Who is Terrafit Yoga?

James Smith

Owner/Coach and Instructor

Each one of us has a unique individual story to tell. I was asked to do a brief bio of my journey so far. I was diagnosed with serious congenital heart defects  in 1960 and not given long to live. Two years later, further modifications of the heart-lung machine made it possible for me to have one of the first successful open-heart surgeries.  At  age 7, I started to become aware of the challenges before me. With support from family and community, I nurtured a positive can-do attitude despite my diagnosis of progressive extreme scoliosis a few years later.  I explored options and found them to be limited .I walked with intermittent pain that went on until my early twenties that eventually became chronic. My search led me to several individuals who pointed him to a better quality of life dedicated to personal maintenance. This included movement, flexibility, strength, and endurance as well as nutritional adjustments. 

I found chiropractic to be helpful and started learning in-depth nutrition courses to become a certified nutrition coach.  I also explored bodybuilding through resistance training under the tutelage of Dave Draper, a former Mr. America, and Mr. World winner. Found a mentor in Dr. Arthur Fagenholtz, who certified me as a master of Stick Yoga. In addition to that, I learned and mastered the ways of the "Chinese wand" discipline from Bruce Johnson. 

I have achieved a personal trainers certificate in kinesiology from Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA and study several forms of yoga, as well as animal poses. I am also certified by the American heart association for CPR , AED, and emergency first aid.