Personal Fitness, Well Being, and Mindfulness Practices of Michael P.
My Fitness, Well Being, and Body-Mind Practices:
Taijiquan Walking Yoga Qigong Gardening
Reading and Contemplation Writing
Professional and Personal Qualifications
History of My Taijiquan, Qigong, Yoga and Fitness Studies
Certificates in Fitness, Yoga, Tai Chi
Guidelines for Integral-Transformative Practices
June 4, 2012
I've always enjoyed sports, athletic training, and mindfulness exercises. I played high school sports (1959-1963), have been very active in strength training (1974-), and have hiked in
the mountains of California and Nevada since 1960. I began my formal studies of Taijiquan and Qigong in 1986, and of Yoga in 2003. I am a firm believer that cross training improves
performance in and enhances appreciation for Taijiquan, Qigong and Yoga.Therefore, I still enjoy many physical fitness activities such as strength training, aerobics, Taijiquan, heavy bag work, qigong, yoga, relaxation practices, weapons practice, hiking, walking, team sports, massage,dance, meditation, free play, push hands, etc. I began my formal studies in Western Philosophy in 1963, and in Chinese and Asian philosophy and religion in 1961. I have been an active gardenersince 1955.
History of My Taijiquan, Qigong, Yoga and Fitness Studies
1986 - 1990
Frank McGouirk
Sensei, Sixth Dan
(Instruction line: Frank McGouirk, Sifu Y.M. Cheng, Qigong Master Luke Chan)
Aikido Ai Dojo, Whittier, California
I was able to thoroughly learn:
Eight Treasures Chi Kung Slow Form
Yang Style Short Form (Peking Version - 24 Movement)
Yang Family Style Long Form (108 Movements)
Da Lu
I was also taught:
Tui Shou and Moving Tui Shou
Ba Gua Circle Walking
Eight Gates Martial Techniques
Push Hands
Aikido (2 months)
Staff Form
Tai Chi Long Sword Form
1987 - 1990
Robert Moore
Sifu, Zen Master Ji Bong Soen Sa
Dr. Moore received Transmission and Authority to Teach
from the noted Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn
Dharma Kai Zen Center Program
(Instruction Line: Dr. York Why Loo and many others.)
Aikido Ai Dojo, Whittier, California
I was able to thoroughly learn:
Eight Treasures Chi Kung Fast Form
Dragon Breathing Chi Kung
6 Harmonies and 8 Methods Long Form, Liou Ho Ba Fa
Dr. Moore learned this form from Master York Why Loo, a Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor
Tai Chi Broad Sword-Saber-Knife Form
Eight Gates Martial Techniques
Chi Kung Massage Techniques
I was also taught:
Five Elements Breathing (Blue Poppy Version)
I Chuan Chi Kung
Tai Chi Ruler
Embrace the One Chi Kung
Tui Shou and Moving Tui Shou
Push Hands
Zen Meditation
1990 - 1991
Tony Ippolito
Sensei, 3rd Dan
Red Dragon Martial Arts Studio
Hacienda Heights, California
I was taught:
Shotokan Karate Kata Forms
Kung Fu techniques
Staff form
Sparring
1992 - 1997
Practicing Taijiquan on my own: both the Yang style and 6 Harmonies and 8 Methods long forms. I attended many martial arts competitions - both hard and soft styles.
(My son, Mick, was a karate black belt student.) I participated in many classes at different dojos/kwoons in Southern California as my very busy and variable professional work schedule permitted.
Philosophical studies and practice in Tibetan Buddhism and Tantric Yoga.
Practicing a variety of Qigong forms on my own at home.
Tarot studies and practice.
Bhakti Yoga - Shri Kalike Devi, Goddess Kali Tantric Yoga: Left Hand Path, Five M's, Mantras, Antinomian Spirit
Hacienda Heights, California
1998 - 2004
Practicing Yang Style Taijiquan andQigongon my own in Red Bluff, California
Yang Style Taijiquan and Qigong classes at Shasta Community College,
Redding, 1998 - 1999
Started Valley Spirit Centerin January, 2000.
