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Dynamic Qigong™

Qigong for the 21st century

GAIN ROBUST HEALTH, VIBRANT ENERGY, AND DEVELOP FITNESS, STRENGTH & FLEXIBILITY
FREE YOURSELF OF MENTAL-EMOTIONAL TENSIONS & BLOCKS, AND ACHIEVE INNER PEACE & FREEDOM
DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO EMBRACE CHANGE, BE SPONTANEOUS, AND ENHANCE YOUR CREATIVITY

The Taoist Way to Health, Energy & Balance

Dynamic Qigong is a comprehensive system for developing your Body, Energy and Mind according to the principles of authentic Taoist Qigong.

It is designed to offer a single systematic approach to gaining all the benefits of the powerful Taoist Mind-Body arts, in a way that is clear, practical and relevant for the needs of people today.

Apart from Tai Chi, the Taoist 'Internal Arts' (such as Qigong) are almost unknown to the majority of people. This is truly a pity, as these methods are arguably the most powerful and relevant for dealing with the stresses and problems of modern living. This is largely due to the way these Mind-Body arts have been presented: as something 'Chinese' rather than something 'human', and as part of an arcane world that you have to join. It is also rare to find good teachers who are both knowledgeable and able to present these practices clearly to a western audience. As well as this, the multitude of different Qigong systems and sets leave most people bewildered: Which one is best? How many Should I learn? Where to begin? Forget it, I'll go to a yoga class..

The fact is, most people are not Qigong 'enthusiasts' - they would just like to get the maximum benefit from their time and effort when practising a Mind-Body system. And that is why the ancient Taoists devised these practices in the first place.

With Dynamic Qigong, Andrew Popovic has distilled the essence of the Taoist Mind-Body Healing & Development practices into a system that retains authenticity and effectiveness, while providing a more cohesive, comprehensible and way of learning, practicing and benefiting. You will be getting the most powerful, most essential aspects of Qigong and Internal Arts practice in one place, laid out in a clear and systematic training program. Dynamic Qigong is designed to be 100% relevant to your real-life needs, and to give you the benefits of these life-enhancing arts as quickly as possible.

Qigong and Neigong

While the term Qigong is becoming more well known, Neigong is a term that most people haven't heard of. Qigong literally means 'Energy Work' in Chinese, and as such it is a generic term, encompassing many different styles and systems of energetic practices. Neigong means 'Inner Work', and is much more specific - it refers to the deeper practices that work directly on the more profound levels of your energy and physical body. With this deeper work, the results can also be more rapid and powerful. To use an analogy, if Qigong was a car, Neigong would be a Ferrari.

Another key difference between Neigong and more external forms of Qigong, is that in the external forms, there are many movements that are performed sequentially, each with the goal of moving Chi energy in a specific way. In Neigong, however, the external movements are cleverly designed to allow multiple energy movements to happen simultaneously, rather then sequentially. The benefits are twofold: you save time and effort; and a synergy happens when these energy movements are simultaneous - the whole becomes more than the sum of its parts.

Taoist Neigong is without question the most powerful, profound and beneficial of the Chinese energy arts, and can be seamlessly integrated with Taoist meditation & spiritual practices, in a way that many other Qigong systems cannot.

Dynamic Qigong™ and Taoist Neigong

The Dynamic Qigong system is pure Taoist Neigong. It is designed to make these incredible health and self-developments practices easier to learn and understand fully, and truly effective. It is the distillation of a wealth of experience with many teachers, designed to make it fun, engaging and practical to learn these arts quickly and easily.

So what do we learn in Dynamic Qigong™?

Taoist Neigong consists of relearning natural principles; that if your observe a baby or very small child; or many animals; you will see in action. These principles are then embodied in your physical and energetic movement. In fact these principles exist not only in animals and people; but in the forces of nature; in plants; in planets, stars and galaxies; and also at the atomic level. They are quite literally the rhythm of the universe, and what starts as a health and self-development practice with Neigong, can go far beyond that.

The main principles and their meaning in practice are:

Central Stability

This means not being un-centred, physically, energetically or mentally. It means gathering scattered Chi & mental energy, uniting one's being into a coherent whole.

Pulsing, or Opening & Closing

Everything in the universe pulses, from atoms to galaxies. It is the fundamental rhythm, the breathing in and out, the gathering and releasing of energy, and the cycle of Yin and Yang. In Neigong you develop the natural pulsing actions of your physical body; your energy; your breath; and the ability of your awareness to go outwards or move inwards.

Spiralling

Chi energy naturally moves in spirals, as does wind, water, fire, and even subatomic particles. When you develop spiralling movement in your body, you greatly increase the Chi flows, as well as helping to release stuck places in your
body; such as your joints, spine, and sinews.

Being Unbound, without tension

Tension is a production of the mind and emotions - trees, mountains and rivers cannot be said to be 'tense'. Neither for that matter can simple animals; or babies, before their mind starts functioning fully. We think we know where our tensions lie, but most people are unaware of the subconscious tensions that cause their energy and nervous system to become constricted, and their physical health to suffer as a result.

In Dynamic Qigong you learn physical, energetic and mental techniques - and the understanding behind them - to actually embody these universal principles, as well as specific techniques of working with all parts of your body; your spine; breathing; energy channels; and your mind.

