Mark explaining the more profound aspects of Tai Chi to his daughter, Sita
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There are only a handful of Westerners with Mark Johnson's training
in so many Chinese disciplines. In addition to Tai Chi instruction, Mark
specializes in Qigong (which is self healing through movement), Feng Shui
(which is the study of the energies of an area), the I Ching (which is
China's ancient classic on how things change) and Chinese calligraphy. Mark
has integrated these disciplines in creative ways for over 30 years .
He started his Chinese studies in 1970 when he joined the I Ching scholar,
Khigh Dhiegh at the Taoist Sanctuary in Los Angeles. During his 4 year stay
at the Sanctuary, he studied the I Ching, Taoism, Yang style Tai Chi Chuan
and the Chinese language.
In 1974 Mark relocated to Taiwan to study acupuncture. While in residence
there, he studied with several highly respected Taoist Masters. After a
year in Taiwan, Mark moved to Malibu, CA where he continued his Taoist
training for 8 more years. During that time, he learned 3 Taoist styles of
Qigong Tai Chi and the 8 Treasures. He also studied advanced I Ching, Feng
Shui, Calligraphy and enhanced his natural healing abilities.
In 1982, Mark taught Tai Chi to Francis Ford Coppola and the cast and crew
of the movie "The Outsiders". While with them, his Qigong healing abilities
were recognized so he was asked to return to do healing for the cast and
crew of "Rumble Fish". Mark's students included Tom Cruise, Nicolas Cage,
Patrick Swayze Ralph Macchio and many others.
Mark instructing some of the cast and crew
from the movie, "The Outsiders"
Since 1983, Mark has founded Integral Tao Centers in New Mexico, New York,
and California where he now resides. He has been teaching throughout North
America for nearly 25 years in a variety of formats: private sessions,
on-going community classes, weekend and week long seminars and workshops.
He is a certified Tai Chi tournament judge and has officiated nearly 50
tournaments in the past 12 years. He has produced three video/DVDs: Tai Chi for
Healing,Tai Chi for Women and Tai Chi for Seniors which is the highest
selling Tai Chi video/DVD in the country. (500,000 so far!)
He is one of the founders of the National Qigong Association and presently
teaches and heals in Marin County and the San Francisco bay area. He is the
proud father of Sita, his 11 year old daughter and in his leisure time is
a pilot and amateur astronomer.
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