Dr. Anthony James CMT, ND, MDAM is teacher, writer, explorer recognized worldwide as the Father of Thai Yoga and Thai Massage in the US. As the only Aachan and Master teacher of Thai Yoga in the US his uplifting and empowering teachings bring insight and sophisticated understanding to Yoga and Yoga therapies. He began exploring Yoga and Martial Arts at the age of 11 and has never stopped seeking dynamic, life and health transforming teachings and methods. His own life and experience of accident, injury and cancer lead him to explore many additional systems of healing and to incorporate them into a cohesive system of SomaVeda@. Additionally Dr. J, a Crow tribal member by adoption, incorporates his native american heritage and teachings in a vital way.
He has been teaching Thai Yoga and Thai Massage full time since 1983 and has accumulated many honors and recognitions from the Thai People. Among his many accomplishments are;
Wrote and published the very first book on Thai Yoga and Thai Massage in 1983.
Started the very first Thai Yoga Program in the US in 1984
Received Friend of Thailand Award for contributions to Thai Culture from Royal Thai Gov't 2002
Received Aachan (Master Teacher) recognition and Certification, Anantasuk School, Wat Pho Association of Traditional Thai Medical Schools/ Royal Thai Ministry of Health 2006
More than 6000 students have come through Dr. J's classes to date!
As a leader and Indiana Jones style adventurer , Dr. J has lead over 100 eco-friendly tours of Thailand , Burma and India for over the last 25 years. A writer for many magazines and publications since the 80's and author of Thai Yoga Books, Video's and electronic media.
Courses developed by Dr. James are intended to take the principles of basic Thai Yoga / Thai Massage to a whole new level and understanding in the context of both traditional and modern medical ideas and techniques. As a Western MD specializing Indian Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine and Naturopath (ANMA), Dr. James is uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between Thai, Ayurveda and western health concepts. The major contribution that Dr. James brings is the clinical and applications understanding to every class and every program while at the same time emphasizing always the spiritual roots and perspectives that have endured in these Thai traditions for thousands of years. His holistic and natural healing emphasis brings the work to life in a friendly and loving environment.
Current Projects:
Aachan James is Founder of the famous SomaVeda™ Institute, a 18 acre residential training facility in Talbotton, Georgia, home to The Thai Yoga Center and The National Center For Thai Yoga and Massage and host to the NTYMBCB Thai Yoga and Thai Massage National Board Examinations. The Thai Yoga Center Holistic Health Provider Program is currently the only Yoga based curriculum to allow graduates to sit for the Naturopathic National Boards for Traditional Naturopath.
Aacharn James is currently developing a standardized, bi-lingual, Thai Yoga and Thai Massage program under direction and patronage of Mr. Khwankeo Vajradaya, Chairman Rajaprajanugroh Foundation, Chairman Distance Learning Foundation Thailand and Grand Chamberlain to H.M. King Bhumibol.
Aacharn James is the Co-Owner and Chief Instructor / Program Director of The Institute of Thai Yoga and Massage in Pang Lan (ITYM), a Royal Thai Ministry of Education and Ministry of Traditional Medicine Accredited Traditional Thai Medical Yoga and Massage School in Chiangmai Thailand (2007 to date). This residential and full-time training program in cooperation with the Thai village of Pang Lan offers both Thai and non-Thai students a long-term intensive certification. ITYM offers fully accredited full-time residential training programs in a variety of Thai Yoga courses, with new enrollments and courses beginning every month. The curriculum is Thai Ministry of Education approved under the Wat Po, SomaVeda, Anantasuk and Nuad Boran systems.