About Todd and ToddsZen Classes

Todd helps people become their best selves—physically, mentally, and spiritually—through a unique blend of martial arts, movement, and mindfulness. With decades of experience in traditions like T’ai Chi, Judo, Kung Fu, and Qigong, Todd brings a warm, personal approach to each class. His goal is simple: to share what he’s learned over a lifetime of training in a way that’s practical, powerful, and easy for anyone to start—no matter their background or ability.

Todd teaches a unique, personalized approach to martial arts that blends the deep internal principles of T’ai Chi and Qigong with the grounded, practical foundations of Judo. His focus is on simplicity, effectiveness, and making the practice approachable—and even fun—for everyone, no matter their age or experience level. Drawing from over 40 years of training and 20+ years of teaching, Todd is a certified Wing Chun instructor, black belt in Judo and Kung Fu, and a lifelong student of various styles of T’ai Chi, Zen meditation, and Taoist energy, philosophy, and wellness work. His classes are deeply rooted in tradition, yet adapted to meet each individual where they are—offering a powerful path to balance, strength, and personal well-being.

About My Martial Arts & Wellness Journey

I’ve been walking this path for over 40 years—training, teaching, learning, falling down, getting back up, and discovering what it really means to live in alignment with body, mind, and spirit. What started at age 8 on a judo mat became a lifelong pursuit of excellence, healing, and personal growth.

Back then, it was about competition. Today, it’s about transformation—mine and yours.

Along the way, I’ve trained in multiple martial arts, spiritual traditions, and wellness disciplines. I don’t see them as separate paths—I see them as one integrated journey toward living better, stronger, and more awake.

A Snapshot of My Background

  • Judo – My foundation. Black belt. State champion. Junior Olympic winner.

  • Kung Fu – Earned black belt; trained in multiple traditional Chinese systems.

  • Wing Chun – Certified Wing Chun instructor; focused on practical efficiency, structure, and relaxed power.

  • Chen-style T’ai Chi – Ongoing study under Grandmaster Yang; centered on internal strength, balance, and authentic lineage.

  • Qigong – Taoist energy cultivation for vitality, clarity, and healing.

  • Meditation & Zen – Certified meditation teacher; trained at the Providence Zen Center under Zen Master Seung Sahn, the San Francisco Zen Center, and others.

  • Spiritual Integration – Years of study in Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity. I was raised Catholic and have spent many years as a practicing Christian—my teaching reflects this wide, respectful view of faith and practice.

What I Teach

I don’t teach one-size-fits-all classes. I tailor each session to the individual, drawing from decades of experience to meet people where they are—physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Here’s what I bring to the table:

  • Martial Arts Fundamentals: Judo, Kung Fu, Wing Chun, T’ai Chi

  • Mind-Body Practice: Qigong, breathwork, internal energy development

  • Meditation & Mindfulness: Practical tools for focus, calm, and clarity

  • Functional Movement: Exercises for healing, strength, and daily vitality

  • Spiritual Grounding: Interfaith wisdom to support inner growth and resilience

Where I Teach

I work with individuals and groups in a wide range of settings, including:

  • Schools

  • Churches

  • Retirement communities

  • Wellness centers

  • Businesses

  • Private homes and training groups

Whether it’s a group of elders looking for balance and energy, or a company seeking mindfulness tools for stress, I tailor the experience to what’s needed.

Why I Teach

Because this path changed my life—and I believe it can help change yours, too.

I’ve taught for over 20 years because there’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone take that first step toward healing, strength, or clarity. My mission is to help people become their personal best—whatever that looks like to them.

Whether you're looking to move better, feel stronger, breathe deeper, or just find a little peace in a noisy world, I’m here to help guide you—step by step, breath by breath.

For more information, please visit https://www.toddszen.com

Close-up of a man with short dark hair, blue eyes, and light skin, looking into the camera with the setting sun illuminating his face, outdoors with greenery and a garden in the background.
Two men competing in a judo match on a yellow and red mat, one in a white gi and the other in a blue gi, with the man in white executing a throw.
Man in Blue outfitPracticing Tai Chi
Person's hand striking a wooden striking pad mounted on a vertical wooden post.
Person standing on rocks by a lake at sunset, facing the water with arms outstretched.
Two individuals practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a mat, with one person executing a grappling move on the other.
Two men practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a black mat, one in a white gi and the other in a dark gi, engaged in a grappling position.
Two martial artists wearing traditional white gis and black belts practicing judo on mats in a dojo, with an audience and officials observing in the background.