Jason C. Brown

The Art of Play

Explore elements of human movement as tools for creative expression & performance. Improv & creative problem solving will be explored deeply.

We use physical practices that are simple, enjoyable and repeatable. We design play-based activities that encourage physical freedom, creativity and vitality. And because we are artist, creative movers, we are not bound by any one discipline or way. 

We use, we steal and repurpose ideas, tools and resources from the old ways. We cultivate a way that is adaptive and alive to create a beautifully moving, adaptable and creative human being.

And if you’re a coach, trainer or teacher I got you covered.

Our Art of Play Workshops are directed towards fitness & performance professionals that want to learn how to incorporate Physical Creativity, Play and Exploration into their very own teaching, training or coaching practice. This includes personal trainers, group fitness instructors, physical education teachers, coaches, yoga instructors, MMA trainers, and even physical therapists.

Please join me at Nourishing Storm Studios on February 25th from 1-3 to discover The Art of Play.

You can register here: The Art of Play


Dance Qigong?

This is one question I receive all the time…”Is Qigong a form or style of Dance?”

It can be…Qigong can be many different things. I personally use a very broad and open description of what Qigong is to me.

“Qigong is the Art & Practice of Crafting and Shaping Life Energy with Patience, Steadiness & Skill.”
— Jason C. Brown

Qigong dates back to before the Qin and Han dynastic periods, ( 255 BCE - 220 CE.) Then you can see that the origin of many Qigong practices actually originate in Dance.

Through dancing, the physical body was exercised , and the physical health of the body was maintained or improved.

Also, through dancing, the matching of movements with music, breath and mind were regulated into one harmonious state. From this harmonious state, the spirit was raised to a higher energetic level or calmed down into a more peaceful presence.

Play Qigong?

Can you play Qigong?

The short answer is yes.

And honestly this is why I choose to favor Qigong over other internal martial/movement arts like Tai Chi Chuan or Bagua.

My professional and personal life revolve around helping people play again…play with their grandchildren, play Pickle Ball or play with their art or craft. So it’s natural for me to gravitate towards a more open and less strict system or Art.

Play is the original practice and the best educator across all disciplines.

Qigong can be very precise or very loose. It can be reverent and sacred or playful and creative. It is a way, an art of being in your body that encompasses walking down the street, hiking in the mountains, dancing, gardening or doing martial arts.

Qigong permeates your daily life. Much in the same way that I wish for play to permeate your life. You can’t go wrong if you combine both spirits. I’m here to help guide you.



The Art & Practice Qigong.

Qigong is the art & practice of crafting and shaping Life Energy with Patience, Steadiness & Skill.

This ancient practice and art harmonizes your body’s energy centers, promoting balance, vitality, and a deep sense of well-being.

Through movement you can nourish and strengthen your body. Imagine moving with your own life force, finding harmony in every movement. It’s not just exercise - it’s a journey inward, a celebration of your body’s intelligence.

Every week I get to spend 3-5 hours working with some very special students on The Art and Practice of Qigong. I’ll be offering some online classes soon.

If you’d like to join in please send me a message and I’ll keep you posted:

Message Me.

The Art of Strength

When Chip Conrad and I sit down together to discuss human movement our discussion usually turns towards strength, art and utility. Here’s a quick little video of a recent sit down in my very own Strength Garden.

We’ll be moving, playing and lifting at our upcoming Art of Strength workshop but I have a feeling there will be a fair share of physical culture philosophy and nostalgia.

Flux Lab April Workshop

Rediscover the joy of movement and find ways to weave play and creativity into your strength and movement practice: and vice versa.

Empower yourself to chart your own path and find joy and exploration whether you are a beginner or seasoned professional. Chip and I have combined 50 years of experience teaching human movement and physical expression.

Designed for the fitness enthusiast and professional trainer, Flux Lab workshops will teach you how to reinvigorate , revitalize and reinvent your training.

Let’s develop real skills and find ways to create a better relationship with your body through strength and movement.

We use, we steal and repurpose ideas, tools and resources from the old ways. You can register here: Flux Lab Workshops on April 29-30th.

“We cultivate a way that is adaptive and alive to create a beautifully moving, adaptable and creative human being.”
— Jason C. Brown


Rope Flows for Creativity

As you know I’m a very avid reader and Creativity is one of my favorite genres to research and study. I thought I’d share some highlights from two of my favorite books and walking and handcraft and its relationship to creativity.

The above highlight comes from Handmade- Creative Focus in the Age of Distraction.
It’s written by Gary Rogowski, a woodworker but his thoughts on creativity reaches well beyond just woodworking.

The two highlights above come from Rick Rubin’s new book The Creative Act.

These are the ropes I use mostly:

Flow Ropes (Amazon Brand)

Octomoves Flow Ropes

I’ll be doing some rope reviews shortly.

What Happens at a Creative Movement Workshop?

I’ve been asked to share a few details about what happens exactly at a Creative Movement Live workshop.

So I thought I’d be all formal and list a few objectives of the class to give you a better idea of what takes place.

Objective:

  1. To develop quality movement and to experience the joy that comes with it. Joy makes everything easier and easy is productive. Less friction equals more momentum, and more momentum equals better results.

  2. To build rapport with yourself, your training partners and the client or athlete. Most of the games and drills we’ll explore are cooperative challenges and shared successes.

If we can get ourselves & our clients/artists/athletes minds out of the workplace and into their bodies and training session we’ve done a good job.

Each creative movement is specifically designed to establish rapport and enthusiasm while addressing the entire spectrum of athletic develop and human movement.

In this workshop you’ll learn and practice exercises from several traditions such as martial arts, gymnastic and old school physical culture.

You’ll also learn to adapt several training tools into your creative movement program such as medicine balls, ropes, bands and agility equipment. Many times we’ll be combining those tools as well.

Other Objectives:

  1. Getting comfortable with the drills. How to coach them, what to encourage and what to avoid.

  2. Where does it fit within the overall program? Creative movement training can be used very effectively in several locations during the training session, such as the warm-up, active recovery or part of an intense circuit. creative movement training is very versatile, for example, it also works very well as an initial ice-breaker with a first time client.

  3. Explaining the benefits. Clients may not associate play with results. It’s best to approach this question in a hands-on manner while demonstrating some drills that focus on the clients wants and needs. For example, there are many play-based drills that directly train the “core.” It’s hard to deny a training effect after a few moments.

  4. Working with the variables. The variables are endless, timing, tools, rhythms, stability, balance, laughter, joy, self- expression and creativity to name a few.

Hope to see you there: Creative Movement Live Brooklyn