A man called Zen

I am called Zen, my wife is Lady Zen, our yacht is called s/v Zen. Why? well that is a bit complex the short version is this. I am a disciple of the Shaolin Temple Kung Fu linage. Shaolin is the birth place of Ch’an Buddhism which is a mix of Taoist & Buddhist Philosophy. “Ch’an is called Zen in Japanese”. Kung fu is more than a fighting style is it way of life, a philosophy, and outlook, which I live.

I am a 36th generation Northern Shaolin Temple Sifu, from the Grandmaster Wong Jac Man lineage. I am also 9th generation Tai Chi Mantis Instructor from Grandmaster Chi Chuk Kai lineage. The first “Nubian Heritage” Tai Chi Mantis Sifu on record. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the USA Chuk Kai Tai Chi mantis Federation.

I am certified to teach Northern Shaolin, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Kali/Arnis, Praying Mantis ( 7 star and Tai Chi Mantis).

Further certified in Feng Shui ( Master Sang & Master Yu), Reflexology, Jin Shin Do (accupressure), & ASA sailing.

Other studies have included, TM, Yoga, Zen, herbology, Kyudo.

All of this does not really mean much in the scope of the world, or the big picture of life…other than I’m really weird for a “black” kid that grew up mostly in West Philly that turned Hippie…

… the Zen handle fits doesn’t 🙂

s/v Zen : My first yacht was named Kuan Yin, she is the goddess of mercy and compassion. Often seen riding on a sea dragon. She was a person in Chinese mythology who once enlighten instead of passing-on to the next level stayed behind to help others reach enlightenment. I figured on my first boat I needed all the mercy and compassion I could get. The next boat I have learned alot, but I am still learning. I am onthe path of enlightenment, but I need more practice or (Zazen) meditation to reach full enlightenment. In a sense enlightenment ( Nirvana ) is being able to sail to Japan. This ship, method, path (Zen) will take me there to Nirvana.

This is my new blog site for 2007. I started out on Blogger and still have the sailing site there. This one is more of a combo site:

Kung Fu, Music, Blasian life, Zen, Japan, Photography, whatever musing.

The sailing stuff will remain Zensekai II

Maybe a book one day…”From Philly to Japan a Nubian Odyssey” At the least my kids and grandkids will know what their crazy parent – grandparent is/was up to.

I’m liking the features here on WordPress. I’ve meet some interesting folks on Blogger, perhaps there will come over here plus some new ones. I’m still setting things up here so it is in birth mode.

I live in the Beautiful S.F. Bay area!! I sail an Iroquois Catamaran. I am a Graphic Designer, Musician, Artist, Healer, Tai Chi/Kung Fu teacher, Potter/Ceramic, Herbalist, Photographer. I guess you can see I have a lot of interests, but really all just expressions of the same. I like to travel and have friends from many places. I speak some, Spanish, Chinese, & Japanese I plan to sail to Japan one day with my made in Japan wife. I am currently outfitting myself and my boat s/v Zen II to make the trip. That will be our big adventure! This blog will track our adventures and what not up to and including our relocation.

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I am a terrible speller ( I forget there is a spell check ) and sometimes… ok most times edit poorly and redo that later. Life is short so deal with it. Feel free to add your 2 yen worth, so I do not feel I’m just typing to the void. It gives me warm fuzzies to get comments. Live long and prosper…

” Knowing others is wisdom; Knowing the self is enlightenment.
Mastering others reqires force; Mastering the self needs strength”

…Lao Tsu

“Give peace a chance”

… John Lennon

“We are the world”