Gentle Martial Art That Brings Awesome Benefits!

Is there any martial art that is not too aggressive but rather gentle and relaxing for people of any age can learn to improve their health condition? 

There are many martial arts that people practice to train themselves such as Karate, Taekwondo, Jujitsu and so on. While these martial art styles are great tools to train to strengthen their bodies, some folks are worried that they might get injured while training or not be able to learn due to the vigorous and combative nature and some extreme movement. Especially, it is hard for older people and those who have not been exercising for a long time to practice these types of martial arts. 

There is good news for them. There is a martial art that is low-impact and gentle for anyone can practice yet brings powerful health benefits. This martial art is focused on improvement of physical and mental health rather than making one who practices a martial artist or MMA fighter! This style of martial art has been practiced for thousands of years in China and now becoming very popular in the West for its health benefits. It is Tai Chi. It consists of various movements and forms that are not aggressive and often use deep breathing. They were designed to re-align the spine, shoulders and pelvis to allow internal organs to balance themselves and improve the energy circulation in the body. This activates the natural healing power and strengthens the immune system. Consequently, this brings significant improvement on physical and mental health. The benefits of Tai Chi that have been reported from those who practice it include reduced muscles stiffness, joint pain, sleep disorders and other health issued occurred due to misalignment in the body and improved strength, energy and flexibility of the body. Not only does this bring physical health benefits, but it also helps have better control over the emotion. This promotes great awareness and calmness. This is really great for those who want to learn a martial art with the purpose to enhance their health condition. Again, this is gentle exercise for anyone of any age can do but has great health benefits. 

If you are interested, click HERE to learn more about Tai Chi program that CGI offers! Thanks! 

Tao Life Lecture and Spiritual Training

Here is another event coming up at CGI!


Uncover Your Hidden Potential With Michelle Moon

- Explore principles of life

- Find out clear direction

- Discover potential through Tao Training

- Learn how to find true love, peace and joy

Monday, October 7th

7:30 - 9:30 PM ($20 Donation)

Age: 20s-30s 

Tao Wellness Center (In CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa)

111 Homans Ave. Closter ,NJ 07624

Contact: Nicole @ (201)781-1300

Lose up to 5 pounds in 5 days with Johnathan Martinez

There are many events coming up! Don't miss!

- Date: October 7 - 11 at 11:30 AM (5 consecutive days)

- 1 Hour Group Training Classes

- Sweat and burn unwanted fat and calories

- Tone and sculpt your entire body

- Experience 100% support and dedication

- ONLY $200 for one week! (Price includes Training, All Natural Dietary Supplement and 100% Raw Meal Powder




Johnathan Martinez (Ki Yoga Trainer, Personal Trainer)

Coming from a diverse background of training that included boxing, martial arts, dance, poetry, art, music and philosophy, Johnathan brings his broad knowledge into the classroom as a Ki Yoga Trainer and personal trainer, With a deep understanding of energy principles, he has helped people make real changes in their physical health, improving their self-confidence and overall well-being.

Healing Family & Healing the Earth – CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa’s 15th Anniversary Party

October 19, 2013 marks the 15th year of CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa's presence in the health and wellness industry.

We have been serving the Closter, New Jersey and surrounding areas for the past 15 years, and look forward in continuing to focus on our mission to achieve a world where all people enjoy healthy bodies, happy hears and peaceful minds. CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa has been known as one of the best fitness centers in the NOrthern New Jersey area for its high quality facility and equipment, along with the professional services it offers. Our reputation has not only been earned through the passion and hard work of our staff, but most importantly through the love and support of our dedicated members who have allowed CGI to grow to where it is today.

We would like to show our sincere appreciation by extending an invitation to all CGI members and their families to attend CGI's 15th Anniversary Party on October 19, 2013. Come join us for an elegant evening of delicious appetizers inspired from cuisines around the world, live music, raffle items entertainment and more.

CGI Holistic Finess & Spa's 15th Anniversary Party
Saturday, October 19th, 2013 / 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
111 Homans Avenue, Closter, NJ 07624

RSVP by October 5th by calling 201-784-5575

Acupuncture: What is it? Can it really help?

Acupuncture is one of the main medical practices in many countries in Asia. Although this medical practice has been around for over 1,000 years, it was recently introduced or known to public in Western Countries. It was in 1971 when James Reston, New York Times reporter received acupuncture treatment in Beijing and wrote its effectiveness in the newspaper. This article drew great attention and many became curious about what seemed to be non-scientific and yet more and more started to claim its healing power.

Now acupuncture has become much popular in the West and reports of more than half of British doctors are prescribing acupuncture. There are still many who see it as unreliable, but certainly it is finding its place in the West. The number of acupuncture administered is increasing every year and people are reporting that improvements in their health conditions are the result of receiving acupuncture treatments.

Some aspects of this ancient method is hard to be proven through the modern science but yet there is research that shows acupuncture stimulates the nerves in the body and consequently releases good chemicals and possibly natural painkillers for which causes patients to feel relieved.