Started Valley Spirit Taijiquan Club in January, 2000
Yang Style Taijiquan and Qigong classes at the Red Bluff Community Center and
Ridgeway Park Gym led by Patricia Long, 2000 - 2001
Tai Chi for Arthritis class at Maywood Middle School, Corning, Summer, 2003
Started Cloud Hands: Taijiquan and Qigong Website in January, 2003.
Temple Tai Chi Classes and Qigong, Kevin Weaver, April 2003 - January 2004,
Tehama Family Fitness Center, TFFC, Red Bluff, CA
Weightlifting and Aerobics at TFFC, 2002-
Yoga Classes, Various Instructors, June 2003-
Yoga Classes with Gudrun Peschel-Vopat, 2 or 3 classes per week, October 2003-
Yoga Classes with Sam (Cynthia), Saturday, 11-12:30, March 2004 - September 2004
YogaFit Teacher Training Program, October 2004 -
Five Animal Frolics
24 Form, Standard Simplified, Yang Style Short Form
Yang Family Traditional Style Long 108 Form
Thirteen Treasures Walking Qigong
October 2003 - June 2005
Gudrun Peschel-Vopat
Certified Yoga Instructor
Synergy Yoga Therapist (500 hours)
Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist (500 hours)
Montgomery Creek, California
Tehama Family Fitness Center in Red Bluff, California I attended Mrs. Vopat's Yoga Classes on Tuesday and Thursday Evening,
from 5:30 to 6:45 pm and on Saturdays from 10-11:15 am. Starting In
January, 2005, Mrs. Volpat only teaches in Red Bluff on Tuesday night,
and she stopped teaching in Red Bluff in June, 2005.
She was my primary teacher and influenced me the most.
2005-
Weightlifting and Strength Training at TFFC, 2002 - To Date
Four to five days each week
My main yoga teachers throughout 2005 were Gudrun Peschel-Vopat and
Stuart Rice.
Spin Indoor Cycling Class, 5:30-6 pm, Monday and Wednesday, Tonya
Spin Indoor Cycling Class, Friday, 8:30-9, Tonya
Taijiquan Class, Kevin Weaver, Fridays, 9-10:00 am
Yogalates Class with Lauren, Monday and Wednesday, 6-6:45 pm
Teaching Yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday night and Saturday morning.
Teaching Qigong and Taijiquan class on Saturday morning and in private lessons
Outdoor Walking, 4 days each week
Rope Skipping, 4 days each week
Home practice of Taijiquan, Qigong and Yoga almost daily
Took many classes and studied for the YogaFit Level IV workshop
and 200 RYT Yoga Alliance certification.
Power-Lifting and Strength Training with Jeff Crow from 11/05-1/06. Jeff is a
physical trainer at the Tehama Family Fitness Center. He is a California State
Power lifting Champion. I trained under his direction 3 days a week. As of 1/1/06
my personal bests are: bench press - 265 lbs, squat - 270 lbs, and dead lift - 300 lbs.
2006 - 2008
Taught Tai Chi Chuan classes 3 days a week, and Yoga classes 3 days a week, 1 spin cycling class, and 1 Pilates class at the Tehama Family Fitness Center.
Teaching Yogaand Tai Chi Chuan since October, 2004 in Red Bluff at the Tehama Family Fitness Center; and privately at the Valley Spirit Center.
2009 - 2010
Teaching Yogaand Tai Chi Chuan since October, 2004 in Red Bluff at the Tehama Family Fitness Center; and privately at the Valley Spirit Center.
As of January 19, 2010, I had taught over 650 yoga classes for over 820 hours of direct instruction at the Tehama Family Fitness Center since 2004.
