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Tai Chi - Chi Kung - Pa Qua Program
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Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese art of self-defence,
conceived as a series of
soft, slow, and flowing sequences of movement specifically designed to
cultivate and direct the internal power
that circulates through one's system, which improves the practitioners'
health, and provides a source of energy for self defence. This internal
power, the foundation to all life is termed Chi and is unlike external or
physical energy. Chi is formless, limitless, and most importantly for self
defense, can be applied in a much more focused, and concentrated manner than
physical energy.
 The
twofold aim of the practice of Tai Chi is to increase one's Chi
and to learn how to harness it. Tai Chi Chuan is rooted in the Taoist
philosophy which dates back to the fourth century AD.
"Yin and Yang in succession:,
the Tao te Ching says, or a flow from passive
to active or vice versa, "is called the Tao".
To this, Fu Yu Lan later added that, "if one understands these laws, (the
Tao), and regulates one's actions in conformity with them, one can turn
everything to one's advantage."
To generate great power you must first totally relax and gather your
strength, and then concentrate your mind and all your strength on hitting
your target. By harnessing all the energy available, and delivering it in a
focused and concentrated manner, one is able to propel a much larger and
weightier opponent through the air, with a blow that commenced only one inch
away from the opponent's body. This "one inch punch" is a fine example of
the power of Chi, and this is why Tai Chi Chuan was called the Grand
Ultimate Fist. The styles of Tai Chi Chuan
we teach are Chen, the oldest style in existence and the Beiging short form
which is the set that is most practiced throughout the world.
Ba Gwa Chang (Eight Trigram Palm)
 Ba
Gwa (sometimes written Pa Qua), like Tai Chi Chuan, is rooted in Taoism and
is practiced to cultivate the Tao (manifest heaven and earth and order yin
and yang). Ba Gwa is also similar to Tai Chi Chuan in that they are both
internal schools of Chinese boxing (Niei Chi).
Ba Gwa shares roots with Tai Chi Chuan that go back to
the Taoist monasteries but its modern
protagonist is Tung Hoi Arnan (1789-1879). Many stories about Tung have been
passed down. One tells of how he was sitting in a chair leaning against a
wall when the wall collapsed. His disciples, fearing that he had been buried
alive, rushed in looking for him, and found him sitting in the same chair,
leaning against another wall. A similar anecdote tells of how he was napping
one autumn day and, as the air was quite chilly, his disciples picked up a
sheet and quietly tried to cover him. When they put the sheet down, however,
there was no one there! "What's the matter with you?" asked Tung from the
window where he was sitting. "Why did you try to startle me?."
The primary goals of Ba Gwa are to harmonize
one's vital energy and strength and to understand the changing nature of the
universe. Its physical manifestation is quick
anticipatory movement away from danger behind one's opponent.
Chi Gung (Working On Your Chi)
Chi Gung also written Qui Kung means
working on your Intrinsic energy
(suggests building or cleansing it). Chi Gung is the
study of the energy of the universe. There are three general types of
energy: Chi Tian (Heaven Chi), Dih Chi (Earth Chi), and Ren
Chi (Human Chi). The Chi or energy which flows through our bodies is
influenced by the energies of the earth and heavenly bodies.
In order to have a healthy and harmonious life we need
to be in balance with the energy of the universe and in balance unto
ourselves. Through the practice of Chi Gung one
is able to strengthen and balance Chi circulation and slow down the
degeneration of the body -- gaining
not only health, but a
longer, happier life.
Stress relief
is
an essential part of overall fitness and
wellness. And there can be no doubt that "solice
comes through repose". However, in a hectic fast paced lifestyle we
sometimes need a more dynamic means or a variety of means to
reduce and eliminate our high levels of stress.
Testimonial
"…Approximately nine years ago I was diagnosed with a
malignant brain tumour. I was told that I had only several months to live.
Fortunately I began my training with Sensei in Niei Chi: Tai Chi Chuan, Ba
Gwa Chang and Chi Gung. It was time to rid my body and mind of the poisons
that had manifested themselves. It was time to replenish, to rejuvenate. I
was on the path of self-discovery and enlightenment. This path saved my life
and changed it forever. I was taking charge of my health, developing my
vital energy, reawakening my desire to forge ahead and grow.
My ongoing training in Niei Chi opens the door to continued opportunity,
hope, and infinite learning. I recommend this to anyone with the desire to
take a proactive role in healing and maintaining balance in their physical,
mental and spiritual lives…"
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