Stop Pain, Fix Injuries, Be Strong, Fast, Healthy, Happy, Creative

 

NEXT CLASSES

Healthier Stretching  |   Healthier CORE and Back Training  |   Home Repair With Paul   |   How To Hire A Contractor   |  Build Your Own Little Free Library    |   Art and Handcrafts - Yarn Mandalas, Useful Wire Art, Nylon Head Dolls    |   Fix Neck Pain  |   Juggling, Firesticks, and Poi Balls  |  Better Balance   |   Yoga and Acro-Yoga  

 

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"Dr. Jolie your classes really helped me. You make me focus and be strong. I started acting lessons. I run. I lift weights."
~ Neal McLaurin, was homeless, now actor - some stories in Philly.com.

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ALL CLASSES

Top Healthy Training   |  Fix Multi-Pain  |   Fix Lower Back Pain   |  Fix Neck Pain  |   Healthy Aging  |   Stretching Smarter   |   Healthier Core and Back Ab Revolution™  |   Lower Body Revolution™  |   Fun With Push-Ups   |  Muay Thai & KickBoxing   |   Thai Massage    |   Yoga and Acro-Yoga   |   Karate and Self Defense  |   Swimming   |  Home Repair  |   CPR  |   SCUBA, Snorkeling, Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine  | Juggling   |  Firesticks and Poi Chains  |   Fix Your Own Toilet   |    Heritage Handcrafts and Fun & Funky Wire Art   |   Better Balance

 

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"It is an honor to know you! The best part about all of your work is how you infuse it all with a sense of duty, honor, and commitment to bringing out the best in all of us - I don't know how you do it, but that is what makes you exceptional. I agree with that student of yours who thought you were a superhero."
~ Linda Hsu, Massage Therapist, AFEM Certified, Fixing Neck & Back Pain

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Fix and Prevent Pain and Injuries

"Despite consultations with my orthopedist, two rehabilitation specialists, a sports personal trainer, and a physical therapist, my best advice for post-operative care of my knee has come from Dr. Jolie Bookspan, the brightest light in sports medicine. If you want your life back, she is the door."

- Green Beret Lt. Colonel Kelly Hill, M.D., FACSM, SWAT Team Commander

 

Students of my Black Belt Hall of Fame Class of 2011

 

One Course Covering Discs, Knees, Hip, Back, Ankle, Feet & Arches, Shoulder, Neck

Identify and fix causes of your pain and keep pain away for the rest of your life. Fast moving, jam packed, hands-on workshop of evidence-based innovations in sports medicine. Learn and practice methods that work quickly to prevent and rehab ankle sprains, arch dysfunction, knee, disc, shoulder, upper back, lower back, SI joint, and mystery back pain, not just for the session but methods to put in practice for a lifetime. Course hours from short intro to longer high level.

Class is suitable for the general public as well as trainers. Clinicians gain tools required to meet the Health Care Reform Initiatives to reduce preventable hospitalizations, readmissions, emergency room visits, and to improve health outcomes.

 

Next Classes

Private appointment info is on the Clinical page. For online consult, see Individual Care. Group classes with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

To request this workshop at a future Wilderness Medical Society conference, Email the WMS.

 

Class Textbooks

Fix Your Own Pain Without Drugs or Surgery.

Health & Fitness In Plain English THIRD edition - How to Be Healthy Happy and Fit For The Rest of Your Life.

Purchase in class at discount for students, or click BOOKS page.

Class Syllabus

Map and materials to prepare before class and review after.

 

Previous Classes

• Mt Airy Learning Tree. One fun, fast moving class. Lecture and practice to fix it all.
• Wilderness Medical Society medical conference, Colorado. Small group session for physicians, “The Wilderness Athlete.” 
• Wilderness Medical Society Summer Conference,"When The Wilderness Athlete Is You"
• International Martial Arts Association. Top Ten Injury Prevention Techniques. Special practicum. By Invitation only.

Helena Fraser, from my workshop at the 2015 Wilderness Medicine Society Conference writes,

"Thank you for private coaching after your great Wilderness Athlete workshop. My son immediately said how relaxed and happy I looked! After you left and I had a day to regroup after the conference, I climbed Quandary Peak thanks to you!! I thought I should "be prepared" so I carried a 20-24 pound pack -- now for you that's nothing -- for me that's a lot of weight since I normally just carry water and a sandwich or snack -- But the truly amazing thing is that my back was fine post hike!! (we won't mention the state of my thighs but even they only hurt for two days -- considering that was a seven mile straight up-and-down mountain) 14,282' to be exact!!"

Stretching Smarter Stretching Healthier

"Your methods work, and are recognized as contributing significantly to one of the most common problems in medicine, which is back pain. There are many testimonials to their success – mine being one of them."