Teaching Tai Chi classes in Yang Style 24 Standard, Yang Style 108 Traditional Long Form, Chen Tai Chi 18 Movement Form, Sun Tai Chi Standard 73 Competition Form,
32 movement standard sword form, and 36 movement Eight Immortals Cane Form.
2010 - 2012
Teaching yoga at the Tehama Family Fitness Center in Red Bluff, California. I taught Yoga every Tuesday night from 5:20 - 6:45 pm., every Thursday night from 5:20 - 6:45 pm, and every Saturday morning from 11:00 - 12:30 am. Starting on June 1, 2012, I now teach Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 5:20-6:40 pm at the Tehama Family Fitness Center.
Recent Workshops I Attended:
2012 June
Enrolled in the Yoga Teacher Training Program, Align with the Divine, taught by Dr. Paula Barros, D.C. E-RYT, at the Clear Creek Healing and Yoga Center in Butte Valley, California. This formal course of yoga studies and practices will lead to my improved knowledge and yoga teaching skills, a solid grounding in Iyengar and Anusara methods, a stronger personal practice, improved fitness and recovery for myself, and earning the Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher certificate, 200 RYT. I am also doing private yoga therapy with Dr. Barros. I will finish this RYT200 Yoga Teaching Training program by June of 2013.
2012 April
Group Fitness Exercise Certification
AFAA Aerobic and Fitness Association of America
Sacramento, California
AFAA Instructor:
2012 March
Oakland, California
Certification Training in the SilverSneaker� Exercise Program for Older Adults
Certified in SilverSneaker� Strength and Range of Motion
Certified in SilverSneaker� Cardio Circuit
Instructor:
Oakland, California
2012 January
CPR & AED Training
Mrs. Boone, CUESD Nurse
Eight Winds Druid Festival
June 24-27, 2010
Mt. Linn, Washington
Taoist Retreat
Led by Michael Rinaldini
Sebastopol, California
May 7-9, 2010
Insight Meditation I
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Woodacre, California
March 20-21, 2010
2007-2012
CPR Certification
American Heart Association
or Red Cross Certification
St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Cone Center, Red Bluff, CA
September, 2006 - Yuba City, California
Personal Fitness Trainer Certification
AFAA : Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
September 22-24, 3 Day Workshop
I passed the written examination and the practical test and am
now a AFAA certified Personal Fitness Trainer.
July, 2006 - Reed College, Portland, Oregon
Yang 103 Long Form Training Workshop
Led by Master Yang Jun and Dave Barrett
July 28-30, 3 Day Workshop
June, 2006 - Santa Cruz Mountains, La Honda, California
2006 Intensive Summer Training Camp, 6/13-6/18
Qigong, Liu He Ba Fa and Chen Style Taijiquan, Push Hands, Theory
Master George Xu and Master Yun Yen Sen
6 day Workshop
Master George Xu, Mike Garofalo, and Master Yun Yen Sen
Tai Chi Camp Group Photo, La Honda California, June 2006
April, 2006 - Pleasant Hill, California
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor's Training Workshop, Level 2
Led by Troyce Thome.
2 Day Level 2 Instructor's Workshop, 4/1-4/2.
March, 2006 - Sacramento, California
YogaFit Training Systems - Level 3 Reintegration Teacher Training Workshop
Instructor: Master Teacher Stuart Rice
2 Day Instructor's Workshop for Level 3, 3/18-3/19.
This was my final YogaFit class for my 200 hour certificate.
