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PERSONAL MASTERY
TAI CHI CHUAN
QIGONG TRAINING
INSIGHT MEDITATION
THE ENNEAGRAM
INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS
CORPORATE
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INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS |
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The major Chinese "internal" martial arts are Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), Baguazhang and Xingyiquan. These arts all share very sophisticated body mechanics and energetics (Qi Gong) which build up internal and external strength in the practitioner and make them devastatingly effective.
Our mind-body self-defence course draws on the strong points of all three of the above internal styles. Other specialized martial arts courses include weapons and Shao Lin Quan.
Pa Kua Chang (also spelled Ba Gua Zhang) is one of the most beautiful and effective martial arts, used by professional bodygaurds in China to fend off all-comers from other martial systems. With its fast circular walking and continuous, coiling, turning, twisting movements, it has been likened to a spinning energy ball, a fan or a tornado. It has been called "rolling thunder" kung-fu, hard to pin and capable of erupting at any time.
Training methods include circle walking, the 8 palm changes, palm training, qi na (grappling), rooting, dynamic and static postures and Qi Gong, which helps build internal strength for both health and martial purposes. Like the two other main styles of "internal" martial arts - Tai Chi Chuan and Xing Yi Quan - Ba Gua Zhang is an integrated mind-body art that uses powerful wave-like whole body dynamics and continuous, circular techniques that keep on flowing in to take control of the opponent's centre core.
Benefits include suprisingly effective self-defence capabilities, aerobic training, improved breathing and coordination, increased flexibility and whole body speed and internal energy skills (Qi Gong). Since it is based on the same principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), basic training is as beneficial for internal health as for martial prowess.
Xing Yi Quan is the most direct of the three "internal" Chinese martial arts, which also includes Taijiquan and Baguazhang. It is likened to the head of the dragon or to a cannon ball of energy (Qi) because of its powerful and devastating closing techniques. The legendary 12th century Chinese general, Yeuh Fei, used it to train his victorious troops and in more recent times, Xingyiquan fighters were famous throughout China. Xingyiquan provides vigorous training for the internal organs.
This style of Xingyiquan, which can be traced back to Liu Qi-lan, is based on the Wu Xing Quan or Five Element Fists Splitting (Metal), Drilling (Water), Smashing (Wood), Pounding (Fire) and Crossing (Earth). Subsequent training includes the Five Element Linking sets, the Twelve Animal sets and 2-person sets. Related training includes Yi Quan standing meditation postures, which are a powerful Qigong tool.
The Five Element Fists are based on Five Element Theory, which is prominent in Chinese philosophy generally and specifically in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Five Element theory works not only as a martial strategy but also in terms of health. Thus as you train, you are purifying and strengthening the whole mind-body system and especially the five Yin organs lungs, kidneys, liver, heart and spleen. This martial art also trains focus and intent because its approach is so direct. |
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EVENTS |
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