Mary Christianson has practiced Taoist Internal Arts for more than 40 years.

“You are not learning this for yourself; you are learning to teach other people.”

 My first teacher, B.P. Chan, repeated this statement many times during my ten years as his student. As we progressed through Qi Gong and Tai Chi practices, he taught not only the movements and principles, he explained how to approach, reach, and teach students with different backgrounds, interests, and levels of ability. Now, 30 years later, his legacy is inside all my interactions with my students. We share the joy of practice and improved health as we work together.

In Bruce Frantzis, I found a teacher with a unique ability to translate Chinese concepts in an understandable way and at a deep level. A lifetime practitioner of the martial arts, his study culminated in China with Taoist sage, Liu Hung Chieh. Teaching fundamental practices and formalizing them into a step-by-step curriculum, Franztis addressed the principles and techniques that make the Internal Arts really work for health and self-defense. I studied Wu Style Tai Chi, Bagua Zhang, and Qi Gong with him for ten years, serving as his assistant for five years during a period of intensive study.

Being from Minnesota, I was pleased to find T.T. Liang there, and brought my father to meet and study with him in the 1980’s. Master Liang told me, “You will have many teachers.” He was right. I learned so much practicing with my friends in New York City – Susan Rabinowitz, Jan Lang, and M. Cooper. I was introduced by them to Cheng Ping Zhen who taught me meditation and Qi Gong specifically for developing the energies of Wu Style Tai Chi. During my decade in California, I met a diverse group of martial artists and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and for a time studied Naginata with Miyako Tanaka Sensei.

Over the years, the Internal Arts have been my refuge, my source of peace and perseverance. Consistent practice does bring improved health, focus, and a calmer spirit. In these troubled times, I have seen students arrive at class in a state of agitation and upset, but then release that stress and begin to relax, finally leaving class in an even, calm state. Then, from class to class, I see them become stronger, healthier, more flexible, and resilient.

I invite you to share what I’ve learned and experience the joy of practicing the Internal Arts and the health and peace they offer.

— Mary Christianson

Mary teaches the components that make the arts really work, offering specific feedback and individually tailored instruction.

• First person certified to teach the Wu Style Tai Chi Long Form by Lineage Master Bruce Frantzis who learned from Taoist Sage Liu Hung Chieh in Beijing

• Teaching assistant of Master Frantzis, 1989-94, has studied Tai Chi, Qigong, Bagua Zhang, and Meditation with him since the mid-1980’s

• Studied with Master B.P. Chan in NYC for 10 years

More

• Taught Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation in New York City, Berkeley, at the Center for International Medicine and the Aikido Institute both in Oakland, California, and at Brookline Tai Chi in Brookline, Massachusetts

• Teaches people of all ages and abilities from beginning to advanced

• Developed meditation and Qigong programs for young people on the Autism Spectrum and those with ADHD and other neurological differences

Other education

• B.A. in visual arts from Bennington College

• Studied Chinese language at Hunter College, NYC and Taiwan National Normal University

It can be hard to find a good instructor of the Chinese Internal Arts, so anyone lucky enough to learn from my old friend Mary Christianson should understand that they have hit the trifecta.

Mary has studied and trained with Bruce Kumar Frantzis and the late B. P. Chan, two of the best modern masters. She has diligently practiced these arts for over 35 years. Her deep understanding is the result of her thoughtful study and personal effort.

Mary is an accomplished and seasoned teacher ready to impart her training and wisdom to those willing to learn from her. She can readily manifest the Internal Arts in ways that are easily learned and understood. Mary has great skill in explaining how to advance and refine your practice in clear terms.

Eric Peters, Energy Arts Senior Instructor, Martha’s Vineyard, MA