Master Instructor: Tai Chi Qigong
|
Patrick Martin is a Master Tai Chi Instructor and Co-Founder of Jade Dragon Tai Chi International. Patrick began his study in holistic wellness in 1975 with Yang style Tai Chi Master Waysun Liao at the Tai Chi Tao Center in Chicago, Illinois. In conjunction with his tai chi practice he attended a four-year program under the guidance of Sri Goswami Kriyananda at the Temple of Kriya Yoga, also in Chicago. At the Kriya Yoga Temple, Patrick studied and practiced in many disciplines including Eastern and Yogic philosophies, Zen meditation, Hatha Yoga practice and teaching.
His studies at the Temple stirred an even greater passion for Tai Chi. In 1989 he traveled to Mainland China to study and practice the authentic Chen-style Tai Chi with Grand Master Chen ZhengLei, one of the ten most prominent Tai Chi Masters in the world today. After an intensive two-month study, including six hours of form practice per day, six days a week, Patrick was welcomed and recognized through his Tai Chi performance at Chenjiagou (Chen Village), the birthplace of Tai Chi. Patrick continues to study with Grand Master Chen ZhengLei to this day.
In 1990 Patrick moved from Chicago to Flagstaff, Arizona and began teaching the authentic Chen style Tai Chi. In 1992 he was invited to teach through Employee Assistance and Wellness at Northern Arizona University.
Patrick has studied with other prominent Chen Masters, and has participated in numerous workshops with well-respected Tai Chi Masters, including Master George Xu in San Francisco and Master Tsang Xia Xing from China. In July 2006 Patrick participated in the International Forum on Taijiquan in Thunder Bay, Canada, where he performed before a panel of seven Grand Masters from China and around the world.
Patrick's book and first DVD series, Beginning Tai Chi with Patrick Martin, was published in 2001. This six part series can be seen on the Dish Network [channel 9411] as well as Flagstaff cable channels 4 and 59. In addition, Patrick's new video series titled Chen Style Tai Chi Essential 18 Postures can be seen on the Education Channel, cable 99, in Naples, Florida. Patrick continues to present classes and programs through Northern Arizona University, and offers workshops throughout the United States on managing stress through the art Tai Chi.
|
Master Instructor: Internal Martial Arts
|
Since 1978 Michael Wang Hippard has trained extensively in the internal martial arts of Tai Chi, and Xingyiquan. Michael believes that what makes an art "internal", especially a martial art, is a person's ability to develop internal integrity by strengthening and harmonizing one's body through breath and movement. He is the owner of Wu Shan Martial Arts in Flagstaff, Arizona where he teaches Yang style Tai Chi, Qigong and Tai Chi boxing for self defense. Michael holds Black Belt certifications in Kajukenbo, Huk Ju Sool/ Sleeping lion Hapkido and Ving Tsun Kung Fu. His years of training also include the study of Chinese Medicine and Tui Na (Chinese Body Work) through the National Organization of North American Tang Shou Tao.
Michael is also a co-owner of the Acupuncture Wellness Center, also in Flagstaff where he practices as a licensed massage therapist using the integrative approach of Myofascial release, Acupressure, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Reiki and Qigong healing. Cynthia Hull, his partner at the Acupuncture Wellness Center, is a licensed Master of Acupuncture who has been practicing in Flagstaff since 1994. Together they serve their clients by helping them experience wholeness through a balanced mind-body and spirit.
Michael has given presentations on wellness and healing massage at Northern Arizona University and in the broader Flagstaff area. In January of 2010 Michael merged his forces with Jade Dragon Tai Chi International as a Master instructor and Wellness professional. He serves on the Jade Dragon Tai Chi advisory board and teaches classes and workshops in alternative healing arts and internal kung fu.
|
Yoga & Reiki Master
|
Ron Schiera began his quest in the greater understanding of life's deeper mysteries at a very young age. He trained with many masters in several martial art styles which included Kenpo, Aikido and Tai chi. This stimulated a greater hunger in Ron for the study of mastering calm mental self control, and to practice methods to deepen his awareness of life's unlimited potential. The early part of his childhood was shaped and influenced by his father who was a design engineer (one of the design engineers of the first nuclear submarine the Nautilus) as well as a modern day mystic. He helped to sharpen Ron's awareness through a journey of quantum mechanics, astral projection, unseen influences and a study of world religions and ancient philosophies.
Ron began his studies in advanced spiritual disciplines in 1971 under the guidance of Sri Goswami Kriyananda at the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago. He studied with a variety of mystic masters from modern day Yogis and Tibetan sages to some of the utmost spiritual guides and guardians of our Western world. These disciplines covered Eastern mysticism, Zen Buddhism, World Religions and Yoga philosophy. Hatha Yoga was also deeply explored and practiced. As a frequent and regular guest at several martial art schools in the greater Chicago area, Ron conducted workshops and lectures on meditation, Eastern mysticism, Hatha Yoga and metaphysical healing systems. He attended a four-year seminary program at the Temple of Kriya Yoga and in 1983 was ordained a priest, Swami Maha Vedananda, of the ancient Kriya Yoga lineage.
As a perpetual student of life he explored healing modalities conducive to enhancing high levels of vibrant health favorable for a clear mind, spiritual warrior body and luminous spirit. Ron was certified in the Usui Shiki Roho System of Natural Reiki Healing in 1997 and then completed mastership in 1999. Ron currently practices a unique mix of Reiki Healing System with other proven ancient techniques.
In 2009 Ron officially joined forces with Jade Dragon Tai Chi International and serves on the company's advisory board as a professional business consultant and spiritual advisor. He also holds Jade Dragon Tai Chi sponsored healing arts workshops in the Southern California area where he lives. Ron maintains a private Reiki Life Enrichment practice available to a select clientele.
|
