Rooted Center

Movement, Stillness & Healing Arts

Rooted Center is the teaching sanctuary of Sylas & Leilani Navar, where the wisdom and efficacy of living arts is cultivated.Drawing on over 35 years of practice—from the combat realities of Kajukenbo to the internal currents of Baguazhang, Xingyi, and Liuhebafa—we offer a unique path for those seeking more than just physical fitness. Whether you are looking to learn self-defense, cultivate energy through Qigong, or restore balance through traditional health and healing arts, our teachings are rooted in the wisdom of ancient lineages and the reality of modern life.
Explore our offerings below to begin your journey.

About

Sylas began his martial arts journey at age 14 out of necessity—to learn how to defend himself. Little did he know the depths of heart and spirit this path would lead him into.
He has been teaching continuously since 18, and over four decades has cultivated himself across multiple systems. He holds lineage responsibilities in Liang Zhen Pu Baguazhang, Gao Yi Sheng Baguazhang, Shenlong Xingyi, and Liuhebafa. His training also includes a classical Chinese physiotherapy system with traditional bone setting, and he holds a 4th Degree Black Belt in Emperado Method Kajukenbo, awarded by his teacher Grandmaster Vince Black.
Alongside combat and movement arts, Sylas researches and teaches Qigong and other energy development systems. As one wise teacher told him: "You can teach anyone how to fight in less than a year, but to develop the true being through these arts is the concealed treasure" This principle guides his teaching—honoring both the practical and the mystery.

Leilani is a Licensed Acupuncturist, herbalist, and functional medicine practitioner. She first started training in martial arts at age 6, drawn to a teacher she saw practicing a sword form in a park. Since 2007, when she began acupuncture school, she has been training in qigong and the traditional Chinese internal martial arts of xingyiquan and baguazhang. Leilani also practices and leads groups in meditation, deep ecology workshops, and dreamwork. Dedicated to the well-being of the landscape of the body and the body of the Earth, she is in ongoing study and practice within multiple lineages of wisdom. Leilani treasures the movement and stillness practices we share at Rooted Center for the ways they cultivate calm, steadiness, courage, strength, sensitivity, responsiveness, and freedom.

Our Practice & Offerings

At Rooted Center, we believe that whether you are taking your first step or refining a lifetime of practice, the path is the same: cultivating the body, quieting the mind, and awakening the spirit.
We welcome students of all levels—from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. Our classes are designed to meet you where you're at on your learning journey. .

Qigong & Energy Cultivation
Moving Meditation for Vitality & Health
Focus: Breath work, gentle movement, and the circulation of Qi (life force).
Levels:
Foundations: For beginners learning the basics of energy flow.
Advanced: Deepening practice for experienced students.
Format: In-person & Virtual.
Ideal for stress reduction, rehabilitation, and enhancing overall vitality.

Classes are held at University Community Park in Irvine, CA.

Chinese Internal Martial ArtsOur martial arts curriculum is rooted in the "Internal" traditions, where the cultivation of Qi (vital energy) and mental intent precedes physical force. Rather than relying solely on muscle, we train the body to move as a unified whole, generating power from the ground up.
Through the study of Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Taijiquan, and Liuhebafa, students develop:
~ Structural Integrity: A rooted stance and efficient body mechanics.
~ Adaptability: The ability to yield, redirect, and respond to any situation.
~ Mind-Body Unity: Moving with conscious awareness and intention.Whether your goal is self-defense, physical vitality, or integrated embodiment, these arts offer a profound path of self-discovery that deepens with every decade of practice.

Stillness & Meditation (Coming Soon)
The balance of motion is stillness, and inner balance is the awareness of stillness within motion and motion within stillness.We offer both in person and virtual meditation gatherings with some instruction on various meditation styles and yogic practices from various traditions. Stay tuned for our upcoming schedule or join our waiting list to stay informed about new offerings.

  • Focus: Cultivating deep stillness, mindfulness, and inner clarity.

  • Format: Both In-person and Virtual sessions will be available soon.

Bodywork & Healing Arts (Coming Soon)
Learning series are coming soon to impart the knowledge and experience of over 30 years of learning, practicing, and teaching traditional methods of hands on healing and plant based therapies, and the healing dimensions of the martial arts.

  • Focus: Traditional Chinese physiotherapy, traditional Chinese bone setting, and somatic awareness.

  • Format: In person.