement Yang-style form of Professor Cheng Man-ch’ing with a commitment to preserving its integrity and lineage.

In this conversation, Jordan and Francisco discuss the difference between external and internal martial arts, the philosophy embedded within Tai Chi practice, and how traditional forms continue to shape modern lives here in Fresno. This episode is about patience, mastery, community, and the quiet power of long-term discipline.

Tai Chi Fresno Website

Books Recommended: 

Tao Te Ching Lao Tzu

T'ai Chi The Supreme Ultimate Excercise for Health, Sport and Self-Defense Cheng Man-ch'ing