January, 2006 - Sacramento, California
YogaFit Training Systems - Level 2 Teacher Training Workshop
Instructor: Master Teacher Stuart Rice
2 Day Instructor's Workshop for Level 2, 1/7-1/8.
December, 2005 - Sacramento, California
YogaFit Training Systems - Level 1 Teacher Training Workshop
Instructor: Master Teacher Stuart Rice
3 Day Instructor's Workshop for Level 1, 12/9-12/11.
November, 2005 - Roseville, California
Practical Pilates Workshop
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
Instructor: Carlos Requejo, AFAA Master Instructor
November 13, 2005, 9-6 pm
August, 2005 - Hood River, Oregon
YogaFit Training Systems - Level 4 Teacher Training Workshop
YogaFit Conference
Instructor: Master Teachers and Beth Shaw
4 Day Instructor's Workshop for Level 4, 8/18-8/21, 9-5.
August, 2005 - Sacramento, California
YogaFit Strength, 8/12, Teacher Training Workshop
Senior YogaFit, 8/13, Teacher Training Workshop
Instructor: Master Teacher Rose Zahnn
June 2005 - Dunsmuir, California
Anusara Yoga Workshop
Instructor: Desiree Rumbaugh
June 25 and June 26 at Divine Yoga Studio in Dunsmuir, 9-5pm
June, 2005 - Woodland, California
Indoor Cycling Workshop
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
Instructor: Timmi Lemen, AFAA Master Instructor
June 12, 2005, 9-5 pm
May, 2005 - Sacramento, California
Yoga Butt, YogaFit, May 13, Teacher Training Workshop
Yoga Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Yoga Fit, May 15, Teacher Training Workshop
Instructor: Master Teacher Rose Zahnn
April, 2005 - Sacramento, California
YogaFit Training Systems - Level 2 Teacher Training Workshop
Instructor: Master Teacher Stuart Rice
3 Day Instructor's Workshop for Level 2, 4/11-4/13.
2005 March - Sacramento, California
YogaFit Training Systems - Level 3 Teacher Training Workshop
Instructor: Master Teacher Stuart Rice
3 Day Instructor's Workshop for Level 3, 3/11-3/13.
2004 October - Sacramento, California
YogaFit Training Systems - Level 1 Teacher Training Workshop
Instructor: Master Teacher Rose Zahnn
3 Day Instructor's Workshop for Level 1, 10/8-10/10.
2004 March - Nevada City, California
The Expanding Light - Ananda Yoga Center Instructor: Brooke Dunwoody
Ananda Yoga Weekend Retreat- 2 Days
Ananda Yoga, Energization Exercises, Meditation, Sadhana
2003 October - Monterey, California
Paul Lam, M.D., T'ai Chi Ch'uan Master
Tai Chi for Diabetes - 2 Day Instructor's Workshop
I received a Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor's Certificate
2003 October - Chico, California
North Valley Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Circles Workshop - 2 Days
Circles in the Yang Form, Silk Reeling Qigong, and Bagua Circle Walking
2003 July - Arcata, California
Sifu Elaine Waters
Push Hands and Tai Chi Body Mechanics Workshop - 2 Days
Resume Michael P. Garofalo
Professional Employment:
Administrator, Manager, Librarian, Teacher, Philosopher, Author, Webmaster
In 1998, I retired as a Library Administrator for the County of Los Angeles Public Library, after a 30 year career in public library service in Los Angeles County. I was a leader in the introduction of new audio-visual media, library automation, and management information systems for one of the largest public library systems in the United States. I was the Regional
Administrator for 17 busy libraries in the East San Gabriel Valley.
From 1999-2003, I was the District Librarian, Library Media Teacher, for the Corning Union Elementary School District.
In September, 2003, I began part-time work as the Technology and Media Services Supervisor for the Corning Union Elementary School District. I manage 5 school libraries and 2 computer labs, act as a webmaster, and research, write and manage grants.
I have a current Substitute Teacher Credential in the State of California (3/1999-3/2011) and have worked as a substitute teacher in Tehama County, grades K-12, since 1999.
Employement History on Complete Resume of Michael P. Garofalo
Teaching Qigong and Taijiquan since January, 2000 in Red Bluff, California
Teaching Yogaand Tai Chi Chuan since October, 2004 in Red Bluff at the Tehama Family Fitness Center; and privately at the Valley Spirit Center.