- Catherine G. R. Jackson, PhD, FACSM, Professor and former Chair of Kinesiology at California State University, Fresno, NASA Faculty Fellow, Twice Colorado State Women’s Fencing Champion.

 

Black Belt Hall of Fame class of 2013

 

Next Classes

Private appointment info is on the Clinical page. For online consult, see Individual Care. Group classes, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

 

Wilderness Medical Society Summer Medical Conference: Advances in Healthier Range of Motion for Wilderness Mobility. For physicians, scientists, and allied health personnel. To request the next class email the WMS.

 

Previously

 

What We Do

You won't just sit there and stretch. Come prepared to stretch your brain as much as your body.

Fun, fast-moving, workshop to identify pain-producing habits, relieve aches on the spot, restore healthy muscle length during movement, and transfer knowledge and skills to daily life. Take home effective, state-of-the-art techniques to straighten posture, restore functionally younger biomarkers, and have fun. Gain techniques and information that would cost thousands through your PT and medical treatments.

Many of these stretches are done standing and moving. Range of motion while standing and maintaining balance with healthful positioning is how you need to live and move in real life. For all the fun stretches we learn lying down to practice how to relax and move at the same time, bring a towel or mat.

Suitable for the general public, for the out-of-shape, and the athlete. Clinicians learn methods required to meet the Health Care Reform Initiatives to reduce preventable hospitalizations, readmissions, emergency room visits, and to improve health outcomes. In classes that are scheduled specifically for medical and allied health professionals, you can get practice teaching under supervision with feedback.

Course hours range from short intro classes to longer higher level workshops. Academy certification Academy of Functional Exercise Medicine (AFEM) is only through direct study in person with me (Dr. Bookspan).

Class Textbook

Stretching Smarter Stretching Healthier.
Purchase in class at discount or order on the Books page

Class Syllabus

Syllabus and materials to prepare for Stretching Smarter Stretching Healthier, and review after

 

This wonderful little doll was made
by student Dana Chandler
Does it really look like Dr. Bookspan?
Mouse over the image or
click it to find out.

Fix Lower Back Pain
Fix Neck and Upper Back Pain

"If Dr. Jolie Bookspan had not changed my methods of training, I would still be hurting myself in the name of staying in shape. I thank her for all her efforts. She is leading the way to sensibility."

– Ed Cargile, Military Special Operation Forces, seventh-degree Black Belt, long-distance cyclist, US Marine Corp, Ret.

 

Physicians and Wilderness Health Professionals, Wilderness Medical Conference 2012, Whistler British Colombia

 

Active, evidence-based, sometimes humorous instruction and information to stop your pain now and keep it away for the rest of your life, costing less than most doctor visits lasting minutes. Combination lecture and non-strenuous practice. Suitable for the general public, the out-of-shape as well as the athlete. Medical and allied health professionals get practice teaching methods under supervision with feedback. Wear comfortable ordinary clothing. If you have to change your clothes to fix back pain, how are you supposed to have an ongoing normal life without pain? This is not alternative medicine, it is innovative, validated sports medicine. This class is for fun, empowered, good students.

 

In Fix Lower Back Pain, learn to stop neck and back pain and keep it from coming back. Fix stiffness, aches, sciatica, herniated and degenerating discs, stenosis, arthritis, hyper-lordosis, swayback, spondylolisthesis and facet pain, pain when standing, pain with lifting, pain with exercise, pain when sitting.

 

Fix Your Neck Pain class covers upper crossed syndrome, numb fingers, forward head, discs, and muscular pain. Identify common injurious body mechanics, ergonomics, and habits. Learn therapeutic muscle retraining, and how to not get stiff and sore in the first place.

Both classes give clinicians tools required to meet the Health Care Reform Initiatives to reduce preventable hospitalizations, readmissions, emergency room visits, and to improve health outcomes. Course hours from short intro classes to longer high level workshops

 

Next Classes

Private appointment info is on the Clinical page. For online consult, see Individual Care. Group classes with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

 

Class Textbooks

Fix Your Own Pain Without Drugs or Surgery.

Health & Fitness In Plain English THIRD edition - How to Be Healthy Happy and Fit For The Rest of Your Life.

Purchase in class at discount for students, or click BOOKS page

Class Syllabus

Syllabus, maps, and materials to prepare before class and review after.

Healthy Aging
Musculoskeletal Conditions Mistaken For Aging

"Your wonderful presentation on aging at the ACSM NY Chapter meeting stays with me every day – and I teach those exercises to my patients regularly."

