Kelley Graham's UnCarved Block Program
Kelley Graham's UnCarved Block Program is the result of a lifetime of deep inquiry into the human condition. The best Chinese esoteric methods meet Western neuroscience. Safely learn Meditation and Tai Chi Chuan. These mind-body practices are fully endorsed as effective for health by mainstream medical professionals. Look over our curriculum and call for an intake interview. Train to be fit. Train to be more comfortable in your own skin. Also. because fun.
Can you get from here to there without a map? Without a clear path you are lost. Mind-Body training without a destination is lost time. The UnCarved Block Program provides a method to transform yourself. To become more comfortable in your own skin. To be more powerful and relaxed. Get more energy to live better. Return To The UnCarved Block.
The tensegrity model is great abstraction of our body structure. Neuroanatomy offers deeper insight into movement. Neither approach imparts the specific understanding that enables us to be more powerful and comfortable in our own skin.
Chinese Martial Arts are sometimes divided into two adversarial camps: Internal vs External. This has always bothered me as it is usually in some kind of advert where I see these terms. Over the years as I have kept abreast of anatomy, neuroscience research and related disciplines as part of ongoing professional development, I have always looked to resolve what I perceive a false distinction. In 2010, I published a draft definition of internal practice in my FAQ. Since then I have been fortunate to receive feedback and continue to refine the language.
Ranking and belts, no. My UCB Program has 5 levels of accomplishment. Uniforms, not so much. Students can display their membership and level, optionally, on training shirts or street clothes. On the left sleeve is a low contrast UCB logo, indication of membership and level. New students have logo only. Only members can wear the logo. You can add your name if you want.
Each level is denoted by a simple vertical bar. Levels are:
Instructors receive a circle. That's it.
See the embroidered shirt listing to buy.
Call to get yours!
Breathe->Stretch->Move. Train to be more comfortable in your own skin. This core 8 week introductory course will help you breathe better to stand better and stand better to move better.
We all experience stress. Over time we develop painful habits to compensate. Learn to undo these painful habits.
There is no avoiding stress. What if stress made you stronger? Our mind-body training is designed to help you meet the demands of modern life. Keep your Unbreakable Centertm.
"I've been thinking about 'grace'. 'Grace' (capitalized) represnts some kind of spiritual experience; 'grace' has something to do with harmoniously integrated movement... what do you consider to be 'Natural Grace', is it both of these or one?"
Yes to both. I chose that word carefully. I feel that the purpose of training is to enrich all aspects of life's experience. For those on a spiritual path, the method is useful, for those who are not, still equally useful. Concepts like insight and truth are non-denominational. :)
My methods emphasize the ability to engage and develop the parts of the brain associated with intention, will, restraint, discipline, empathy, compassion and insight. These things arise from deeper awareness. The result of this process is that a person strives to behave well and in accordance with the highest standards in any context. Professional, personal, private, spiritual, physical... Whatever the context, 'grace', is apparent.
'Natural' means arising from our genetic and cultural inheritance. The work is to discover these relations for ourselves. The joy is in the expression of these relations through thought and action. Hard work results in profound insight. 'Grace' connotes dignity and composure under stress. especially when taken in context with 'power'. 'Power' is central to complete and nuanced understanding of the phrase. This is a big topic.
Good question, thank you.