I was born in Canada in 1953 and, at 20, had the incredible opportunity to travel and explore the world, eventually settling in Western Australia in 1974. Now an Australian citizen, I began a rewarding career in horticulture in 1975, earning a BSc in Botany from the University of WA. Over the years, I’ve focused on the unique and diverse West Australian flora, completing a Doctorate in Horticultural Science at Murdoch University in 2005. My research centers on plant selection and propagation, with applications in commercial horticulture and the nursery industry. I am currently a part-time Adjunct Associate Professor at Curtin University in Perth working with a R&D team focusing on propagating plants for re-vegetation projects.

An active lifestyle has always been important to me, and my fitness journey led to a deep interest in Circlework.training as a way to balance body and mind. My passion now lies in teaching High Performance Aging, an innovative approach to resilience training for the nervous system and somatic body.

High Performance Aging emphasizes slow, deliberate movements, using balance as a foundation. It integrates strength and conditioning with Yoga and Qi Gong, enhancing proprioception, interoception, and mindfulness in movement and breath. This practice fosters resilience, vitality, and a profound sense of well-being.

Through Circlework.training, I aim to empower others to embrace High Performance Aging, promoting a life enriched with movement, health, and personal growth. My vision is to inspire holistic wellness and vitality for individuals of all ages.

For the past 13 years, I have been teaching bodywork with instructor qualifications in Subtle Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan, various Qi Gong forms, and strength and conditioning. I am a Registered Personal Trainer with AUSactive (formerly Fitness Australia) and have worked extensively in the fitness industry, teaching Qi Gong and yoga in studios. Currently, I train at the Morley Noranda Recreation Club.

I study yoga with two exceptional teachers: Kristine Weber at Subtle Yoga, who has taught me the value of cultivating nervous system resilience for mental health, and Denise Rouleau at Denise Yoga Co., whose approach emphasizes safe, inclusive movement through myofascial activation and organization. I hold a 200-hour Yoga Instructor Training certification from Sharon Neish at Yoga Flow Teacher Training.

My introduction to meditation, yoga asana, and pranayama began in the early 1970s with the Transcendental Mediation community under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. I have also studied Vajrayana Buddhism with Chim Shore, resident teacher at the Origins Centre, where I’ve co-led and taught over 24 weekend workshops since 2015. Since 2021, I have been teaching Somatic Yoga and Somatic Qi Gong at Restful Waters Wellness Centre.

My martial arts journey includes both external and internal disciplines. I practiced Hsing I Chuan with Roy Jenzen throughout the 1980s and 1990s, which enriched my understanding of movement and body awareness.

I met Master Sam Chin in 2000 and discovered a love and deep interest in Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan (ZXD/ILC).

My current teacher, Shane O'Donnell, with whom I study marital arts, lives in Queensland. The simplicity, practicality and health benefits of this art are very appealing to me and have formed the basis of my practice since then.

In 2016 I was awarded a gold medal for Seniors Push Hands at the 2016 Australian Kung Fu Championships and have several awards for Tai Chi forms as well.

My passion has always revolved around mastering the fundamentals of training, emphasizing safety, functionality, and a future-oriented approach. I firmly believe that regardless of the specific training modality, we all share a common anatomy, allowing us to adopt safe movement patterns and habits. What intrigues me the most is how these practices extend beyond the training mat and into our everyday lives. By engaging in this process, we not only enhance our personal health but also contribute positively to the well-being of our families and communities.

If you desire to improve your fitness and strength while prioritizing safety and long-term health, I would be thrilled to have a discussion about how you can achieve your fitness goals. Together, we can explore strategies to support your well-being and maintain optimal health throughout your lifetime

I am very fortunate to have teamed up the Morley/Noranda Recreation Club and offer weekly classes there, see Events.

If you would like to contact me you can email me at chris@circlework.training or you can message me on my FB site https://www.facebook.com/circlework.training/, please like and follow. I look forward to hearing from you.