Nia, a body-mind-fitness program, has been steadily gaining devotees since its introduction to the Islands about five years ago.

Classes are now being offered at the Nu'uanu YMCA and the Honolulu Club, as well as on Maui and the Big Island.

The Nia technique is a blend of Eastern (tai chi, meditation, yoga and martial arts) and Western (dance, psychology and aerobics) forms of movements, concepts and philosophies. Many local folks have found Nia to be transformational, fostering personal growth.

Ken Gilbert, of Santa Barbara, Calif., a Nia black-belt education trainer, is in Honolulu for a series of public classes at the Nu'uanu YMCA and the Honolulu Club.

He will also teach a seven-day Nia white-belt intensive training program, today through Saturday and Oct. 12-14 at the Hono-lulu Club.

For some, the training will simply offer a means of personal growth. For others, it may launch them into becoming a Nia teacher.

Sharlene Bliss, recently featured in an Advertiser fitness profile, segued from taking Nia classes for fun to becoming a Nia teacher after a white-belt intensive several years ago.

She originally attended the weeklong workshops for personal growth and body awareness, she said.

But Bliss became so involved with the concepts and philosophy of Nia that she decided to take her training further.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.