- Dr. Stephen G. Rice, MD, PhD, FACSM, American College of Sports Medicine Trustee

 

Becoming slower, stiffer, unsteadier, and weaker as years pass is more from lack of specific healthful movement than an inescapable aging process. Although chronological years increase, you can regain specific functional characteristics of a chronologically younger person. This course teaches evidence based musculoskeletal sports medicine techniques to restore upper back mobility and normal kyphosis, leg strength and balance, healthy knee and hip dynamics, and disc spacing associated with functionally younger age. This is an information resource for physicians, health care providers, exercise professionals, and people who want to maintain and improve physical and mental ability throughout their lives.

This course gives clinicians tools required to meet the Health Care Reform Initiatives to reduce preventable hospitalizations, readmissions, emergency room visits, and to improve health outcomes.

Certification may be earned for this class through study with me (Dr. Bookspan) Academy of Functional Exercise Medicine (AFEM). Required core course for AFEM Personal Training certification, and for Academy Fellow advancement.

 

Next Classes

Private appointment info is on the Clinical page. For online consult, see Individual Care. Group classes with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

To request this workshop at a future Wilderness Medical Society conference, Email the WMS.

 

Previous Courses

• Wilderness Medical World Congress. Whistler British Columbia. To request this class at a future conference, e-mail WMS.
• Temple U Center City, Philadelphia, PA.
• American College of Sports Medicine Greater New York Chapter meeting.

Class Textbooks

Fix Your Own Pain Without Drugs or Surgery.

Health & Fitness In Plain English THIRD edition - How to Be Healthy Happy and Fit For The Rest of Your Life.

Purchase in class at discount for students, or instant order on the BOOKS page

Class Syllabus

Map and materials to prepare before class and review after.

Better Balance

"It's all about changing people's lives and you are living proof."

- Ken Germano, Former Executive Director of ACE - American Council for Exercise

 

Balance skills for daily life

 

Balance is easily and highly trainable. Better balance is a big factor to prevent sprains and falls. Improve your health, safety, mobility, and independence in this fun active workshop.

We cover common reasons your balance gets out of shape, and what to do. Take home a large variety of new balance skills.

 

Next Classes

Private appointment info is on the Clinical page. For online consult, see Individual Care. Group classes with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

 

Class Textbook

Health & Fitness THIRD edition How To Be Healthy Happy and Fit for the Rest of your Life. Available in class at discount for students, or click BOOKS page.

 

 

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Muay Thai KickBoxing and Advanced Kickboxing

 

"Jolie, my highest regards and congratulations regarding your honor as Master Instructor of the Year (as well as Black Belt Hall of Fame). You have always been keenly active and scholarly in your dedication to the Martial Arts and I value the occasions when we have found the opportunity to converse."

- Joseph Estwanik MD FACSM, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Author of Sports Medicine for the Combat Arts, Chairman of Ringside Physician's Course U.S. Olympic Training Center

 

Students have fun gaining high skills

 

Learn mental and physical discipline, self confidence, history and theory of martial arts, sports medicine, good behavior, safer healthier movement and life habits, and real martial arts skills. For men and women. Strenuous workout. No experience needed, just a desire to truly improve, learn, and change unhealthful movement patterns to healthy technique. Punching, kicking, sparring, stretching, rope skipping, striking various target baffles, and drills for body and mind. Options for same learning with music used, exercise class style. We start at the beginning and build with each class.

A word about the rank of the instructor. A 4th degree black belt carries the title of Renshi or "master" which does not mean mastery over anyone else, but mastery over oneself, a goal of this training.

 

Class Formats

Ongoing instruction, semester courses, and single master classes.

 

Next Classes

Private class with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com. For classes at your location, see the Projects page.

For more martial arts, see our Karate page

 

Class Textbook

Healthy Martial Arts - Winner of the EUSA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Readers Choice Award. Purchase in class at discount or order on the Books page

Class Syllabus

Kickbox and Muay Thai - Class photos, skills, and readings to prepare for each week.

Dr. Jolie Bookspan, 4th degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, Former undefeated full-contact Muay Thai fighter, International Black Belt Hall of Fame, Rank of Master Instructor.

 

 

Advanced (Continuing) Muay Thai & Kick-Boxing

For students completing the kick boxing class. Improve technique and fitness. Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) and other styles covered. Heavy bag and partner work, speed work, ring and street defense techniques. Develop the ferocious Thai roundhouse kick. Includes advanced abdominal and back conditioning, rope skipping, drills, and kicking flexibility. Bring gloves. Wraps provided. Optional certification.

Class Textbook

Healthy Martial Arts

Class Syllabus

Advanced Class photos, skills, vocabulary, and descriptions.

Healthier Back and Core Training - The Ab Revolution

“I’ve given The Ab Revolution to my physical therapists and trainers to use. You have condensed things to a very workable format.”

