INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHY

Peter developed an interest in health, psychology, and philosophy from his training in traditional Shaolin Kung Fu and Yang style Tai Chi, as well as his experiences in various capacities in Adventure Education. The foundation of traditional martial arts, as well as wilderness experiences, is based on challenge and introspection, which are excellent forums for self-discovery and personal development. The Top Graduating Student in his class (1992), Peter integrated his experiences with Eastern traditions of health and fitness with Western forms of exercise and psychology to create an understanding of the various elements involved in living a healthy and meaningful life, summed up in the Six Whole Life Elements (see below). After completing an M.S. degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Peter developed eight new courses for Fullerton College oriented around the development of mind and body, as well as coaching the martial art club for various competitions, including the UC Berkeley Wushu (Martial Art) Competition. His students regularly won first place in their divisions. His efforts in developing the courses at Fullerton, acting as club advisor, and featuring Fullerton College in various magazines, resulted in his being one of five finalists for "Teacher of the Year," in a district of over 1,000 teachers. Aside from writing for magazines, Peter has written drafts for two books, one on Tai Chi, the other an unusual experiential work integrating fiction with instructional material and worksheets, aimed at helping the reader to incorporate the Six Whole Life Elements into their life. Working on the final revision, the latter book has received excellent reviews from leaders in education and religion, and will hopefully be available in print next year. An overview of the Six Whole Life Elements follows below, with descriptions of their relationship to various physical activities.

THE SIX WHOLE LIFE ELEMENTS

Aside from physical health, I have found that there are six elements that seem to be critical to living a whole life, a life that is meaningful, healthy, and filled with joy. These Six Whole Life Elements begin with VISION Ð understanding and finding meaning in your life. The introspective and meditative elements of traditional Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Wilderness Experiences are valuable tools to develop a Vision for your life. The second element, DISCIPLINE, empowers your vision, providing the strength and determination to carry through difficulties. Practicing a regular physical discipline, such as a sport, martial art, or strength and cardio exercise, has valuable carryover benefits for developing mental discipline, the ability to deal with any difficult challenge, as well as developing good health. The third element is COURAGE, the ability to deal with confrontation, fear, and uncomfortable situations, something necessary to fulfill your Vision when at times doubt, fear, and insecurity overwhelm you. The sparring and performance aspects of martial arts, the competitive elements of various sports, and the challenge involved in wilderness activities, can be valuable forums for learning to deal with fear, anxiety, and to develop courage. COMMUNITY is another essential element, something often overlooked in living a whole life. Zen philosophy considers Community (the Sangha) one of three vital elements for achieving enlightenment. This is also an important part of martial arts, the team aspect of sports, and valuable in developing group dynamics in the wilderness (part of what makes programs like Outward Bound so effective). SPIRIT is an element that tends towards the controversial, but without an understanding of your spiritual views, life tends to be inconsistent and unsatisfying. The Eastern physical arts, including Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Yoga, have long been used as vehicles for developing a personal understanding of the Spirit, as have challenges in the Wilderness. The last element, JOY, can be a primary factor in identifying what is meaningful in life. It is through our activities and recreation that we can find opportunities for Joy in life, which can help to give life meaning. The root of the word "recreation" comes from the Latin "recreare," which means to "re-create."A meaningful form of fitness and recreation can be paramount in "re-creating" your life in positive and powerful ways. Ê I have found that when I consistently follow the Six Whole Life Elements, I live a fuller, healthier, and more meaningful life. These elements are incorporated into my teaching and writing, and is something that I hope will help all of my students to live more powerful and enjoyable lives.