About Your Instructor

Kris Brinker has been a practitioner of the internal arts in Northern Virginia—Tai Chi (Taiji), Chi Kung (Qigong), Yoga—since 1989. She has offered various private, semi-private, and group classes throughout Burke, Springfield, Centreville, Chantilly, Manassas, Gainesville, Bristow, Herndon, Reston, South Riding, Sterling, Dulles, and Fairfax Virginia since 2003.

She originally turned to these practices to help manage and relieve chronic pain due to injury and stress. Realizing the tremendous benefits she experienced herself, she passionately decided to learn to teach these practices and techniques to others. She earned permissions and certifications and began teaching in 2002.

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Kris quickly pivoted to transform her classes into a rewarding virtual online Tai Chi experience using the Zoom platform to keep her students engaged in a practicing, supportive community. To support those unable to join the live classes, she also created an online on-demand Tai Chi class platform to allow even more people to experience Tai Chi.

Kris’ early roots began with traditional Yang style Tai Chi and Hatha Yoga and later began classes with Peaceable Dragon instructors in 2002. She continues to focus her study and teaching on the Cheng Man-Ching variation of the Yang-style form as well as numerous variations of Qigong including Tai Chi Shen Gong, and the Sheng Zhen Wuji Yuan Gong forms, among others.

Kris is authorized to teach by The International Sheng Zhen Society and Master Li Jun Feng, principal teacher of Sheng Zhen Qigong, and former head coach of the Chinese National Wushu (Kung Fu) Team.

During the day, Kris helps companies grow better and faster as co-founder of Ocean 5—a successful growth agency right here in Northern Virginia. She sees and experiences the stresses and pressures of her clients, and associates and strives to bring the encouragement of calm and balance into her professional, as well as her teaching world. You can learn more about her professional side HERE.

Kris is also a certified Reiki master, enjoys hiking, racquet sports, kayaking, cooking, and visiting local wineries. In addition, she often finds a warm cup of chai and dark chocolate to be extremely inspiring.