Summary: In this episode, Doug Beitz talks with Jeff Patterson, a seasoned practitioner and teacher of meditative and martial arts, and the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts and Portland Tai Chi Academy. Jeff shares his journey from Western boxing to embracing Tai Chi and meditation, the genesis of his Yielding Warrior online program, and the profound impact these practices have had on his life and the lives of his students.
Key Points Discussed:
Jeff's Early Journey:
Jeff started with Western boxing, driven by the intensity and challenge of the sport.
Trained at the only boxing gym in the Portland Metro area during the late 80s and early 90s.
Gained the mentorship of a renowned boxing coach who influenced his path significantly.
Turning Point:
Jeff's coach advised him to practice Tai Chi and meditation to improve his boxing.
Initially skeptical, Jeff embraced these practices and discovered their transformative power.
Impact and Benefits of Meditative Arts:
Tai Chi and meditation helped Jeff develop awareness, mindset, and sensitivity.
These practices are now widely recognized for their benefits in various professional sports.
Integration of Meditative and Martial Arts:
Jeff practiced various martial arts including boxing, kickboxing, and Kempo before integrating Tai Chi into his routine.
The combination of internal and external martial arts enhances overall physical and mental capabilities.
Yielding Concept in Martial Arts:
Jeff explains the concept of yielding in martial arts, which involves strategically redirecting energy rather than opposing it with force.
Emphasizes the importance of yielding in combat, athletics, and life.
Jeff's Work and Contributions:
Published two books and developed the Yielding Warrior online program to reach and impact more lives.
Offers a free PDF download of his book "The Yielding Warrior" on his website.
Memorable Quotes:
"If you really want to get good at boxing, you should start doing Tai Chi and meditation." - Jeff's boxing coach
"Meditation and Tai Chi elevate awareness, mindset, and sensitivity, which are crucial in any sport or combat art." - Jeff Patterson
"Yielding is about strategically learning how to redirect energy to achieve your goals with the least amount of force." - Jeff Patterson
Guest Bio: Jeff Patterson is the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts and Portland Tai Chi Academy, with over 36 years of experience in meditative and martial arts. He has authored two books, produced hundreds of instructional videos, and developed the Yielding Warrior online program. Jeff has dedicated his life to teaching and sharing the transformative power of these ancient practices.
Call to Action: Listeners can download Jeff's free PDF book "The Yielding Warrior" by visiting his website. Don't miss this opportunity to dive deeper into the concepts of Tai Chi, meditation, and yielding principles.
https://www.theyieldingwarrior.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TaichiYielding
https://www.instagram.com/theyieldingwarrior/
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