Education and Academic Degrees:
Honors Diploma, Cantwell Catholic High School, Montebello, California, 1963, 3.8 GPA
Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, California State University at Los Angeles, 1963-1967
Honors at Entrance Certificate
Master of Science, Library Science, University of Southern California, 1967-1968, 3.5 GPA
Full-tuition scholarship award from USC
Graduate Studies, 28 Units, Philosophy, California State University at Los Angeles, 1974-1977
Graduate Student of the Year Award, 1976
Graduate Studies, 32 Units, Education, California State University at Chico, 1999-2003, 3.8 GPA
Education History on Complete Resume of Michael P. Garofalo
Certificates:
Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, 3/99 - 3/2013
I renew this teaching credential each year in March
Certified by the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Personal Fitness Trainer
Certified by Aerobics and Fitness Association of American, 9/23/06-9/22/08
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor's Certificate, 4/2/06
Certified by Troyce Thome for Paul Lam, M.D.
YogaFit Level 4 Instructror Training Workshop, 8/20/2005
YogaFit Conference, Hood River, Oregon
Certification from YogaFit Training Systems, California
YogaFit Level 3 Instructor Training Workshop, 4/2005
YogaFit Level 3 Instructor Training, Reintegration Training, 3/2006
Certification from YogaFit Training Systems, California
YogaFit Level 2 Instructor, 4/17/05
YogaFit Level 2 Instructor, Reintegration Training, 1/2006
Certified by YogaFit Training Systems, California
YogaFit Level 1 Instructor, 12/2004
YogaFit Level 1 Instructor, Reintegration Training, 12/2005
Certified by YogaFit Training Systems, California
YogaFit Specialty Workshops
Yoga Core/Butt, Certificate on 5/13/05
PreNatal and Post Partum Yoga, Certificate on 5/15/05
YogaFit for Seniors, Certificate on 8/13/05
Yoga Strength, Certificate on 8/12/05
Indoor Cycling Workshop Certificate, 6/12/05
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
Practical Pilates Certificate, 11/13/05
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
CPR and AED, Healthcare Provider, BLS, 9/02 -1/2009
Certified by the American Heart Association
Community First Aid and Safety, 9/99 - 7/2007.
Certified by the American Red Cross
Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor's Certificate, 10/2003
Certified by Paul Lam, M.D., Australia
Certificates on Complete Resume of Michael P. Garofalo
Memberships:
Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
California Yoga Teachers Association
American Association of Retired Persons
Memberships on Complete Resume of Michael P. Garofalo
Community Services and Volunteer Efforts:
Tehama County Commission on Aging, June 2005-
School Board Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the GerberUnion Elementary School District,
Red Bluff, Tehama County, California, from January 2000 until November 2004.
Literary Festival Committeemember, Tehama County, California, 1999-2003.
Web Publisher, Green Way Research, 1993-
String FiguresPerformer at schools, libraries, and community events from 1985-
Substitute Teacher, Tehama County Schools, K-12, 1999-
Adult Literacy Tutor, Tehama County Public Library, 1998-2000.
Valley Friends of the Libraries, San Gabriel Valley, California, 1992-1997.
Hacienda Heights Public Library, Friends of the Library, 1983-1998.
United States Air Force, Staff Sergeant, 1969-1973.
Community Services and Volunteer Efforts on the Complete Resume of Michael P. Garofalo
My Internal Martial Arts Practices:
Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Traditional Yang Family Long Form, 108 Movements
Standard 24 Tajiquan Form, Beijing Version, in the Yang Taiji Style
Chen Style Taijiquan, 18 Movement Short Form, by Grandmaster Cheng Zhenglei
Sun Style Taijiquan, Standard International Competition Form, 73 Movements
I began my studies and practice of Taijiquan and Qigong in 1986.
I am the publisher of the extensive Cloud Hands Tai Chi Chuan Website
My Publications: