Welcome to
S.K. GATTS, PhD
Motor Control & Biomechanics
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RESEARCH BIO
I hold a PhD from the University of Oregon in Human Physiology, specializing in Motor Control (the neuroscience of movement) and Biomechanics. I specialized in the use of Classic Tai Chi Principles in rehabilitating balance and movement disfunction. I am interested in how movement can influence cognition. My study was the first to explain how Tai Chi works to improve balance in impaired older adults with surgical interventions to their backs, hips, knees, and arthritis while recovering from a large fast slip while walking.

TAI CHI BIO
Since 1989, I have worked extensively with seniors and people with physical disabilities. Class size varies. The largest class is approximately 40 people, the smallest is a private session. I've developed free hand and stick tai chi routines that condition specific areas of the body/mind unit, enhance chi flow, and facilitate learning of Tai C hi Chuan. They are class favorites, and easy to learn and remember.

I began study of Tai Chi Chuan in 1984, and was accepted as a disciple and teaching assistant of Dr. Marshall Ho'o in 1985. I worked continuously with him until his death in October 1993. I am documented in the lineage of Professor Huang Wen Shan and Dr. Ho'o. More details are contained in the link Tai Chi Chuan.

HOLOGRAPHY
I am an early pioneer in holographic imagery. I learnt the elements of making holograms with Lloyd Cross and Jerry Pethick in NYC in 1972. I learned multiplex holographic imaging techniques from Lloyd Cross, and others at the School of Holography in NYC, San Francisco, and LA. Lon Moore taught me additional techniques of making transmission holograms using silver halide plates. I eventually set up a 35mm motion picture shooting studio for making movies to be printed by the multiplexing process at the Scho ol of Holography, San Francisco. I had been trained in 35mm cinematography and lighting by three of Hollywood's top Directors of Photography: Frank Stanley, Bill Fraker, and Lee Garmes. Their artistry forever added to my knowledge concerning light, shadow, mood, and movement. I used this experience in all my holographic lighting techniques. Eventually I had a dichromate lab. I made all of my own models for the holograms, and designed the setup, as well as shot the holograms and procesed the film. Some of my images are in the JFK Spaceflight museum, the Museum of Holography collection at MIT, as well as private collections around the world. More details are contained in the link Holography.

Manly Palmer Hall
I worked closely with Manly Palmer Hall, founder of the Philosophical Research Society, from 1980 to 1985. Many evenings were spent viewing his private art collections, as well as listening to his many wonderful stories. I participated in the editing and layout for 9 books (including his last book MEDITATION SYMBOLS IN EASTERN AND WESTERN MYSTICISM) and 15 lectures.

I had the opportunity to spend time in the famous "vault," as well as open access to the PRS library. The library contains many rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and artifacts of world civilizations. I was honored to hold in my hands a triangular book and music scores made by the Compte de St. Germain, Hosteen Klaw's crayon drawings of 13 Navajo sandpaintings, photographs and artifacts of Le Plongeon, as well as other 12th-20th Century manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, photographic glass plates, emb roideries, drawings and documents.

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