Aaron Hoopes

Aaron Hoopes is a native of Vermont and the founder of Zen Yoga. He has studied the martial arts, Eastern philosophy, ancient history and alternative medicine in the United States, Australia, and Japan for over twenty-eight years. He has a degree in Asian History and Japanese Culture from Tulane University and spent a number of years in Japan studying under the chief instructor at the headquarters of the Japan Karate Association. He holds a third degree black belt in Japanese Shotokan Karate and is a certified instructor and one of the Hoitsugan Instructors. He is also certified as an instructor of Shanti Yoga and Meditation as well as Tamashii Tai Chi. He has trained for many years in Qigong Energy Healing and studied Zen Shiatsu in Japan. In addition, he has extensive knowledge of Hatha and Iyengar Yoga, White Crane Qigong, Tong Long Kung-Fu (Praying Mantis style), Southern Fist Kung-Fu, XingYiQuan, Wing Chun Kung-Fu, Okinawan Karate, Shorinji Kenpo, and Zen Meditation. He is also a student of nature shamanism and maintains a deep connection with the Earth.

Aaron has released seven books, as well as a DVD and a CD.  He has presented hundreds of workshops around the world including at the Sakai Shibu in Japan, the Shanti Yoga Meditation Institute of Australia, the Safety and Health Council of Northern New England, the American Massage Therapist Association, Yale University, Dartmouth College, and the University of Vermont.  Aaron’s travel schedule has eased with the opening of the Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center in the green mountains of Vermont. He spends his days working on his Zen Gardens, studying plant spirit medicine, training Zen Sword and teaching Zen Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong.  Aaron is available for demonstrations, seminars, workshops and personal training. Private sessions and Zen-Body Therapy are also available by appointment at the Ledge End Retreat & Wellness Center.  Go to http://www.artofzenyoga.com/ to learn more, and to wanderingsagewisdom.blogspot.com to read Aaron’s blog.