Note: this is an excerpt from the upcoming Elastic Force Qigong book.
We aim to publish the book in 2026.
In a world where many choose to specialize, focusing their
energy and talents in a single discipline, Mark Rasmus stands
as a compelling counter-narrative. Mark is the original
founder of Elastic Force Chi Kung. His life—rich in
experience, rife with challenges, and defined by mastery
across seemingly disparate fields—invites us to explore the
possibilities that come with unbounded curiosity and
relentless pursuit of personal growth.
Mark's journey began in Canada, a land of sprawling
wilderness and stoic beauty. He was close with his father
from an early age, their relationship being a cornerstone on
which many of his future pursuits would be built. But not all
of Mark’s foundational experiences were so comforting. A
serious accident in his youth would drastically shape the
trajectory of his life: falling from a tree, he suffered scoliosis, a
condition that could have confined him to a life of physical
limitation.
Instead of succumbing to adversity, Mark turned to martial
arts. From the structured movements and discipline of
martial training, he found not only a coping mechanism but
also an effective treatment for his condition. Martial arts
would serve as Mark's first foray into the world of intrinsic
principles that govern energy, movement, and balance—
themes that would recur throughout his life in various forms.
IN his early years, he had moved from canada to South
Africa for a few years. Thereafter, he then moved to australia,
where he settled into for the majority of his youth.
In his late teens, Mark’s life took another dramatic turn
when he met William Cook Edwards, a renowned teacher in
the esoteric practice of Hermetics. Under Edwards' tutelage,
Mark became one of his youngest—and one of his most
advanced—students. He quickly achieved proficiency in a
variety of disciplines, including Hermetic initiation,
Evocation, and Kabbalah. His spiritual education also
expanded to include the practice of deity yoga, connecting
with Buddhist deities in a way that enriched his already
diverse spiritual repertoire.
Mark's thirst for knowledge was paralleled only by his
eagerness to share it. Even as he was still a student of
Edwards, he began to impart this wisdom to his martial arts
students, integrating metaphysical principles with physical
training in a synthesis that was both innovative and effective.
While spiritual growth was a significant focus, Mark never
neglected his physical disciplines. He became a world-class
Wing Chun fighter and instructor, his teachings enriched by
his varied background. The unique blend of martial arts
expertise and esoteric wisdom made his classes more than
just a place to learn fighting techniques; they were a crucible
for holistic human development.
Adventure, it seems, was always calling Mark. He traveled
through New Zealand, worked as a bouncer, and even took
on the unusual job of cleaning the inside of fish tanks at an
aquarium in Australia. Each experience, however disparate,
contributed to the ever-expanding tapestry of skills and
wisdom that Mark was weaving and practicing his intrinsic
energy principles.
In the early 2010s, Mark moved to Thailand, a country
whose own blend of ancient traditions and modern hustle
seemed a fitting match for his eclectic life. He lived there and
in Japan for over half a decade, settling eventually in Chiang
Mai, Thailand. The city, known for its beautiful temples and
vibrant expat community, became his base for hosting
workshops on martial arts, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and Hermetic
principles.
While Mark continues to host workshops in Chiang Mai,
he remains a jetsetter to this day, ever in search of new
experiences and challenges. If he is not exploring a brand
new country, he can be found visiting his favorite cities and
shrines across Japan and more recently the Philippines. His
life stands as a testament to what can be achieved when one
views challenges not as limitations but as springboards to
greater heights.
Mark Rasmus' story is an eloquent testament to the
richness of life that awaits those who dare to step beyond the
boundaries of convention. His journey—from the lifelong
challenges of scoliosis to the mastery of physical and
metaphysical disciplines—illustrates the infinite potential
inherent in the human spirit.
The integration of martial arts, Hermetic wisdom, and an
insatiable appetite for adventure has allowed Mark to
manage his condition effectively. He led not just an active
lifestyle for the majority of his life, but one of high quality,
lofty spiritual attainments and remarkable endurance. His
unique synthesis of disciplines through the Elastic Force
System offers a compelling model for holistic well-being,
proving the paths to physical and spiritual fulfillment.
Mark's story reminds us that life is not about choosing
between disparate paths but about walking them all with
courage, curiosity, and an open heart.
Instead of trademarking the Elastic Force System or
creating any hierarchy around his teachings, Mark freely and
openly shares his teachings with 100% transparency with his
students, something that is almost unheard of in the study of
intrinsic principles. His students have become the leading
experts in Tai chi, world class martial arts, medicine
practitioners, special forces leaders, and even some
household names in the business world.
While most teachers see their students as just being that––
students, Mark sees everyone as teachers. By treating you as
a teacher, he hopes you become one and not only gain
mastery over the material. But that you succeed his own
capacities. This is a hallmark of Mark’s attitude, placing his
full faith in the next generation of teachers and valuing the
evolution and growth of in how you choose to adapt his
system for your unique needs over adhering to tradition.
I hope that by sharing Marks story, you can better
experience the intention and true spirit of the elastic force
system he founded.
If you want to work with Mark Rasmus, you can book with him at Markrasmus.org
