Tao Semko graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from University of Miami with a undergraduate (B.S.) degree in Marine Science (major in Biology, major in Oceanography, minor in Chemistry) and numerous graduate credits. He is a National Merit Scholar and Isaac Bashevis Singer merit scholarship recipient. Tao was a nationally ranked swimmer as a teenager. He still spends much of his time in the ocean, and is also a whitewater kayaker, rock climber, bicyclist, and lapsed martial artist. Tao completed more than 3000 hours of rigorous training before his certification by Santiago Dobles in tantric hatha and kriya yoga and ayurvedic yoga therapy (2001). He was certified in 2003 to conduct teacher training. Tao is the founder of Smashan Press and the co-founder of UMAA TANTRA, an organization dedicated to the research and study of authentic Yogic practices and philosophies. He has also trained extensively in Hoshin Tao Qi Gong and Hoshinjutsu with Dr. Glenn Morris. He is a certified Hoshin Tao Qi Gong Instructor and Kundalini Awakening Process (KAP) instructor under Dr. Morris and the Hoshin System. He is member of Hoshinbudoryu, a system dedicated to continuing the legacy of Dr. Glenn Morris, headed by Soke Rob Williams. Tao practices qigong healing, reiki, and pranic healing, and tantric and shamanic healing methods. He is certified in Aromatherapy and Herbalism in Complementary Alternative Medicine (A-CAM) by Miguel Cisneros-Abreu. His first Taoist Qigong initiation was given by Raven Cohan, one of 8 original instructors of Mantak Chia's Universal Tao System, with more from Doctor Morris, and from Sifu Francis Fong; Hindu Tantra initiations from Santiago Dobles & Dinu Roman, including the Mahavidya Cycle, Tantric Hatha, Kriya, Laya, and Raja Yogas; and Highest Yoga Tantra, Anuyoga, and Dzogchen initiations from Gelug, Ningma, and Bon Rinpoches, including the late Ningma Lama Khempo Yurmed Tinley Rinpoche. Terry Waltman taught Tao pranic healing, Carol Rockman taught him reiki. He is grateful for every one of his teachers, named, and unnamed, and for their lessons. Tao lives with his girlfriend Veronica, a documentary and tv producer and graphic designer, in sunny Miami Beach, FL. If you have signed up for a course with Tao, or wish to contact him prior to a course, please use the following:  |
