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 40 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, Mickey Rourke, Ralph Macchio and many others.

In 1983, Mark 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 videos/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 daughter and in his leisure time is a pilot and amateur astronomer. For any additional information, please feel free to contact him.