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development of any artistic creation begins as a path.
This path is formed by experiences and influences throughout
life that may result in a unique expression- a synthesis
of those influences. This artistic expression represented
may result in visual, intellectual, musical, or movement
creations. To be unique, requires time, patience and
continued refinement. Influence through mentorship and
teaching is paramount to most truly artistic ventures.
The master or teacher takes his gifts and the culmination
of his teachings/knowledge and creates an artistic expression
that is unique and personal. Hopefully it is also relevant
to continue the growth and understanding of the original
discipline. In dance, and other movement arts, the synthesis
and refinement that is created over generations yields
subtle and other times drastic changes from the original
art form. The idea that must be respected is the continued
evolutionary process that makes up that given art form.
Integrated QiGong is one such synthesis.
I began my journey early in childhood intrigued by all
things from the East. I remember finding myself attracted
to the Asian art, calligraphy and antiques that my grandparents
had in their home. My grandfather was raised in Honolulu
and was an ardent traveler. During those travels they
had picked up many artifacts from the Orient.
When I was 8, I convinced my parents
to allow me to begin martial arts class with a Japanese
sensei in a local Judo dojo. I remember the stiff cotton
gee and the smell of the new fibers that chaffed and
rubbed loudly with each step. The discipline and regimental
nature was somewhat unfamiliar and at the same time
beneficial for the nurturing of mental focus. That early
exposure and glimpse into another reference point was
pivotal in my pursuit of the Asian arts and understanding
of their traditions.
The introduction of the concept of
Qi and the center of breath and balance of the lower
qi center. was the most notable influence from that
time. As a westerner, we are not taught to breathe with
any awareness or for that matter use the breath and
its influence to manage our mood, energy or health.
In the QiGong practice one learns to use the breath
to bring awareness and energy to different parts of
the body. We learn to cultivate, move, and store energy
through proper posture, breath, and focused conceptualization
of energy movement.
In my twenties I embarked on a several
year odyssey to the Orient. This began some of my formal
training in Chinese language, medicine and the important
relationship of the teacher and apprentice. During the
years in Asia, I cultivated the most important relationships
with the teachers who influenced the formation of Integrated
QiGong.
Integrated QiGong is a result of the
years spent uniting eastern and western concepts of
health and longevity. Over the 30 years of trainings
in QiGong, Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Xing Yi, Chinese medicine
and the various trainings in western movement practices
has culminated in the creation of a unique form of body
alignment, energizing and awareness.
Many teachers have gracefully given
me guidance and wisdom to allow this synthesis from
many systems to form Integrated QiGong. I am grateful
for the patience and perseverance that was shown to
me during my quest to learn from those who had the fortitude
to learn from others.
I invite you to learn this system
and discover the hidden gems within the focused practice
of posture, breath and energetic awareness.
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