about Sam

I'm a shiatsu teacher and practitioner living in NYC. While studying Comparative Religion and Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and becoming curious about the practical aspect of what I was so fascinated by, I began to study yoga and meditation and, after moving to New York, I continued to practice and teach yoga, focusing on the relationship between the practice of yoga and traditional Asian healing arts, studying Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, martial arts, and shiatsu with Pauline Sasaki, Wataru Ohashi, and others. Learning about touch, movement, healing, and the relationship between them fascinated me and I dove deeply into it, seeking out teachers wherever I could find them.

I began my shiatsu practice in 1985 and started developing the curriculum and teaching at the Ohashi Institute shortly afterwards. In addition, I have taught both students and teachers throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. I find it rewarding to help other people develop self awareness and the ability to heal themselves (because it gives me the opportunity to do the same.)

I also teach enhancement workshops and seminars based on my study of yoga, Feldenkrais Method, Gestalt therapy, Zen Shiatsu, TCM, and martial arts. I am currently excited to be working with Strala yoga founders Tara Stiles and Michael Taylor to further develop their teacher training program.

In my free time you'll find me hiking, traveling, building computers, renovating apartments, cooking, and still trying to learn to play Bach well.