We had the good fortune of connecting with David Vidato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, how do you think about risk?
If we do not take healthy risks, if we do not step out of our comfort zones, our lives and our careers will stay stagnant. Growth, whether it be mental, emotional, spiritual, will be minimal at best. The same principles apply to career/business. If one does not take healthy risks in career, one may not come to know the true potential of their career/business and the beneficial impact it may have on others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The Martial Art of Tai Chi and the Healing Arts of Qigong and Reiki are lifelong passions of mine.

As a second generation Buddhist, I received my first Reiki Attunement from my mother at age 8. My journey in martial arts started at age 11 in the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do, progressing to Chinese Kung Fu at age 12. As I took my Kung Fu to higher levels, Tai Chi Chuan became my main focus.

I am most proud of being asked to teach Tai Chi at World Tai Chi and Qigong Day in Denver, Colorado for the second year in a row! To teach in international stage is a high honor.

I got to where I’m at today through 20+ years of perserverance. It’s easy to give up and stay in your comfort zone. I’ve had to keep going, with little to no financial assistance and a lot of determination. It has not been easy.

The best lesson I’ve learned is that it’s ok to ask for help, which is also how I’ve overcome many challenges.

The world knows me through the energy I express and through word-of-mouth recommendations from trustworthy sources.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oklahoma City, where I live, has an amazing food scene with some of the world’s best chefs like Chef Jeff Chanchaleun of Ma Der Lao Kitchen.

R&J’s Super Club has the best Grasshoppers in town!

The First Nations Museum is a must to truly understand vital parts of Oklahoma history

Downtown OKC has really come up, but the true treasure is in Oklahoma nature scene.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Master Christophe Clarke, Owner ofChi Life located in Englewood, Colorado!

Master Clarke, 3X World Champion and Former Tai Chi Coach for the Denver Broncos, has watched and mentored my progress as a Tai Chi Sifu. Master Christophe Clarke has been instrumental in my involvement with the international Kung Fu, Tai Chi & Qigong community.

Shihan Kristen Kourvani, Certified Master Teacher of the Usui Shiki Ryoho System of Natural Healing

Shihan Kristen, my Usui Reiki Master Teacher, has been a main source of inspiration and healing. Kristen has helped me see what parts of myself need healing before I help others learn to heal themselves. With Shihan Kristen’s guidance I have learned to safely and gently hold space for others while they are in their transformative processes.

Yogi Desirae Penton-Crosley of Dragon Yoga School/Studio Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Yogi Desirae, my beloved Yoga Teacher, helped me take my teaching abilities to a very high level with over 500 hours of training in her Yoga Teacher Certification Program. I would not be the teacher I am today without her steadfast, rigorous training regiments and high knowledge of how to effortlessly apply the principals of yoga to every aspect of life. Yogi Desirae’s tutelage has been absolutely life changing in more positive and beneficial ways than I can possibly mention.

There are many more I would like to mention, they know who they are. So much love and gratitude to all of my teachers!

Instagram: @bodhisattvabelovedearth

Facebook: Beloved Earth Holistic Wellness & Shihan/Sifu David Vidato

Youtube: Reiki Master Vee

Image Credits
Images with purple Tshirt courtesy of KFrancisco Photography Master Christophe Clarke with me fist bumping

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.