My Knowledge & Experience
I’ve been involved in bodywork and movement education since I was a younster. This is my life’s passion.
My Story
Tai Chi
It all started at age 14 when I attended my first Tai Chi class. The class was mostly middle age and elderly students. I was definably the youngest one there by far, yet as soon as I arrived, I knew I was in the right place. Unlike a typical studio space, we met outdoors in the redwoods. The teacher, Sam, pointed out that practicing outdoors amongst the trees is ten times better than practicing in a stale environment inside, because the “qi” was richer. I quickly noticed these older folks weren’t your typical seniors. Demonstrating extreme strength and tenaciousness, during the push hands (a form of grappling) portion of the class; yet at the same time these folks strove for sensitivity and a soft, light-handed touch. I later learned this was because they were applying the ancient Daoist philosophy as presented by Lao Zi in the book the “Daode Jing”, showing there was great power and endurance in softness when the body structure is well coordinated.
I was sold and deeply in love. My martial arts studies, which took me to Taiwan at age 16, continues to this day and has led me to peruse other Asian health arts such as qi gong and Chinese yoga
Chinese Medicine
At age 21 I was going to college in Arizona. After a couple years of dabbling in various studies I found that I couldn’t find what I was looking for in conventional schooling at that point in my life. After some thought I decided to move back to California to enroll for a traditional apprentice in Chinese medicine at the Center for Traditional Health Arts, in Petaluma, CA. I had met the instructor Sean Fannin and his father Bill, once years before after learning about them from my high school math and science teacher who had begun the same apprentice I was pursuing. At the time it was a father and son duo. His father Bill Fannin had been a lawyer and had a way of talking with people. His demeanor was very welcoming and pleasant. He asked me basic questions about my health interwoven with small talk about the weather and my interests. Once he finished, he left the room, and his son Sean came in to check the pulses and look at my tongue. At the time he was still learning under his father. A few days later I received my Chinese herbs in the mail with a nice letter describing my situation from the perspective of Chinese medicine, and the formula they chose for me. This left a great impression on me. After following the heard to University I decided to take the road less traveled and learn Chinees medicine the traditional way—one on one.
During this six year apprenticeship I learned the intricacies of Chinese medical theory and philosophy, pulse and tongue reading and assessment, the actions of Chinese herbals and how to combine them into custom formulas for clients, medical qi gong and how to understand and translate the classical Chinese into English.
Structural Integration
In addition to my Chinese medicine studies, became certified in Structural Integration through the Zen Therapy Institute in 2003. During which time I was taught the 10 series of Ida Rolf. This learning continues in the form of private lessons with my bodywork and martial arts teacher Bernard Langan in Oakland, CA, and is a primary modality of bodywork I offer in my practice, today.
“Nothing in the world is softer than water.
But, for attacking the hard, there is nothing like it!”
Qualifications & Certifications
2007 Certified for Chinese Massage (Tui Na) by the Center of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Beijing, China
2003 Certified as a Zen Bodytherapy Practitioner by the International Zentherapy Institute. San Francisco, CA
2003 Certified as an Acupressure Practitioner by Berkeley Acupressure Institute.
Berkeley, CA
2002-Present Training Chinese internal martial arts at Inmotion Center. Albany, CA
2001-2007 Traditional Chinese medicine apprenticeship. Petaluma, CA
1994-1997 Tai Chi at Redwood Coast Tai Chi Association—age of 15. Mendocino, CA
Experience
2018 - Present Full Range Bodywork private practice. Fort Bragg & Caspar, CA
2010 - 2013 Began seeing private clients—in/out calls. El Cerrito, CA
2006 - 2008 Worked at Massage Envy. Cotati, CA
2004 - 2006 Worked at Oasis Spa. Calistoga, CA
I work from a diverse background of education and experience, creating a multi-path approach that allows for a wide range of techniques. Drawing from Chinese medical theory, Structural and Functional bodywork modalities, Chinese medicine, qi gong, yoga and internal martial arts of Asia I blend the cutting-edge knowledge of western science with ancient healing arts. Coordinating these practices into an integrated system. Such a foundation allows me to work with my clients individually in a unique way that is best suited to their needs.
Kurt BakerRestore your body to its natural state of balance
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