~ Stanley A. Herring M.D., FACSM, Director of Spine, Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine for UW Medicine Health System, Former President of the North American Spine Society

 

 

Learn how "abs" really need to work during real life standing and daily activities. Identify and change unhealthy daily movement and common exercises that injure. Learn to position your spine to stop pain. Then use your new knowledge and skills to practice a top set of healthier training, from easy to the most challenging you can get. No forward bending which pressures discs and trains bent posture. Includes healthier warm up and stretch. Dispel myths, and exercise your brain as much as your body.

 

Next Classes

Private appointment info is on the Clinical page. Group classes with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

To request this workshop at a future Wilderness Medical Society conference, Email the WMS.

Previously

• Black Belt Hall of Fame. "Fun WIth Pushups" special practicum by invitation only.
• International Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame Global Leadership Conference. Top Spine Injury Prevention Technique. By invitation only.  
• Wilderness Medical Society Summer Medicine Conference. Core Re-training for the Back Country: What's New, What's Hot, What's Not. Taught with Stretching Smarter, and Fix and Prevent Injuries - click or scroll above for those classes. To request these at a future WMS conference, e-mail WMS.
• Temple University Center City.
• International Martial Arts Black Belt Hall of Fame awards weekend. Ab Revolution™ Core Training for the Martial Artist. Contact Grandmaster Kanzler, Exec. Director.

 

Formats

1. Lecture and Practice. Lecture to understand and identify neutral spine, and how to stop hyperlordotic and hypolordotic lower back pain during daily life and activities. Then active practice using the new healthier spine position for daily life activities (Part I in the class textbook) and Part II exercises from easy to challenging. Gives clinicians tools required to meet the Health Care Reform Initiatives to reduce preventable hospitalizations, readmissions, emergency room visits, and to improve health outcomes. Course length varies, depending on level wanted.

2. A fast, fun Ab Revolution™ exercise class. Starts with short introduction to neutral spine and student check, then non-stop exercise from the textbook Parts I and II to music with instructor supervision.

 

Class Textbook

The Ab Revolution Fourth edition in Ebook or new FOURTH Edition in Print
Purchase in class at discount or order on the Books page.

Class Syllabus

Class preparation and review for Ab Revolution™ Core Re-Training

 

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Total Body Strength + Abs 

High-Intensity Training with healthy body mechanics, and high amount of calories burned. At the beginning of class I show you how to change to healthy neck, spine, knee, foot, and wrist use and positioning. You improve ability during class for all the following:

First half hour is fast, fun, good body mechanics of Lower Body Revolution lifting weights using the better biomechanics learned in class for arms, hands, balance, back, hand and wrist strength, balance training, everything! Hot Latin music continues for approximately 15 more minutes of Ab Revolution training. Concluding 10 to 15 minutes is Healthier Smarter Stretching.

 

 

Next Classes

• Private appointment info is on the Clinical page. Group classes with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

• Classes at your location, see Project 6.

 

Class Syllabus

Lower Body Revolution Syllabus and Ab Revolution™ Syllabus   

To learn neutral spine for class, use this Abs Article.

 

Helpful Readings

Abs and Back Pain - You May Be Surprised,  Hamstrings and Back Pain,  Bad Exercises,   Fixing Back Pain

Learn about discs

Learn about hamstrings

 

The 15th street LA Fitness location where I held this class for many years closed at the end of May 2015. If you have a great place to hold this class, please contact me.

Lower Body Revolution student Dr. Martin Dembitzer

 

Retrain your bending, walking, jumping, and moving habits to be healthier and stronger for back, legs, abs, ankles, feet, and knees. Gain strength and endurance. Understand how your lower body needs to function during real life and the need to train it that way. Learn fun sports medicine exercises to get a workout at the same time you specifically train posture, positioning, and movement patterns for daily life - changing exercise to exercise as a real lifestyle. Combination lecture and increasingly strenuous practice, continuously to music. This class will beneficially change the way you think about fitness and exercise.

Certification and CEUs may be earned for this class through study with me (Dr. Bookspan) Academy of Functional Exercise Medicine (AFEM).

 

Next Classes

• Private appointment info is on the Clinical page. For online consult, see Individual Care. Group classes with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

• Master classes by limited special arrangement: See Project 6.

 

Class Textbook

Health & Fitness THIRD edition How to be Healthy Happy and Fit for the Rest of Your Life.

Purchase in class at discount or order on the Books page.

 

Class Syllabus

Class preparation for Lower Body Revolution™  Includes 11 year study of results with this method.

Healthier Smarter Yoga,  Advanced Yoga,  Acro-Yoga, Partner Yoga, Prevent Yoga Injuries, Instructor Training

"You are a wonderful instructor, teacher, mentor and have the rare ability to make people feel that the magic IS inside, not worn around the neck."

