Ian Sinclair.
ORILLIA, ONTARIO, CANADA (and worldwide)
ORILLIA, ONTARIO, CANADA (and worldwide)
I have learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to be expected only from the strong.
Leo Rosten
What I teach
Therapeutic exercises, biomechanics, advanced martial arts, practical self defence, relaxation, meditation, strength, balance, flexibility…Who is it for
Teens and adults of all ages. Beginners, novice and elite athletes, martial artists of all styles, anyone who wants to fell good and cultivate mind and body.What is my background?
Over the past fifty years, I have studied several styles of Tai chi, qigong / neigong, meditation, internal and external martial arts, and self defence. I have been teaching since the 1980's and have taught actors, musicians, diplomats, soldiers, clergy, seniors, teens, and some children. A third of my students have been black belts from other martial arts. I've also worked with amateur and elite athletes from a wide variety of sports.I am a kid with more than 4 decades of experience teaching tai chi, qigong, and martial arts. I am the worst student of some of the greatest teachers of the past century. This has allowed me to develop a unique pedagogy that appeals to students of all demographics, from all over the world.
“The world is hard. We could try to make it easier by covering it with leather and padding, or we could wear shoes.”
Buddhist proverb
What is unique about my method?
I use a modern approach based on first principles. I use modern language without the ancient confusion-ism. If you don’t understand the words I use, I will try different words.I teach many styles. But most importantly, I teach tools and principles, so you can develop your own style. I do not require you to do it my way.
Martial Art or Healing Exercise?
Myth: Martial arts are the practice of violence.Fact: Martial arts are the practice of peace and tranquility.
A martial art is to violence what the practice of medicine is to illness. The ultimate goal of all martial arts is tranquility. Balance is a verb.
Martial Art vs Martial Sport:
The goal of a martial sport is to win by defeating a single opponent in a fair and regulated contest that has a clear beginning and a definite ending.The goal of a martial art is to mitigate loss. The enemy is undefined, and unlimited. There is no beginning and no well defined ending. Strengthening your own position can often mean empowering the opponent. Victory is defined by peace, balance, security, adaptability, etc. The goal is a state of being called “No Enemy.” This is not the same as an absence of opposition.
At this school, martial arts training begins with learning to condition, refine, and improve the mind, body, and spirit. We start by learning to find internal peace and harmony within ourselves. The result is a stronger body and a calmer mind. We cultivate physical and emotional adaptability, flexibility, and endurance.
When a student learns to avoid internal conflict, they will be better at avoiding external conflict.
Health:
Physical activity is one of the most important factors in maintaining health, fitness, and longevity. Exercises like tai chi can be modified to suit your ability and energy level. It can provide an intense workout for an olympic athlete or an elite soldier. It can also be adapted for rehabilitation and modified for the elderly or infirm.The tai chi I teach aims to move the body in the most efficient and responsive way possible, improving proprioception and coordination, and reducing the risks of injury.
Qigong and Neigong use breath, visualization, movement, postures, and stretching to exercise the body and mind.
