About PURA VIDA MARTIAL ARTS
Attending an immersion can be a transformative and enriching experience for anyone interested in martial arts. We provide an opportunity to train with experienced instructors and fellow students in a focused and immersive environment, which can accelerate skill development and deepen understanding of the art.
Pura Vida offers a break from the stresses of daily life and provides an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. We also incorporate meditation, mindfulness, and other wellness practices to enhance the overall experience.
The Immersion Grounds
Pura Vida Tai Chi & Kung Fu was founded in July 2016 with an intention to preserve the natural wonders of costa rica’s nature and build with traditional methods in local sustainable materials. Located on the top of the hill overlooking Playa Ostional, you can often see the glints of lights when the turtles ride the waves to the shore to nest and lay their eggs and the whales breach as they migrate south to have their babies. Ostional is located in one of the five blue zones. Blue zones are areas of the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives, consistently reaching age 100.
Pura Vida Tai Chi & Kung Fu features traditional, natural style architecture with a spectacular view of the famous Ostional surf break. Situated on the very top of the hill, the immersion center has a vast mountain and jungle view in the back with the sound of cascading waterfalls and an incredible ocean view in the front. Surrounded by hibiscus and palm trees, gardens and trees that are home to the howler monkeys, you can smell the sweet aroma of plumeria and night blooming jasmine as you practice on our custom built octagonal plataforma built in all local, sustainable teak. Enjoy peace and quiet with the rhythmic sounds of the ocean and a consistent breeze.
Shih Fu Eileen Hancock - Founder
Shih Fu Eileen Hancock is a visionary and entrepreneur who founded Body Balance Academy of Northern California in 2003. She brings over 35 years of experience in the ancient arts of Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Kung Fu to her students and instructors. She specializes in health consulting and started the Lotus Scholar Philosophy and Health Group in 2009. Shih Fu Hancock founded the non-profit Lifelong Health, Incorporated in 2014 with a vision of spreading Tai Chi and Qi Gong as a global resource for harmonizing the world. In 2016, she created and built Pura Vida Tai Chi and Kung Fu Immersion center in Costa Rica. Her mission is to preserve and teach the ancient arts to optimize health and well being in a modern world.
Disciple to the Tien Shan Pai system
World ranked Kung Fu and Tai Chi practitioner
Internationally Certified Judge and Referee for Kung Fu and Tai Chi
1996 Gold Medalist US International Kuoshu Championship
BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder
Summer Lujan – CoFounder and Health Consultant
Summer Lujan offers her unique knowledge in holistic health and human development. Through the wisdom of healthy living, Summer helps to inspire and empower others with their personal quest for self healing. For over 25 years, Summer has been providing holistic health services for families of all stages. Her mission is to integrate ancient wisdom into the modern world.
Summer supports Body Balance Academy students as a health consultant to ensure the longevity of their martial arts training and the wellbeing of their families.
Summer is currently the vice president of local non profit, Lifelong Health, INC.
California Licensed Midwife
Immersion Instructor
Certified Teacher, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Pilates & Yoga