With steady practice devoted practitioners can look forward to:

• Radiant physical health to core levels including: An increase in Bone density, Muscle tone & strength, Connective tissue elasticity, and a deep nourishing cleans of the Internal Organs and their associated meridians or energetic pathways.
• Integration of body and mind: A happy, joyous, and serene mind and body are the basis for creative expression, the full enjoyment of life, and for entering deeper levels of being through meditation practice.
• Heightened spiritual, and energetic awareness: The hallmarks of one who has become fully aware of the relationship they share with the earth, and all life throughout the cosmos.
• Significantly enhanced virility.

Michael began the study of the martial arts at the age of fourteen however, it wasn't until the early 1990's that he would become the understudy of a Taoist Kung fu and Qi Gong master that he considers to have most influenced his martial art career. He began an apprenticeship under the Ven. Rev. Taoist Priest, Grandmaster Carl Totton in the Spring of 1991 which continues to the present day. "Grandmaster Totton made an indelible impression upon my life. He was as a wise and loving father outside of class, but during Kung fu training he was tough as steal, and pushed us beyond our limited views of strength and endurance. In doing so he inspired us to overcome limitations in our thinking and being.

He prized healing above violence and spent ample time in teaching his students the healing arts. It is no understatement that I owe him my life.  I was often sick prior to training under him due to my shallow  understanding of how to cultivate balance in my life.  As I see it he saved me from death by a small self (an ego driven lifestyle) by stretching my vision so that I could witness the deeper mystery's of life, the universe, and my place within it." 

Following a 3 month sabbatical in the Far East, Michael returned to the US and began his career in the martial arts community as a Taoist healer, Qi Gong, and Kung fu instructor.

Michael currently lives in Sedona where he works as a Taoist healer, and Tui Na (chinese massage) therapist.  He is an eighteen year student of Qi Gong, Kung fu, Tai Chi Chuan, and traditional Chinese medicine.  He teaches a traditional martial art, and Qi Gong curriculum consisting of the Five-Family Five-Animal styles of Kung fu, Kenpo Karate, and both Taoist and Buddhist Qi Gong systems. He  teaches private and group lessons in Sedona, and the Verde Valley.

Michael is passionate about service to humanity and the Earth.  He  reminds students that the human body arises from the elements found throughout creation and that all human beings are hard-wired to connect with the Heaven and Earth energy that permeates all of  nature.  He believes that a passion for healing the planet must first begin by addressing the imbalances in one's own life. His teaching philosophy supports the basic concept that where there is a greater amount of energy there is a greater capacity for life.

He is fond of the simple but wise advice of Grandmaster Share K. Lew, "First help yourself, then help the people."

Michael's personal philosophy reflects the same strait forward principles that, "Only after one has cultivated the balance of a strong body, a clear and present mind, and a willing spirit, are they fully empowered to accomplish their life's most cherished purpose what ever that may be."

The Learning Environment:

Michael's approach to teaching is supportive, patient and evenly paced.  Students will receive an education rather than simple instruction. Regular hand outs will reinforce the lessons taught during class and will facilitate a deeper understanding of the yoga for serious students.  Classes will run one hour and fifteen minutes in length. For those wishing to participate in the extended group meditation please allow for an additional 30 minutes.   

New students

New students will be accepted on the first Monday of each month so that they can receive full attention during their introductory class.

An informal interview is required of all new students for a health screening assessment. There is no cost for the consultation, and it will provide new students with an opportunity to ask questions prior to beginning Qi Gong practice. Please schedule your consultation with Michael by calling 424.298.0357. You may also email him at TaoistSanctuary@gmail.com For scheduling purposes please schedule an appointment three days prior to the start of a new class.

Class Schedule:

The class will meet on Monday evenings at 6:30 and end at 7:45 from Spring through Autumn with a half hour of extended meditation practice following each class for those who wish to participate.  Class will meet at 5:30 p.m. starting in Winter and continue through to the following Spring.

What to bring:

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing

Bring a light sweater or vest as all classes are held outdoors to maximize the benefits of the practice though contact with nature.

A yoga mat, and blanket will be useful for the seated and laying down portions of the class.

A bottle of water

Class Fee:

Classes are $75.00 per month for one day per week.

Private Instruction:

Private lessons are available at the rate of $50 per hour and include five minutes of Tui Na massage to facilitate relaxation for Qi Gong students. Private lessons in Qi Gong are available six days per week Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Healing and Tui Na:

Tui Na is the ancient form of Chinese massage that seeks to integrate  bone health, a balance of yin and yang energies within the internal organs, develop supple skeletal muscles, and encourage an increase in the elasticity and strength of connective tissue. Sessions are billed at the rate of $65 per hour however; a sliding scale is used for those who are in need of treatment, and cannot afford the standard rate. 

*Those who cannot afford treatment will receive treatment at no cost following a health consultation with Michael.