John Gage

I was first introduced to the incredible world of Taiji and Qigong by my Sufi and mentor, Kenny Greene, whom I met during the 1996 Leadership of Columbia Program. At the time, I was looking for a way to reduce my blood pressure and unplug from a demanding career. Little did I know these practices would prove to be the gateway to a journey of personal growth and health.

Over the years, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to study various forms under Kenny Greene, Arthur Du, and, most recently, Dan Miller. Russ Hardesty’s Transitional Leadership class of 2010 provided me with an incredible challenge to teach, which has allowed me to build upon the knowledge I’ve gained in these past decades and share it with others. With many qualified Taiji instructors already in the area, I decided to focus my attention on teaching Qigong classes for Columbia Parks and Rec.

This decision has been incredibly rewarding—not only have I been able to share with others the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of these martial arts, but they have continued to improve my own health, wellbeing, and connection to our vibrant community in Columbia, Missouri. For over a decade, I have been teaching Qigong classes at the Armory every Tuesday morning, helping people grow. I enjoy being able to use my martial arts knowledge to inspire joy and serenity in others, while simultaneously improving their overall health.