The Purpose of Circle of Life T’ai Chi Academy is to create a safe space in which the principles of T’ai Chi and Qigong can be learned and applied in a relaxed and stress free atmosphere in the company of family and friends ~ a place where the ancient ways of training are combined with a more familiar “western” approach to physical conditioning.
The Academy teaches an adult oriented curriculum, although classes are open to highly motivated young adults. Students may select from a variety of classes and create a balanced approach to learning and training that best suits their individual needs, goals, and aspirations.
Please note: All classes (except 2) are currently taught in a private, one and one setting. Please call for details and to make an appointment (480-229-8180)
The Academy has been in operation since 1997.
Nick Garboushian, Owner/Director
Gerard “Nick” Garboushian is the Owner and Head Instructor of the Academy. He has been involved as a serious student of various Eastern arts since 1976. He began teaching in 1982 while still living in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, Nick has continued to pursue his studies of those arts, and started concentrating particularly on the principles of T’ai Chi Chuan and Qigong. Some of his teachers include Taoist Master Share K. Lew, Master Lin Zhong Wei, and Master Peter Hill. For the past 20+ years Nick has focused on learning and applying ancient Taoist Qigong practices, Chinese Shamanism, and “Enlightened” 5 element theories from his main teacher and mentor, Joel Seigneur. Nick is also a personal trainer and sports nutritionist, and holds a degree in Asian Bodywork.
Steve Swauger, Assistant Instructor
Steve Swauger has pursued an interest in Eastern philosophy and practices for over 30 years. In 2000, he walked in for a class, and found his passion. Since then, he and his wife, Joline and son Zack, have studied under Nick. Steve began with group and private T`ai Chi Chuan and Qigong classes, but then expanded his study to include Kenpo Karate, achieving his black belt in 2009. He currently holds an advanced teacher-certification in Healing Emphasis Yoga (HEY).