- Stuart Wood, Director Community Projects AFEM

Photo of Dr. Bookspan by Paul Plevakas

 

Dr. Jolie Bookspan, Certified Yoga Instructor, "Experienced RYT 500" level, and Continuing Education Provider. Studied and taught yoga in India, China, North Africa, Thailand, and Japan. E-RYT 500 is granted to teachers who studied teaching for at least 500 hours in qualified schools, taught a minimum of 5,000 hours, plus requirements of the Yoga Alliance. An E-RYT 500 is able to provide continuing education classes and workshops to other teachers and can be a lead trainer of a 200-hour, 300-hour or 500-hour teacher training program. Additionally Qualified as Continuing Education Provider, YACEP, for anatomy and physiology education courses.

For all courses below e-mail Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

 

 

Healthier Yoga Smarter Yoga

 

If you are strong and brave, or want to be, come learn this physical and empowering yoga. Joyful, often humorous fusion of ancient tradition, sports medicine, and beautiful movement, based on Ashtanga. A teaching class, not just "do" poses. No experience needed, just a desire to use mind and body at the same time. Learn to change body mechanics to healthy ways, learn to prevent injuries, learn to discard complaining, and how to change common injurious yoga poses to healthy ones.

Also available - Silent Vinyasa - for group or private instruction.

 

• Private and group classes on-line and Master classes for instructors, e-mail: Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

• Instructor Training. Come to class. Work so I see you have brains, fun, and good habits. After class, let me know your intent to learn and understand and we will arrange training. Entry course is 200 hours: Includes attending class at least once a week, syllabus and textbook readings, understanding and use of readings in each class, individual homework and class assignments, community service (karma yoga) through an Academy Project, student teaching under my guidance. Certification through AFEM.

• Syllabus for yoga classes.

For practitioners and instructors with pain and injuries from their yoga, and those who want healthier practice.

Class Texts

• Stretching Smarter Stretching Healthier

• Healthy Martial Arts

• Available on the BOOKS page or in class

Class Syllabus

To prepare for each class, photos, free readings, everything explained, and materials for trainer and instructor candidates - Yoga info, photos, theory and practice, free readings and short movies of healthier, intelligent yoga.

 

Advanced Yoga, Healthier and Smarter

Each class includes injury prevention, yoga myths, Zen and Raja Meditation stories, and how to transfer yoga skills to daily life. For instructors, includes teaching skills and spotting injury-producing movement in your own students.

Class Texts. Click BOOKS page

• Health & Fitness THIRD edition How to be Healthy Happy and Fit for the Rest of Your Life.

• Stretching Smarter Stretching Healthier.

• Healthy Martial Arts

Class Syllabus

Class description, photos, theory and practice, free readings of healthier, more intelligent yoga. - Yoga Syllabus.

Yoga on the Exercise Ball

"Yoga on the Exercise Ball" includes solo and partner moves for an entire class of fun, flowing, increasingly challenging balance and strength moves on the exercise ball.

 

Partner Yoga, and Acro-Yoga

Learn healthy movement with a friend. We cover yoga benefits and pitfalls, along with injury prevention. Learn wonderful partner strength and stretch moves that can be done singly or as part of a flowing series called Vinyasa. Spend a rewarding time learning something great you can do together. Options for increasing levels from simple partner stretches to full acrobatic partner lifts and kinetic moves. One of optional electives for AFEM Trainer certifications.

 

 

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Thai Massage, Sports Massage, Tok Sen

With Paul and Jolie, certified in China, Japan, the United States, and Thailand in systems of medical and sports massage.

"I am very grateful and thankful to you about you helping to this Lo-Kunphen school."

- Lama Tenzin, Lo-Kunphen Medical School, Choede Monastery, Mustang Nepal

 

Sharing techniques with Lama Tenzin
Dr. Tenjing Bista, Senior Monk

Thai Massage has been a medical specialty of Thailand since the time of the Buddha. It has been called "The Yoga Done For You" for the application of therapeutic pressing and stretching while you rest comfortably on the floor, clothed, except for bare feet. Delightfully beneficial and physical technique, that is called Nuat Borarn – The Ancient Massage. Bring a cloth to wash your feet, and a towel or soft mat. Have a delicious treat.

 

PRIVATE Thai Massage

To schedule delicious Thai massage, click Thai Massage for photos, info, scheduling, more.

 

Introductory Classes

For those who want to do home massage. Have a wonderful time giving and receiving massage, and learning techniques to take home. Click Thai Massage for photos, info, scheduling, more.

 

Thai Massage Courses

#1 Front techniques - For front of body while lying on back.
#2 Second Course to learn side technique.
#3 Third Course to learn back series.
#4 Sitting techniques.
#5 and #6 Continuing courses for top students.

 

Professional Massage Certification

Begins at 10 hours and up for each course, with 3-4 hour pre-course workshop of Understanding Musculoskeletal Pain and Injury. Then you will know which techniques to use and when, and importantly, why.

