Hello
Below is some information about me and how I've come to a point where I want to teach these varied (and slightly obscure) practices.
It's quite long (sorry!) so if you'd like to know about me but don't want to read a lengthy bio (and I wouldn't blame you), then in short, these practices have truly been a lifelong passion for me and my desire to teach them comes from an altruistic desire to raise human consciousness and wellbeing.
A lofty ambition I know, however, better to aim high but miss than merely aiming at something low.
My Story
I have been interested in Eastern Philosophy and martial arts since a young age. I began practising Tae Kwon Do aged 14 and at around the same time, I first read a copy of the 'Tao Te Ching' and found a book on Qigong at my uncle's house. I was able to 'feel the energy' described in the book, which made a big impression on me at a relatively young age and sparked a life-long interest in Eastern Philosophy and Spirituality.
In 2003, I began practicing the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira and in 2007, I began learning the Chinese health practice of Qigong, studying for 3 years in Cardiff in the 'Li Family' system. At the same time, I trained in Bi-Aura Therapy and shortly afterwards, in the Zdenko Domancic Method of Bioenergy Therapy and Theta Healing. I completed Reiki levels 1 & 2 in 2012, and I have worked as a complimentary therapist in the UK and in Goa, India.
In 2014, I moved to Tokyo, where I began to diligently practice Tai Chi Chuan in the Cheng Ming System of Wang Shu Jin, under the instruction of Master Hidemine Jibiki. I was very fortunate to receive first-rate instruction in Tai Chi Chuan, Qigong (Zhan Zhuang), 'push hands' and Hsing Yi Chuan from Master Jibiki himself, alongside a variety of teachers at the head branch of the AJSSMAF in Tokyo. I was also very fortunate to receive instruction in Tai Chi Sword, Hsing Yi Chuan and Qigong (Zhan Zhuang) from Hiroko Nakamura (President of the AJSSMAF), as well as instruction in Tai Chi Chuan and Hsing Yi Chuan from Grandmaster Wang Fu Lai, and instruction in Tai Chi Sword from Huang Su Chun.
In 2018, I completed an MA Philosophy and Religion - Eastern and Western Thought, deepening my knowledge of both Eastern and Western schools of philosophical thought. In summer 2023, I spent 3 weeks completing a Pranayama Teacher Training course in Rishikesh, India, receiving 1:2:1 instruction in Pranayama from an authentic Himalayan Yogi, and Yogasana alignment instruction from a qualified Iyengar Instuctor.
After many years of study, research and practice, it is my desire to share what I have learnt to benefit others, at a time when there is arguably more need than ever.
I sincerely hope that you will come and learn these wonderful practices.