Get to Know Us
Uli and Alfons Staerk, born in Germany, relocated from the Seattle area to Bozeman, MT, in 2020 to embrace a more balanced life. Drawn by the beauty of the outdoors and a desire to provide their children with a healthier and more grounded environment, they settled in the Gallatin Valley, where they continue to pursue their lifelong passions for health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.
With over 30 years of coaching experience, Uli and Alfons offer individualized holistic wellness coaching both locally and remotely. They also lead group sessions in Tai Chi, Yoga, Mindfulness, and Ikebana, sharing their expertise in movement, breath, and creative expression. As active members of the Bozeman community, they dedicate much of their time to volunteering and helping others lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Uli Staerk
MD | Personal Trainer and Nutritionist | Tai Chi, Yoga, and Ikebana Teacher
Uli Staerk is an accomplished coach, teacher, and former medical doctor with a diverse and deeply rooted background in health, mindfulness, and the arts. After earning her MD in Germany, Uli expanded her expertise by acquiring instructor certifications in Personal Training — with specializations in Corrective Exercise, Exercise Recovery, Strength and Conditioning, and Transformation — alongside credentials in Nutrition, Tai Chi, Yoga, martial arts, and Ikebana.
For over 30 years, Uli has shared her knowledge and passion by teaching health and mindfulness classes to adults and seniors and designing and leading creative wellness and art programs for children. She began her martial arts journey in 1993 and holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Karate, along with instructor and examiner licenses from the German Olympic Sports Confederation. Uli is also a certified Tai Chi instructor for Komatsu-Ha and a certified yoga teacher through Spire Yoga School. In 2016, she earned the Yonkyu Shihan teaching diploma from the renowned Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Tokyo, Japan.
Uli has co-authored several books on Tai Chi, balanced living, and leadership, reflecting her passion for empowering others to live with intention, vitality, and purpose. Her coaching approach is truly holistic, blending movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and art to support individuals of all ages in achieving healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling lives.
During the COVID pandemic, she played a key leadership role at Montana State University’s testing and vaccination centers. She has also served as a staff teacher for a local elementary school’s “Mindfulness for Kids” program and led its art docent initiative.
Born in 1967, Uli brings energy, compassion, and a youthful spirit to everything she does — often surprising others when they learn her age.
“Have fun with what you do. Don’t take yourself too seriously. This is not your day job – you can relax.”
– ULI
Alfons Staerk
MS | Personal Trainer and Nutritionist | Tai Chi and Martial Arts Teacher | Leadership Coach
Alfons Staerk is a lifelong martial artist, wellness advocate, and executive mentor with over three decades of experience in Tai Chi, Karate, Kobudo, and other traditional martial arts. He earned his first-degree black belt in 1996 and achieved his fourth-degree black belt in Karate in 2005. Since 1993, he has taught martial arts and Tai Chi to students of all ages and backgrounds, emphasizing both practical self-defense and the physical and mental health benefits of these disciplines. He holds instructor and examiner licenses from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (2004) and a Tai Chi instructor license for Komatsu-Ha (2009).
Alfons’s teaching blends traditional martial arts principles with modern insights into movement, balance, and mindfulness. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer with specializations in Lifespan Coaching, Corrective Exercise, Exercise Recovery, and Transformation. His approach empowers individuals to improve their mobility, strength, and resilience at any age.
Outside of his wellness work, Alfons had a 25+ year corporate career, holding senior executive leadership roles at top global organizations including Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Amazon, Microsoft, and Montana State University. Despite his corporate success, his deepest fulfillment comes from coaching, teaching, and mentoring others — whether in the dojo, the boardroom, or the mountains.
An author of several books on Tai Chi, balanced living, and leadership, Alfons brings a unique blend of discipline, curiosity, and compassion to all he does. Born in 1966, he has a lifelong passion for sports, mindfulness, and the outdoors — including hiking, biking, skiing, and most recently, rock climbing. He thrives on exploring new challenges and helping others grow in strength, confidence, and purpose.
“Relax and enjoy how Tai Chi will make you feel. Perfection of technique will come over time.”
– ALFONS
