ToddsZen Teaching, Classes & Workshops
Most of the classes I teach all relate to 40-plus years of martial arts practice and teaching, especially Zen, TaiChi, Qigong, Judo, Wing Chun, Aikido and more… Mostly Zen Wellness, Meditation, TaiChi and Qigong as these are best used by all people and help create a balanced body mind and spirit, improve energy, mental well being, balance, strength and more. Each class has slight variations and specific focus. Here are the many classes I have taught privately over the years:
TaiChi and Qigong Essentials
Foundational and simplified principles in TaiChi and Qigong combining forms, movements, meditations and discussions. We focus here on the essential and invigorating TaiChi classics, basics, as well as intermediate and advanced techniques according to each class. Great for beginners or advanced students and for all ages.
What’s the difference: Learn or practice TaiChi or Qigong. Energizing AND relaxing.
TaiChi Flow
Flowing taichi movements with guided relaxation that both soften and strengthen the body. This class focuses on more flowing TaiChi movements connecting the body and mind through guided motion and stillness. Great for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
What’s the difference: Flowing class, plus instructional on TaiChi and Qigong. Relaxed but mild energy.
Qigong Healing Movements
A beautiful set of delicate Qigong movements and breath work to help ease, soften and heal the body, mind and spirit. The focus on this class will be relaxation and healing, bringing attention to healing energy through graceful Qigong (energy skill) and stillness practices. All ages, all levels.
What’s the difference: Gentle flowing Qigong around calming and healing practice.
QiYoga
A hybrid taichi, qigong, and martial art flow class combining forms, stretches, poses, breath work, instructionals, and meditation. This will be a flowing series combined with instructionals. All ages, all levels.
What’s the difference: Specific set of flowing movements, holds, breathing, and mediations. Mostly mild energy, some light relaxation.
TaiChi & Qigong Energy Flow
Putting relaxation into motion with beautiful flowing movements and relaxation techniques. This blends TaiChi and Qigong into flowing patterns of meditation in motion, with beautiful relaxing meditative pauses. All ages, all levels.
What’s the difference: Blending a flow of TaiChi and Qigong to build mild energy, light relaxation at the end.
Zen Yoga
A hybrid variation of essential taichi and qigong movements, combined with deep stretches, breath work, relaxing meditations and mind work. These classes will all be themed—working Zen psychology and philosophy into motion and stillness. All ages, all levels.
What’s the difference: Specific set of flowing movements, holds, breathing, and mediations. Mostly mild energy, some light relaxation. Added talks and Zen philosophy.
Zen Flow & Balance
Merging qigong and taichi essential movements with meditation and instructional talks to enhance balance of mind body and spirit. Zen philosophy, motion, and stillness combined to create inner and outer balance. All ages, all levels.
What’s the difference: Blending a flow of TaiChi and Qigong to build mild energy, light relaxation at end. Focus on balance—mind and body.
Practical Self Defense
Learn simple and basic self defense that apply to every day life, for all ages. This class includes talks, instructional, basic techniques and exercises, and some martial art techniques. Simple, basic, and practical. It will help with confidence, and preparedness for common every day self-defense. Basic level, all ages.
What’s the difference: Simple, practical self defense.
Judo Spirit
The most important aspect of Judo is the “gentle way.” The way the mind and body flow together to create not just self defense and martial abilities, but to enhance the body, mind and spirit. Based on principles in Judo, Aikido, TaiChi and more—This class breaks down some very simple and effective movements, exercises, and meditations that provide some basic martial art ability, build energy and strength, improve mental wellbeing, balance, and greater confidence. Much like TaiChi, Judo-No-Kata, are very slow moving forms. We practice these as well as some mediation, and some martial arts techniques. All ages and abilities.
What’s the difference: More movement, martial art instructions, some slow flow, meditation.
Zen Wellness
Foundational and simplified principles in Zen, martial arts and Self mastery
Foundational and simplified principles in Zen, martial arts and Self mastery through Taichi, chi gong, judo, Kung Fu, and meditation. Optimal health and vitality is my focus. Applying holistic wellness and martial arts principles, movements, flexibility, breathing, and meditation to enhance daily life.
Through beautiful, soothing, healing and energizing movements and meditation matched with mind altering zen philosophy and teaching I gently guide people to wellness and enlightenment.
Expect basic tai chi and chi gong exercises, judo and Kung fu-based flowing movements, calming meditations, energy work and inspiring life changing discussions.
