Bio
About David Chandler
David Chandler is the founder and director of Eagle's Quest Tai Chi Center. Born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho, David's career in Tai Chi Chuan began in 1975 when he experienced his first Tai Chi class at the University of Utah with Bill Parkinson. As a college student looking for a way to manage his own sports related back injury, David personally experienced the healing benefits of Tai Chi. His studies of Tai Chi continued on the east coast when he moved to NYC to pursue a career in theater and began teaching Tai Chi to professional actors. Eventually, David moved to Connecticut where he founded Eagle's Quest Tai Chi Center. David facilitated a Tai Chi Teacher Training Program, helping numerous others begin their path as a teacher of Tai Chi & Qigong. For decades David taught both Tai Chi and Stage Combat at various colleges throughout the state, as well as a magnet arts high school.
In addition to being a Master Teacher of Tai Chi Chuan, David holds a Master's degree in Integrative Health. He is a Certified Hypnotist, Hypnosis Trainer, Professional Actor, Stage Fight Choreographer and NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist. He teaches Tai Chi, Qigong, and Hypnosis Certification Training in the community and welcomes students of all ages and levels of ability. David uses his deep understanding of Tai Chi principles, combined with his skills in hypnosis and other complementary healing modalities, to help facilitate healing for people who are living with physical and emotional limitations, including those resulting from addiction, physical and emotional issues/trauma and even neurological impairment caused by stroke, Parkinson's and other circumstances.
David lives in Waterford, CT with his wife Debbie. He welcomes contact from students and others interested in learning more about Tai Chi & Qigong , Hypnosis, training to become a Certified Hypnotist, and other healing arts.
Awards and Honors:
2015: NATF grant recipient, presentation on Tai Chi for People with Alzheimers/Dementia
2012: workshop presenter, CT Holistic Nurses Conference.
2011: workshop presenter, Alzheimers Association Annual Conference CT Chapter
2009: poster presenter International Tai Chi Symposium, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
2009: inducted USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Asian Martial Arts Studies in recognition of his mastery of Tai Chi Chuan
2008: formally inducted into the Sun Style by Grandmaster Sun Yongtian in Beijing
Wushu Federation Symposium in Beijing, First Place winner
2007: SURDNA grant recipient: private study with Grandmaster Sun Yongtian and Beijing Opera
2005-present:workshop presenter, Master Jou Memorial Celebration Tai Chi Park Sussex, NJ
Publications:
Author: Overcoming Clumsiness (A Guide for Reclaiming Physical Dexterity)Sterling Publisher
Author, Editor and Artist: Wings (quarterly Tai Chi newsletter, self published)
DVD: Sun 10 Form, Su n 16 Form, 4 Directions Tai Chi Qigong, Tai Chi Warm-ups, Chan Ssu Chin, Eagle's Quest Long Form
Academic Education and Healing Arts Training:
Concentration in Theater, Fine Arts, Integrative Health and Healing
Certified Hypnosis Instructor: NGH 2018
Advanced Training in Regression Hypnosis: NGH 2017
Certified Hypnotist: National Guild of Hypnotists (NGH) 2012
Mindfulness Meditation, Certified Facilitator,
The Mindfulness Center, Dr. Deborah Norris Ph.D
The Graduate Institute, Bethany, CT M.A., Integrative Health and Healing, 2013
NADA Certified Acudetox Specialist 2012
Certified Hypnotist, National Guild of Hypnotists 2012
Charter Oak State College, New Britain, CT B.A degree 2011
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah;
Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho (undergraduate concentration in Theater)
Martial Arts:
Concentration in Combined Style and Sun Style Tai Chi Chuan.
Primary Teachers: Grandmaster Sun Yongtian, Beijing (current indoor student)
Master Jou Tsung Hwa, Tai Chi Farm
Dr. John Painter
Professor Duan, Beijing
Master Yang Jwing Ming, Boston
Grandmaster William C.C. Chen, NYC
Chungliang Al Huang, The Living Tao Foundation
Bill Parkinson, University of Utah
A delegate to the International Tai Chi Forum, Ontario, Canada 2006, David studied with the Grandmasters of each of the family styles: Grandmaster Wu Wenhan, Grandmaster Eddie Wu, Grandmaster Sun Yongtian, Grandmaster Zeng Nailang and Grandmaster Ma Hailong and Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.
While at the International Forum, the Eagle's Quest Form which was created by David was adjudicated by the Grandmasters. Based on his performance, David was personally invited to Beijing to study with Grandmaster Sun. He continues his studies as an "indoor student" with Master Sun and was invited by Master Sun to demonstrate the Sun 16 Form at the International Tai Chi Symposium Grand Showcase in Louisville, KY in July, 2014.