In 1997 JC Carter began teaching his life-long friend, Criss "Bear" Rosenlof, the arts of Tai Chi and Yoga that he learned from Professor Bill Parkinson. The class was taught once a week at a park above JC's home in Salt Lake City. As JC taught Criss the importance of relaxation and effortless movement, Criss taught JC about the hard-style martial arts he had learned years before. Together, they formed a complete system of martial arts with Tai Chi as the base. The friends founded Dragon Studios and set out to teach the world about the arts that have changed and improved their lives.
Dragon Studios is not a formal school; classes are either taught privately, or as part of a weekly study group. Lessons are available for individuals or groups throughout both Salt Lake & Utah counties. Click HERE for information on our current open study group nights. Click HERE for information on arranging private (individual or group) lessons with a Dragon Studios instructor.
About the Instructors
JC began his Tai Chi and Yoga practice over 15 years ago, studying from Professor Bill Parkinson at the University of Utah. Deeply interested in the spirtual aspects of martial arts practice, JC discovered the wonderful balance of combat and spirituality Tai Chi offered. JC apprenticed with Bill, and was certified as a Taijiquan and Hatha Yoga instructor through Bill's Live In Balance certification program.
Bear began his martial arts journey over 27 years ago, earning black belt rank in 3 styles. Bear has had severe back injuries due to a motorcycle accident in 1989, and had his first moment free from pain in 1997 after a lesson in Nidra meditation from JC. At that moment, he was hooked for life.
Bill Parkinson graduated from the University of Utah's Department of Philosophy in 1972. He has taught at Westminster College and started Utah's first accredited Yoga and Tai Chi Programs. Bill was initiated into the Ananda Marga International Yoga Society in 1970. He received the title of Yogi Viirishwara in 1974.
Over the years Bill has taught for the University of Utah in the Modern Dance Department, the Exercise and Sports Science Department, and the Theatre Department. His classes are a rich blend of Tai Chi, Yoga, meditation and movement. He currently teaches classes for the Theatre Department, Youtheatre, and E.S.S. Department. Bill conducts workshops and lectures both on and off campus.