Table of Contents
By Carly Robertson, B2B Online Content Editor
Back2Basics long-term residential drug rehab congratulates it’s own martial arts instructor on his doctorate in physical therapy.
Ben Scharfenberger, Kung fu and Qigong instructor at Back2Basics long-term drug rehab and alcohol treatment program, recently graduated from Northern Arizona University with a doctorate in physical therapy.
Scharfenberger has been studying the practice of martial arts, Kung fu and Qigong since age 19. Instead of pursuing a more traditional route in Chinese internal medicine for his education, he looked to the three-year doctorate program at NAU to move forward in his field and practice.
“It is an old custom of Chinese martial arts that you become well versed in Traditional Chinese Medicine,” said Scharfenberger. “Physical therapy was better suited for me and my family; I’ve had opportunities to combine martial arts with my studies [at NAU].”
Founder and CEO of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventures, Roy DuPrez was roommates with Scharfenberger in 2000. Years later, DuPrez came to him about his potential business endeavors — a “back to basics” drug rehab and alcohol treatment center.
“He saw the character and physical benefits of Kung fu training through a mutual friend of ours,” said Scharfenberger. “The goal is to improve clients’ health and expose them to something different.”
Scharfenberger teaches Kung fu and Qigong twice a week, bright and early at Back2Basics Outdoor Adventures. By combining his expertise in martial arts and studies at NAU he is able to lead a class that simultaneously nurtures each client’s physical abilities, while improving their mental disposition.
“Every group that has come through is different, which is a challenge for me,” he said. “I have to monitor their physical state upon their first time taking the class. That’s where my physical therapy schooling has come into play.”
The benefits of Kung fu and Qigong classes with Scharfenberger go beyond the physical.
“My observations have been increased energy and strength, improved disposition, patience and agility,” said Scharfenberger. “Because [Qigong] is so introspective, you have to be present and in the moment. It’s not like running on a treadmill while watching TV. So it teaches clients how to be in the moment and enjoy something different that they might not have explored on their own.”