We gently work on the body and mind through movements and breathing techniques and aim to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and attain more overall happiness! Relax, unwind, and leave feeling lighter, happier, and healthier :)
What I teach:
Tai Chi & Qigong: Experience the flowing movements of Tai Chi to improve flexibility, strength, balance, health and harmony
Judo: Learn the inner wisdom of this gentle and powerful practice
Kung Fu principles: Combining movement, stillness, and practical philosophy
Meditation: Learn many powerful techniques to quiet your mind, reduce anxiety, and achieve inner peace
Wellness essentials: Gain practical insights into nutrition, self-care, and holistic health practices
Begin your wellness journey here.
Zen Basics: Living Zen Through Movement
A Path to Presence. Strength. Wisdom.
Zen is not a technique—it’s a way of living. It is the art of being fully present, of waking up to life, of finding clarity in the midst of change. For over 40 years, I’ve walked this path—training, teaching, learning, applying Zen through martial arts, movement, and mindful living.
In this class, we explore Zen in motion—through the flowing movements of Tai Chi, the healing breath of Qigong, and the grounded strength of Judo. These are not simply exercises—they are living expressions of timeless principles:
Presence — learning to be fully here, in each breath and step
Balance — cultivating harmony of body, mind, and spirit
Strength — finding power through softness, discipline through ease
Awareness — seeing the deeper patterns of life
Letting Go — releasing fear, tension, and resistance
Together, we will practice movement and breath as meditation, uncovering simple, profound insights for everyday life—beautiful tips to inspire your health, your spirit, and your path.
This is more than a class—it is a living invitation to awaken. To connect with your body. To awaken your mind. To nurture your best life.
Step into peace. Step into your best life. Step into your Zen.
Qigong Basics — Gentle Healing for Mind, Body & Spirit
Awaken your breath. Awaken your body. Awaken yourself.
Qigong is a timeless art of gentle movement, mindful breath, and healing energy. For centuries it has been a way to nurture health, clarity, and harmony—connecting body, mind, and spirit in a simple, natural flow.
In this class, we begin with the basics—soft, graceful movements designed to restore vitality, deepen breath, and open awareness. Together, we explore:
Healing movement — gentle flows that awaken energy and nourish the body
Breathwork — breathing techniques to calm the mind and strengthen life force
Mindfulness — guiding you into presence and stillness
Foundational principles — the wisdom of Qigong and its connection to living fully
Beyond movement, this class offers gentle talks and simple teachings—timeless insights to inspire your life. You’ll learn techniques to carry beyond the mat: ways to invite more peace, balance, and vitality into every day.
Qigong is more than exercise—it’s a practice of listening to your body, honoring your spirit, and unfolding the best version of yourself.
Join me and discover the beauty of stillness in motion.
Tai Chi Basics — A Gentle Introduction to an Ancient Art
Step softly. Move deeply. Awaken your life.
Tai Chi is more than a martial art—it is a living practice of balance, harmony, and presence. Rooted in centuries of wisdom, it blends gentle movement with deep philosophy to support health, vitality, and inner peace.
This beginner-friendly class is an introduction to the art of Tai Chi, offering:
Gentle, flowing movements that strengthen, restore, and awaken the body
Mindful breathwork to calm the mind and center the spirit
Foundational principles of Tai Chi for health and vitality
Meditation in motion — cultivating awareness with every step
Together, we’ll explore simple, life-enhancing movements paired with gentle guidance and philosophy—tools that can transform not just your body, but your way of living. You’ll leave feeling lighter, more centered, and refreshed—ready to carry the peace and vitality of Tai Chi into your everyday life.
Come and take your first step into this beautiful, ancient art.
Self Defense Basics — Practical, Gentle, and Empowering
Strength without violence. Confidence without fear. Mastery without harm.
Self-defense is not just a skill—it is a way of seeing and moving through the world. For over 40 years, I’ve studied and practiced the martial arts—not to teach aggression, but to teach presence, awareness, and mastery.
This class blends the deep principles of Judo’s “gentle way” with the mindful, nurturing wisdom of Tai Chi. You’ll discover that true self-defense begins before the fight even begins—with awareness, calm, and the choice to avoid conflict.
In this practical, beginner-friendly class you will learn:
Simple, effective physical techniques for safe protection
Mental strategies to recognize danger and avoid confrontation
Philosophical principles of self-mastery and mindful presence
Practical awareness skills to protect yourself and others
Confidence-building exercises suited for all ages
This is self-defense with depth—a practice of body, mind, and spirit. You will walk away with practical skills and a grounded confidence rooted in decades of martial arts wisdom.
Learn to protect without fighting, to stand without fear, and to live with strength and peace.