Class Textbooks - Click BOOKS page

• Health & Fitness THIRD edition How to be Healthy Happy and Fit for the Rest of Your Life.

• Stretching Healthier Stretching Smarter.

• Healthy Martial Arts.

 

Class Syllabus and Appointment Information

Thai Massage

Dive and Hyperbaric Medicine, SCUBA, Aquatics,
Swimming, Snorkeling, CPR, Water Safety

Dr. Bookspan is a former Navy researcher and NAUI scuba instructor, inducted into the NAUI Hall Of Honor for outstanding contributions to diving education, dive medicine and physiology research leading to safer diving, running international conferences and seminars, and work developing SCUBA and diving medicine textbooks and teaching materials.

 

Tom Kessler MD, MSPH, FAAFP, FAWM, writes:

"So glad to learn of your recognition by peers.
Not that you need it! Your commitment to truth is what all of us should have. Stay warm. TK"

• I teach this class as a volunteer. Fees go to Red Cross.

• Classes held at the Red Cross chapter building 23rd and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia.

Fun Aquatics Skill Classes
with Dr. Bookspan, Certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, Water Exercise Certified, SCUBA instructor, and former national-class competition swimmer.

Paul in the Hudson River

Our fun SCUBA classes - Left to right: teaching on Halloween, in Mexico, in the rain, doing karate

 

 

The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI)'s 2014 Dr. Brown Memorial Award for dedication to research and education in underwater medicine, hyperbarics, SCUBA training, and injury.

 

Dr. Charles Brown was called “America’s Diving Doctor.” According to NAUI, "The Dr. Brown Award recognition is given to the very few whose service to diving is largely out of the limelight. It is a unique award in diving."

I thank Dr. Brown's family. He was a great man.

 

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Top Training Methods

Improve your abilities, learn skills, prevent and fix injuries

"Dr. Bookspan is widely acclaimed for her work in human physiology and sports medicine... known in scientific circles for successfully debunking traditional, but ineffective or wrong ideas. For that reason some have compared her to Galileo for changing the "held paradigm." She is known as a careful and brilliant researcher who has found the reasons why things were not working, and changed the paradigm to a more simple and more effective one. Her methods to reverse pain and injury are gems of common sense management."

~ Dr. Ernest S Campbell, MD, FACS Board Certified, General Surgery (Retired), Chairman Department of Surgery, Board of Directors Brookwood Medical Center. Birmingham Alabama

 

Capt. Chris, U.S. Military

 

Appointments

Private appointments for yourself or groups: How to do it - Appointments and more. Online consult - Individual Care.

Health Projects for your community: Projects.

Certification: See Academy certification info below.

Class Textbooks

Fix Your Own Pain Without Drugs or Surgery,

Health & Fitness THIRD edition - How to be Healthy Happy and Fit for the Rest of your Life,

Stretching Smarter,

Healthy Martial Arts,

Available in class at discount or through the BOOKS page.

 

Class Syllabus

Materials to prepare before class and review after.

Hands-on supervised training and certification - Academy of Functional Exercise Medicine (AFEM). Authorized Academy certificates are by training in person with me (Dr. Bookspan). Smaller certifications of completion possible with specific distance learning, only through me, Dr. Bookspan. Academy student web page lists recognized students  We found these are so sought after there have been counterfeit certificates. Contact me directly to check any student status - Academy@DrBookspan.com.

 

 

 

To Apply

Read about the Academy, then see the Academy Honors page for more about classes and examples of initiative by previous students to develop projects. When you write, indicate what program(s) you want to study with me (Dr. Bookspan - there are no other authorized teachers). Give examples of your initiative and good heart, and how you already use these methods with healthy results. CPR  (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification should be current   or in-process and may be taken through any accredited source.

Class Textbooks

Fix Your Own Pain Without Drugs or Surgery,

Health & Fitness THIRD edition - How to be Healthy Happy and Fit for the Rest of your Life,

Stretching Smarter,

Healthy Martial Arts.

Available in classes at discount or click the BOOKS page.

 

Class Syllabus

Click and read each class syllabus of interest on this page for preparation.

Black Belt Hall of Fame Class of 2015

Ladies And Gentlemen,
Children of All Ages,
Welcome To A World Of Magic And Fun
With Dr. Jolie Bookspan

Take a bow !

 

One of my students, Gina, demonstrates some of the fun techniques we learn

 

Have you ever wished you could juggle? Learn the basics of one, two, and three objects for one and two hands, and knees, elbows, feet, plus three or four hands doing passes with friends. Practice coordination, focus, and light exercise in a supportive class where it's ok to drop the ball. Fun for mind and body.

