Expertise I am a senior level (black sash) instructor in the American Tao System of
Internal Arts. We study and practice the internal arts of Chen Tai Chi, Hsing-I Chuan, and Baguazhang. I also study and teach Chi Kung (Qigong) and Chin-Na.
I began studying martial arts in 1973. I was 20 years old, a college student, and was inspired by Bruce Lee and the Kung-Fu TV show. My first teacher was Grandmaster Sin The in Lexington, Kentucky. I studied Shaolin with him.
During the 1970's I also studied Taekwondo with Master Randy Chambliss. In the early 80's, I studied Tien Shan Pai Kung-Fu (wushu) with Karen Vaughn in Cincinnati.
I met Sifu Phillip Starr in 1987 when I moved to Omaha, and earned a black sash in his Yiliquan system. He taught me the basics of Hsing-I, Tai Chi and Bagua.
In 1998, I began studying Chen Tai Chi with Jim and Angela Criscimagna. They are indoor disciples of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang. I've also learned from Grandmaster Chen and his brother, Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing, the head of tai chi training in the Chen village, Henan Province. Their ancestor, Chen Wangting, created tai chi about 350 years ago. I have also learned from Mike Sigman and other very good instructors.
I have a website, www.internalfightingarts.com, where I teach all three internal arts online to students around the world. The site is very video intense.
Eastern philosophy, especially Zen and Taoism, are very important to me. I am
developing a means of explaining these philosophies to Americans in plain English so they can apply them to daily life in the 21st Century USA. I call it American Tao. I am 55 years old and enjoy competing in tournaments, often sparring young black belts (and even winning occasionally). I can answer questions about the internal arts, chi kung, tournament competition, philosophy, and keeping fit after the age of 40 or 50.
Experience I've taught tai chi for 11 years and studied much longer. I've learned from some of the world's best. My DVDs are praised by martial artists around the world.
I teach online through my new online school at www.internalfightingarts.com.
I have competed in many tournaments. I won two national titles at the 1990 AAU Kung Fu Nationals.
Q: Is it necessary for everyone in a tai chi class to be performing, do the movements, in unison? Must ... A: In some of my classes, students are working on different things depending on what they need to ...
Q: Ken The conception vessel is numbered from bottom to the top. The microcosmic orbit has it running ... A: I have always done the microcosmic orbit starting at the dan t'ien and moving down, then up the back ...
Q: I am already taking Chen Tai Chi, and while the Tai Chi exercises itself are great (especially the ... A: Diversity is great! I believe in cross-training. I think I would try Pilates first. There's nothing ...
Q: is there any form of breathing techniques or stretches to start the day? i have no idea how to get ... A: It's impossible to study tai chi through books. I guess you found that out. You need a good teacher ...
Q: I've practiced a number of arts over the years, but seem to be sticking with Taichi and Chinese ... A: I'm a believer in cross training. Frankly, it sounds like the tai chi instructors in the area aren't ...
Q: ken.I have three questions,firstly can you give me any information on esoterics in martial ... A: I'm not sure what your first question is asking. If by "esoterics" you mean information known only ...
Q: I am examining the art of Tai Ch'i Chuan to see if it is suitable for me as a martial arts ... A: I'm very sorry for the delay in answering. I wrote an answer a few days ago but there are two steps ...
Q: I want to start learning chi kung but am confused on where to start. I came across the eight pieces ... A: I stopped doing the 8 Pieces of Brocade in my Chi Kung class because it seems more like a stretching ...
Q: .. After an intense yoga session I am very sore. Should I wait until the soreness dissipates in the ... A: It depends upon why you are sore. If it's muscle soreness, it just means that your muscles were ...
Q: Are Tai Chi and Qigong exercises? I want to keep my weight down and do low impact and relaxing ... A: Yes, Tai Chi and qigong are very good exercises. Tai Chi can help build leg strength and balance. ...
Q: Ive been trying to learn this for awhile. Im still new to learning about Chi. But how does ones self ... A: Brian, Just remember that chi isn't real. It has never been proven scientifically to exist. The ...
Q: I practiced tai chi years ago and am just returning (Cheng Men-Ching's short form), but with more of ... A: If you are feeling relaxed, balanced and centered, that's what you want, in my opinion. I take a ...
Q: Gullette According to your expertise, I feel that you might be able to help me in my dilemma. I am ... A: Good questions, but they have answers outside of the internal arts. Being a fitness buff besides an ...
Q: hmm sounds pretty interesting....im not gona rule out what u have told me...but i did see ki at ... A: No human being can stand 4 feet away from another human being and have any impact at all. Unless he ...
Q: ..i read that you have studied qi gong and i have been wondering if you can help me with a problem ... A: I've never heard of this problem. But I have my own theories of what is happening. First of all, ...
Q: Sir: I have been reading about the supposed benefits of QiGong and have written an e-mail to a Dr. ... A: I'm very sorry that the young man you're talking about has cerebral palsey. Qigong is beneficial to ...
Q: Good Day, Ken. I'm a 37 year young man and have taken about a year & a half of Tae Kwon Do and ... A: Did you see this in a video or in person? I know there are some types of chi kung that move, but ...
