YANG STYLE TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI)
Taijiquan is an ancient Chinese art that is well known for its health
benefits as well as a martial art. The 108 movements of the yang style long form are soft,
gentle and easy to practice. The harmonious, circular movements help reduce stress and
quiet the mind. The practice of Taijiquan helps diffuse negative patterns, thus bringing
an ease and clarity in all aspects of daily life. Classes focus on maximizing strength and
economy. Each movement should be performed effortlessly, yet resulting in great strength
and power. Classes cater to students with both martial and non-martial arts interests.
PUSHING HANDS
The Taijiquan Classics state that once our opponent has just started a
move, then we should counter them before they can complete the movement. We can only
accomplish this if we have attained a high degree of sensitivity, which will allow us to
detect any such movement. Such sensitivity can best be developed through the Pushing Hands
practice. Pushing hands is a training exercise that embodies the concepts of Taijiquan in
a practical application. Pushing hands consists of two practitioners pushing and pulling
on each other in a relaxed manner in order to develop a high level of sensitivity to
internal and external forces. It teaches how to use the opponent’s own strength
against them by absorbing and neutralizing their forces.
QIGONG
Qigong is the ancient Chinese art of meditation and physical exercise.
Qigong consists of breathing techniques, moving exercises, still postures and mental
training. Qigong is well known for promoting internal energy, healing, stress reduction
and extending longevity. There are many different types of Qigong.
CHAN MI GONG
Chan Mi Gong (CMG) is one of many types of traditional Buddhist Qigong
systems. It is best known for it’s rhythmic undulating wave type motions that ripple
throughout the body. CMG is popular for it’s ability to develop internal Qi, regulate
body metabolism, promote health, prevent illness, bring forth latent ability and develop
intelligence. CMG’s special focus on rolling the spine helps to loosen the whole body
and increase circulation. The wisdom techniques of CMG are well known for opening the
third eye and elevating consciousness. The movements of the Chan Mi Gong system are gentle
and very easy on the body. They are simple enough for the beginner to learn quickly.
However, one must be dedicated with time and practice in order to allow the body to relax
and flow evenly. The CMG system is one of the most effective Qigong systems in existence
for loosening the joints of the body. By moving the body in rhythmic rolling and twisting
motions the hips, shoulders and spine become loose and pliable. Once the major quadrants
of the body become loose from practice, the Qi can circulate freely throughout the whole
body. Students of Taijiquan can experience substantial gains in generating circular power
from practicing Chan Mi Gong. Since the Mi (Tantric) sect has its origins in India, the
movements of CMG are similar to those used by eastern dancers.
YIQUAN - ZHANG ZONG
The Yiquan standing postures build the fire in the belly that makes the
steam. The steam clears the mind and gives rise to power. The standing postures strengthen
the body and cultivate Qi. They teach the art of helping the physical body move toward
higher states of relaxation. A regular practice of the standing postures will lighten the
body while making it feel very stable and well grounded.
SITTING QIGONG MEDITATION
Sitting meditation is a higher level of internal training. When sitting, a
person can focus deeply on the breathing and internal flow of Qi. The microcosmic orbit is
a very well known Daoist sitting Qigong meditation. It is popular for its ability to
generate internal medicine. The bending the fingers exercise is for stimulating all of the
major Qi meridians.
XIAN TIAN WU JI QIGONG
The Xian Tian Wu Ji system is a long-standing spiritual tradition within
the Daoist religion. It’s based upon the philosophy of the original Qi. The system is
very abstract and involves freestyle movements. Many believe the Xian Tian Wu Ji system to
be one of the progenitors of Taijiquan.
PUMPING HANDS QIGONG
Pumping Hands Qigong is a very simple technique of using the hands and
legs in a pumping fashion to cultivate Qi. It is one of the most effective ways for the
beginner to experience the feeling of Qi for the first time.
EXTERNAL QIGONG
Hung Gar External Qigong is for developing the Qi to make it very dense
and resilient. Martial artists use the External Qigong to protect the arms and legs from
injury. Consequently, this style of external training is one of the best ways to bring the
Qi deep into the bones, making it very beneficial for health and healing.
THE FAST HANDS
The Fast Hands system is an internal martial arts system. It is used to
generate the short power (Fa-Jing). It is characterized by it’s very short and
extremely fast hand movements. The Fast Hands System incorporates a number of vibrating
and shattering types of blows. The system entails a great deal of mind-intention training
that builds the mind (Yi) and Qi connection.
The term Xian Tian comes from Daoist philosophy. The opposite of Xian Tian is Hou Tian.
Separated the characters represent:
The terms "Hou Tian" and "Xian Tian" are compound terms made up of
two characters. However, to directly translate "Hou Tian" to mean "Later
Heaven" and "Xian Tian" to mean "Early Heaven" is
incorrect.
"Xian Tian" as a term has cultural significance and means
"Original", "Born with", "Occurs naturally". The Daoist use
it in reference to the original Qi, also known as prenatal Qi.
Additionally, "Hou Tian" as a term means "Later", "Acquired
after birth", "Assimilated artificially". The Daoist use it in reference to
Qi acquired after birth or post natal Qi.
The center was named using the term Xian Tian because it reflects the original purpose
of the internal arts. The original purpose of the internal arts was to bring fourth and
fully integrate in conscious awareness the original endowment. The original endowment is
the sum total of all of the physical, mental and energetic gifts bestow upon a person at
the time of their creation.
The symbol commonly known as the yin yang symbol is generally referred to as the Taiji
Tu in Daoist texts. However, the yin yang symbol is also referred to as the Xian Tian Tu,
the diagram of the prior heaven.