Instruction and practice in ball, scarves, rings, plates, clubs, irregular and funny objects even unicycle. Wear long pants, socks, and shoes for our outdoor classes. Included at no charge - lots of practice bending to pick things up in ways that are good for your back and knees.

All equipment supplied plus bags of hats, costumes, and face paint for more fun.

Next Classes

e-mail: Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

Juggling with Mike Leroy, professional juggler who developed neck and shoulder pain from balancing refrigerators on his chin. I fixed his neck pain, and we enjoyed juggling together.

 

 

Be the life of the party. Dazzle your friends. Light exercise, major fun. This exciting performance art is sought-after at music festivals, fire festivals, juggling workshops, street performances, cultural faires, and beaches. All kinds of spins, twirls, body acrobatics, effects with fire, light, and fabric. Wear long pants, socks, and shoes. Eye protection always a good idea. Have fun while getting light exercise.

 

Poi Balls Class - Learning to spin poi is easier than juggling. Learn to twirl and spin two tethered weights called poi in a variety of inventive patterns.

 

Firesticks Class - Beginner class introduces twirling unlit staffs with one and both hands. We increase from there.

 

Next Poi Ball Classes

On-line classes forming. If you don't already have your own equipment, a ball in a long sock will do. e-mail: Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

Some of the many sets, ready for the next fun class.

 

Make Your Own Ojo de Dios Mandalas

Make your own inventive and beautiful yarn, cord, fiber, and wood mandalas. For centuries, the Ojo de Dios (Eye of God) has been an important ritual artifact and art. Start right away learning to wrap different colors of yarn to make the basic 4 spoke pattern. Then build on what you learned to make beautiful eight and twelve spoke mandalas. Take home your own hand-made creations. This same technique can be used for basketry, wire art, and making decorative bindings in a variety of fibers. No artistic experience necessary.

 

Next Class To Make Your Own Ojo de Dios Mandalas

For waiting list for classes with Dr. Bookspan, e-mail: Scientist@DrBookspan.com.

 

 

Fun and Useful Wrapped Wire Art

Make your own usable, wearable, hangable, fun objects of art. Choose different gauges and colors of wire and objects to wrap in beautiful or interesting ways, and enjoy a supportive time to develop your inventiveness with wire, stone, glass, beads, silk flowers, wood, and other natural objects. Take home personal expressions of your creativity. No artistic experience needed. Piles of materials provided, along with several different sample boards showing varieties of techniques to try, and tools and materials explained. Come wind and unwind.

 

Learn earrings, necklaces, brooches, rings, and bracelets, PLUS hanging art, sculptures, mirror and photo frames, wind-chimes, headpieces wired with beads and silk flowers, magic bubble wands, hair barrettes, zany wine bottle corks, haunted trees, christmas ornaments, bottle and jar decorations, centerpiece sprays, eyeglass lanyards, zipper pulls, bookmarks, whatever you think of, with the piles of things I will bring for you to experiment on.

Bring long-nose wire pliers if you have them. They are simple hand pliers that have cutting blades so that you can both cut and hold / shape with the same tool. Many people have one in their tool drawer and don't know it. If you don't have any, I provide some to share. Learn to bend and twirl a variety of shapes by hand and with common tools that you can easily continue with at home, without needing to buy expensive shaping jigs.

 

Here are a few ideas I made for students to try in class, or to inspire you to your own creations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make bugs, insects, microbes, paperweights, lovely crafts.

 

Janice is a long-time art teacher and used her own pencils, worn with years of her work, to make earrings.

 

 

 

Nylon Head Dolls

Learn a few simple stitches to make expressive faces. Sew or wrap fun adornments and clothing. Here are a few I made:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apple Dolls

Carve and whittle expressive faces in peeled apples. Attach each apple head to a doll body or other object you make from native and raw materials like gourds, corn cobs, twigs, leaves, fabrics and wire - up to you! As the apple withers and browns, wonderful wise wizened faces appear, serious or comic according to natural forces and your craftwork.

Photos from students coming soon.

 

 

 

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What Students Say About Classes

 

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Karate And Self Defense

With third degree black belt Paul Plevakas Sensei, and fourth degree black belt Jolie Bookspan, Black Belt Hall of Fame, International Martial Arts Association 2004 Man and Woman of the Year and 2009 Instructors of the Year.

 

 

Shotokan Karate

Learn real Karate with gentle patient teacher. Get back into shape or start for the first time. Shotokan martial arts taught in a kind and fun environment. Learn full katas (forms) and self defense. Develop kicks, punches, blocks, strikes, self-defense, partner drills. Self defense techniques, strength and confidence, and traditional Japanese karate with patient gentle teacher. Open to all levels. No experience necessary. Dan Belts welcome. Continuing students can advance belt rank. Discounted textbook is available in class.

