Master Katie Varenne, Pa-Kua International Tai Chi
Ever since she was a little girl, Katie wanted to study martial arts.
Her first opportunity rolled around in college, when she took lessons in Olympic-style fencing and judo.
Then a friend introduced her to Pa-Kua, and she hasn't looked back since.
Her training began in September 2000, training 2-3 hours a day, up to 6 days a week.
She took specialized courses in hand-to-hand combat, weapons, and healing with the highest masters in the
school, and because of her dedication and focus was invited into high level classes given by the late
Grand Master Giordano.
Katie advanced rapidly, taking the initiative to run classes prior to reaching 1st degree, and in 2002
she partnered with another master to open a studio in New York City.
Katie assumed leadership of the school in 2003, which she ran until her relocation in 2006 to Beaverton, OR.
She received her 3rd degree in 2005, and is currently in training for her 4th degree.
Katie believes that inside each person is an archtype, an ideal self, which can be covered up by the day-to-day business of living one's life. Through training, be it through intensely physical effort of martial arts, or through the calm and softer (though no less intense) practice of yoga or tai-chi, a person can rediscover their ideal self, and bring themselves closer to it. She's strives to provide you with the tools you need, and let you define the path.
Katie has experience giving group & private class for children, teens, & adults, and is approved
to give classes in:
- Martial Arts
- Edged Weapons/Sword
- Reflexology
- Sintony (Chinese Yoga)
- CosmoDynamics (Pa-Kua Tai-Chi)