Today, acupuncturists treat almost every kind of illness. It seems particularly effective for treatment of the back, shoulder, neck pain and migraine.  Acupuncture has been so effective in England that government agencies are now recommending acupuncture to those who suffer from these health issues.

For those who fear acupuncture thinking it might be very painful, it is not as painful as one might think it is. The level of pain one may experience will depend on what part of the body the needles are inserted into.  However, acupuncture is generally a pain free practice as the needles are very thin

Acupuncture is also considered to be a very safe medical practice due to its promotion of natural healing.  There are very few side effects associated with acupuncture, however if you should consider receiving acupuncture, it is always advised to seek these services from a well trained certified acupuncturist.

The effect of Brain Education Spreading

The effect of Brain Education (BE) is quickly spreading. After witnessing the remarkable change in Joaquin Rodezno in El Salvador, Gloria Muller, Principal of the school, delivered a speech of her testimony to the audience at the Conference on Youth Mental Health in Seoul on August 18 2013. Government officials, educators and many others who gathered at the event were able to hear her vivid testimony about how the school once known for poor academic achievement and violence of its students was transformed to the No.1 ranked in the students’ scholastic achievement. Now, in El Salvador, the Brain Education program is being introduced and practiced nationwide. Gloria received a special recognition at the event and was also appointed as an ambassador of IBREA.

Also, recently, The Government of Sierra Leone has invited IBREA to introduce Brain Education to the schools in the country. This happened because of the results of BE project in Liberia. (If possible, I will share the detail of this project later) The result of the project was presented in the United Nation and the officials from Sierra Leone decided to implement this program for their students. As these positive results are being reported from various places, it is expected that more people, schools and countries will participate in Brain Education in the near future.             

Healing family open classes - Dahn Yoga, Tai Chi/Dahn Mu Do (FREE TRIAL!!)

1. DAHN YOGA 

CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa is proud to announce our FREE Healing Family open classes. Our open Dahn Yoga classes will take place on September 11th and 14th.

Dahn Yoga practices methods of healing and strengthening the physical body, calming emotions and quieting the mind to awaken our true nature. Our classes are open to all levels of physical health and do not require any previous experience. 

All open Dahn Yoga classes will include the following:





• Basic dahn yoga – utilizes Meridian stretching, proper breathing techniques and energy meditation


• Evaluation session – checking energy flow in meridian channels


• Intestine healing – 10 minute relaxation session with healing tea



Classes will take place in the CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa Tao Wellness Yoga Studio (2nd floor) on:



- Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 at 6 pm


- Saturday, September 14th, 2013 at 10 am


- Saturday, September 14th, 2013 at 12 pm



RSVP by Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 by (Tel) 201-784-1300 or (Email) cgi@dahnyoga.com




2. Tai Chi/Dahn Mu Do



CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa is proud to announce our FREE Healing Family open classes. Our open Tai Chi/Dahn Mu Do classes will take place on September 10th and 12th.
Tai Chi/Dahn Mu Do is an energy-based, non-combative, healing martial art with roots dating back thousands of years into oriental healing and martial art history. It consists of programs and forms designed to horizontally re-align the pelvis and shoulders and vertically align the spine as a foundation for a healthy body. This will allow inner organs to balance themselves creating an increase in internal ki-energy circulation. As a result, your immune system will strengthen and your natural healing power will increase. 
All open Tai Chi/Dahn Mu Do classes will include the following:


• Basic Tai Chi/Dahn Mu Do posture exercises


• Basic Tai Chi/Dahn Mu Do punching exercises


• Proper healing positions and breathing practices to enhance Tai Chi/Dahn Mu Do technique



Classes will take place in the CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa Taorobic Room (2nd floor) on:



- Thursday, September 12th, 2013 at 7:30 pm



RSVP by Wednesday, September 1th, 2013 by (Tel) 201-784-1300 or (Email) cgi@dahnyoga.com

Do you suffer from heartburn and acid reflux? Yi Yang Fasting!

I don’t recall exactly when it started but I’ve suffered from heartburn that occurred occasionally followed by acid reflux. I didn’t pay much attention to it because the symptom did't last long. It was a few weeks ago when I started to feel the burning sensation in my esophagus, and it lasted a while. After taking Tums for about a week, I realized it does not resolve the problem but only gives a temporary relief.

Apparently, some people can tell that I have this problem just by looking at my face thought I was smiling the whole time…:) Anyway, Michelle noticed it right away and suggested to practice Yi Yang fasting. And that was it! After doing this for few times, I haven’t had acid reflux or any similar symptom. This is very easy to follow and works great! So, I just wanted to quickly share how to practice. I hope this help if you happen to be one of those suffering from this stomach abnormality.

     1.     Drink water an hour before eating food.

     2.     Don’t drink water while eating food.

     3.     Drink water an hour after eating food.

Drinking water is very important but in my experience, drinking while having a meal has caused indigestion time to time. Digestion is a complicated process and there are many factors that can affect this process. Thus, there could be many other ways that might improve your digestive system, but if you have tried many things and they don’t seem that effective, why don’t you give this a try?