Belt rank testing for qualified candidates.

 

Classes

• Private online with Paul. E-mail Paul@PaulPlevakas.com.

• Kedakitai Traditional Conditioning with Paul. Special invitation-only practicum at the Black Belt Hall of Fame. Contact Soke Kanzler EUSAIMAA@aol.com.

• Regular classes formerly at our dojo (school) in Center City Phila and Temple U Center City. If you have a location to hold this class, e-mail Paul@PaulPlevakas.com.
  

 

Class Textbook

Healthy Martial Arts

 

Class syllabus

Photos, skills, map to our dojo, and videos of katas on this web site.

More on Paul's web site.

 

 

SELF DEFENSE

 

Protect yourself. Build confidence. Learn armed and unarmed defenses against armed and unarmed attackers. Gentle instructor will teach you how to use hands, feet, handbags, coins, umbrellas, cell phones, and other ordinary objects against all kinds of bad situations at home and in the street. Learn legal rights and how to spot and avoid trouble. For men and women, all abilities, all ages. Wear your everyday clothing for realistic practice.

Formerly, classes were at our dojo (school) in Center City Phila. e-mail Paul @PaulPlevakas.com.

If your Adult School wants this class, contact Paul@PaulPlevakas.com.

 

Class Textbook

Healthy Martial Arts

 

Class syllabus

Class description, location map, and syllabus.

 

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Home Repair With Paul

Private consulting and instruction available with Paul as your personal repair trainer.
e-mail Paul@PaulPlevakas.com

 

Do-It-Yourself Home Repair - Carpentry, Electricity, Plumbing, Drywall

Save money and say "I did it myself." Knowledgeable and patient teacher and craftsman Paul will teach you exactly how to handle practical repairs and improvements. This hands-on workshop will give you the step-by-step instructions you need and the vocabulary that goes with it.

 

Next Classes

Online With Paul: Contact Paul@PaulPlevakas.com for personal instruction.

Paul's Web Site: PaulPlevakas.com

 

 

 

Class Syllabus

Class photos, description, equipment, and a fun Mythbusters video of a malfunctioning water heater on Paul's web site.

 

 

Fix Your Own Toilet - Repair and Installation for the Homeowner

Save a lot of money learning how to understand and fix it yourself. Practice on a clean working model built just for this class. It's attached to a garden hose for water supply in action, and on wheels to learn from every angle.

 

 

 

Next Classes

Online With Paul: Contact Paul@PaulPlevakas.com for personal instruction.

Paul's Web Site: PaulPlevakas.com

 

 

Class syllabus

Class photos and full description on Paul's web site.

Build Your Own Little Free Library

A Little Free Library is a weather-proof box or cabinet that you can put outside, or anywhere you want to share books. It can be any inventive shape you design. Anyone can “take a book, return a book” in an ongoing free book share. Build your own project to help many on an ongoing basis. Take home your Little Free Library the same day.

 

 

One-day workshop of do-it-yourself skills to have for a lifetime.

We pre-cut the many sizes and kinds of materials you will need for each kiosk and have all your materials ready for you, so you can begin right away with an introduction to tool-safety, and hands-on building.

Encouraging, patient, teaching environment with a skilled teacher.

Come alone or with friends. Take home your Little Free Library to decorate and personalize in your own creative way. Install on your own, or with us.

Class location in Wyndmoor, PA.

 

Next Classes

With Paul: Contact Paul@PaulPlevakas.com for personal instruction.

Paul's Web Site: PaulPlevakas.com

 

 

 

Here is a GIF movie of us making a Little Free Library for the Mt. Airy Learning Tree

Buying materials, measuring, cutting, assembling, caulking, sanding, making decorative knobs and door pulls

 

Success!

Here is the Little Free Library that we built and donated to the Mt. Airy Learning Tree.

 

See more photos and movies on Paul's web site of our students building their own Little Free Libraries in our classes.

 

 

How To Hire a Contractor - Learn how to protect yourself and your home.

Next Classes

Online With Paul: Contact Paul@PaulPlevakas.com for personal instruction.

 

 

Private Classes With Paul

Personal Coaching in Your Home
Consulting
Specialty Sessions For Your Group

 

Inspection, Design, ADA, Home Safety, Renovation, Carpentry. Electricity, Flooring, Wall and Ceilings, Kitchen and Bath, Installing Ceiling Fans, Basic Plumbing - Learn to fix leaks, faucets, connections, and fixtures yourself. Do-It-Yourself Home Repair GREEN. Clean, Earth Friendly, Renovations and Product Use. Everything you need around the house to be safe, and save thousands. 

 

Next Classes

Contact Paul@PaulPlevakas.com for personal instruction.

Paul's Web Site: PaulPlevakas.com

 

What Students Say About Classes

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