Jesse Lee Parker founded Tao Yoga Kamakura in order to make the ancient Taoist Yogic Arts more accessible to people of all nationalities in and around Tokyo and Kamakura.

Taoist Yoga is a traditional Yogic practice from China that traces its history back to 500 BC.  In ancient times, this art was termed ‘Yang Sheng’ or the ‘Art of Nourishing Life’.  This art has also been called ‘Dao Yin’.  In contemporary times, this healing art has been termed ‘Taoist Yoga’ or ‘Tao Yoga’ for short.  Taoist Yoga is the ancient art that has influenced the development of the modern practice of ‘Qigong’.

The practice of Tao Yoga is a Holistic Life Science which stresses self healing, and cultivation of the Life Force Energy or Chi.  It uses dynamic stretches, static postures, breath training, meditation, visualization, positive thinking and dietary therapy in its practice.

Jesse has spent the majority of his life searching out masters of the Taoist tradition and the Internal Arts. This study and exploration has spanned more than 20 years, and taken him to many exotic locations such as Hawaii, Japan, Taiwan and remote areas of mainland China. He has a vast knowledge, insight and understanding of the Taoist Yogic Arts that he brings to his lessons, classes and workshops.

Jesse began his study in 1985, at his fathers studio ‘Third Coast Center for the Healing Arts’.  This center was a pioneer in America, gathering many different modalities of healing and mind/body arts under one roof.  During a four year period,  he was exposed to and studied healing arts such as ‘Tibetan Golden Palm’, Tai Chi, Taoist Yoga, Taoist Longevity Breath Training, and Internal Martial Arts.

Jesse went on to continue his study and training under masters from California, Hawaii, Japan, Taiwan and recently completed a long term training in the mountains of Mainland China.

During this journey, Jesse has had the good fortune to study with many contemporary Tao Masters and lineage holders.  He has received certification, permission to teach, as well as received a 20th Generation Lineage name in the Dragon Gate Sect of Taoism.  He is also certified as a Tui-Na Therapist and Energy Healer from the Traditional Taoist Therapy Association of Taiwan.

Traditionally the Tao Yoga Arts were held in secret, and taught to only a select few inner door students. Jesse believes that the Tao Yoga arts are a great treasure for all of humankind and wishes to share them in an open and free manner – there is no need for secrets anymore. By sharing freely and openly, these arts may evolve and grow into even greater vehicles through the efforts and exploration by the next generation of practitioners.

Jesse personally has experienced the healing power of the Tao Yoga practice; in October of 2005, Jesse was hit by a car and suffered multiple fractures and compression of his spine, a crushed knee joint, a broken leg, and multiple other small injuries. Due to the serious nature of the accident, it was not known if Jesse would be able to recover any athletic ability, or be able to have full use of his body; he was confined to a wheelchair. Using the practice of Tao Yoga Mediation and Breath Practice, he recovered quickly and fully, and 6 months after the accident was teaching Tao Yoga again. In the words of his attending doctor,  “You are a walking miracle. You have recovered faster than anyone I have witnessed in my more than 35 years as a doctor and surgeon.”

Jesse wishes for more people to be able to share in this powerful healing practice. It is his firm belief that with the spread of the Tao Yoga arts, humankind may gain a better understanding of their relationship with nature, uncover their true self, and gain a higher consciousness; all of which may help lead to harmony and peace on earth. It is his sincere dream that there may be harmony, balance and peace on earth.

Jesse’s purpose for teaching and sharing the Tao Yoga arts is to assist the student in gaining self transformation, self healing, and awakening to their true life purpose.

Currently, Jesse is teaching ongoing classes, private lessons and monthly workshops at – Tao Yoga Kamakura – and also offering annual Tao Yoga retreats in beautiful Thailand.

For more information about Jesse Lee Parker and Tao Yoga, please see www.TaoYoga.jp