Meditation, Qigong & Martial Arts

My love of the martial arts started in college and continued for over 20 years. Through it I was introduced to meditation and the Eastern arts and philosophies, which later supplanted my physical training and provided a foundation for my own independent study of energy and what I call "the inner way."

After a dozen years or so in karate, I began training in the "internal" arts that had been an historical influence on the goju (hard/soft) style of karate I learned. It was through these, especially ba gua and tai chi, that fed my love of the movement of energy.

However, at the same time I was trained in penjat silat and other methods of combat that were better suited to my personality, body type and style of combat. This taught me body distancing and the use angles and spaces for counter-attack.

Of course, it wasn't all about fighting (which was, in its essence, not about how to engage in conflict but rather how to end it quickly and effectively). For throughout it all was the study of energy, both in meditation as well as through various forms of qigong and the movement of subtle energies, the practice of which I continue to this day.

After the first few years in karate (which had regular promotional tests to determine rank, ultimately being awarded a 2nd degree black belt), none of my studies involved rank or the award of "belts" or "sashes." It wasn't very important to me as I evolved in my practice.

However, I must admit that I am proud that many of my classmates who continued on with the goju system did in fact go on to attain high rank (5th degree or more). I must admit a touch of envy that they were able to dedicate themselves to such a single-minded pursuit and were recognized for that dedication and the prowess it brought them.

My calling was elsewhere, however, and I have no regrets that my path separated from them as I developed my own diverse base of training and the perspectives it has brought me on conflict.

I draw upon this background to help people manage the disruptive energies in their lives as they work to know themselves and add their contribution to make our world a better place.

It is an eclectic mix. For those who care about the nitty gritty, here are some of the things I've studied over the years:

  • Goju-ryu/Goju Kai
  • Kuan Shu
  • Pa Kua Chan
  • Tai Ch'i Chuan
  • Penjat Silat
  • Escrima
  • Emei Qigong
  • Taoist Qigong
  • Falun Dafa
  • Core Energenics
  • Reiki
  • Taoist, Buddhist, Zen and other schools of Meditation
  • Self-guided training in Self-Knowing and traveling the Inner Way

Over the years, I have taught karate, spirituality, and meditation, and drawn on the perspectives and practices developed over the years to help people better understand and work with and within the energies at work within them and in their world.