The system is designed to be easy to understand and practice, yet with great depth, and a clear and progressive path to greater health; balance; energy; and peace of mind.

Why hasn't there been a system like this before?

Firstly, the authentic Taoist Neigong practices are extremely rare.

Secondly, the reasons are historical: most authentic Chi practices were created at a time when the practitioners were either real-life martial artists or they were dedicated spiritual practitioners. Either way they would train day and night for years, learning many different practices, under the constant guidance of a master; and in the case of the martial artists, learn many fighting techniques.

Most people today lead very different lives to those practitioners of yesteryear. However, the way these arts are taught has remained largely unchanged. People either have to learn many different and seemingly separate Qigong sets and/or learn an Internal Martial Art, many of whose movements are designed more for fighting than for optimum Mind-Body healing and development. Then they have to figure out how it all fits together.

Many teachers feel that they must teach exactly as their teacher did, regardless of the change in circumstances. This is placing the style of the teaching over the essence. As the world changes, without evolution these practices start to seem less relevant, when in fact their essence is more relevant than ever.

Over years of teaching people from all walks of life, Andrew saw there was a need for a skilful evolution to bring the benefits of this tradition to the modern world - and in a way that is free of cultural trappings but focuses on that which unites us all - being human.

Does this keep the effectiveness of these traditional arts?

In creating the Dynamic Qigong system, Andrew's intention was to make absolutely clear the core principles of the Taoist Mind-Body Arts, and to ensure that people could realistically learn and apply these skills for themselves. The different Taoist Qigong sets, as well as the Internal Martial Arts, contain the various pieces of this knowledge. In the case of the Internal Martial Arts it is often hidden within the complexities of fighting techniques.

Andrew's main criteria was to not lose the authenticity and effectiveness of the inner Qigong (Neigong) work that underlies the Taoist Internal Arts. The Dynamic Qigong system is not a 'made up' Qigong system - all the components can be found within the arts of Tai Chi, Hsing-I, Bagua ,and Taoist Neigong.

To get the full picture, you would normally need to train in all of these practices and then put the pieces of the puzzle together. Without the oversight of a good teacher who has trained in all of these practices this is very hard to do.

By extracting the core principles, and structuring the best techniques from each system into a unified whole, Dynamic Qigong brings it all together, with a clear training process, including all the 'secrets' so easily missed, and free of unnecessary extras such as fighting techniques.

The best aspects of all these arts have been synthesised into a system largely based on Bagua circle walking practice,
as it offers the greatest potential for health, energetic, and spiritual development.

Why is this better than a 'modern' Tai Chi Form, for health and relaxation?

Many of the widely taught, adapted Tai Chi Forms promoted as health practices are 'watered down' - missing key aspects of the Taoist Internal Work that can make a practice like Tai Chi truly effective. Dynamic Qigong not only contains these missing elements but also contains energy work that is not found in any style of Tai Chi - but is used in Bagua and Hsing-I.

Why is it 'Dynamic' Qigong?

Principally because Dynamic Qigong is just that - dynamic - physically, energetically, and mentally in terms of the ability to shift between different mental states. At the heart of Dynamic Qigong are the methods found in Bagua Zhang (see below). These include circle walking, changes of direction and energy, coiling and uncoiling actions, spherical movement, and spontaneity. Bagua embodies the principle of dynamic change - hence 'Dynamic' Qigong. This principle of dynamic change allows for extraordinary transformation of body, energy and mind. There are also techniques from the physically and energetically dynamic art of Hsing-I; from Tai Chi; and from the Taoist systems of Qigong.

Do I need a lot of space to practice?

Not at all, most living rooms are easily big enough to practise Dynamic Qigong. It requires less space than a Tai Chi form, due to its predominantly circular nature.

Will it make me fit and toned - can it help me lose weight?

Actually, Yes. Most authentic Tai Chi and Qigong systems are great for balancing your energy and calming your mind, but they do almost nothing for muscle tone, weight loss, and aerobic fitness. Dynamic Qigong, because it incorporates many of the methods of Bagua and Hsing-I, which are very physically dynamic arts, can greatly improve your physical fitness and help you lose weight. The twisting, spiralling motions that the body undergoes in Dynamic Qigong tone your muscles while simultaneously increasing flexibility. The changes in speed of motion, from slow to
lightning fast, work your heart, lungs and circulation very effectively. You do not need to be fit to begin practising - but you will naturally become fitter with time.

Is it a martial art?

While the purpose of all the movements of Dynamic Qigong are solely to increase physical, energetic and mental-
emotional development; many of them when infused with internal power could function as martial techniques. Dynamic Qigong deliberately does not focus on specific martial techniques or theory, but since the Dynamic Qigong system increases flexibility, coordination, speed, and internal connection and power, it can greatly develop martial ability. It is a very useful system for martial artists who are training in any of the internal or external martial arts.

Can I also learn other Taoist Qigong sets?

Andrew Popovic and his instructors continue to teach a wide range of traditional Taoist Qigong and Internal Martial
Arts, alongside the Dynamic Qigong system. Because they share the same core principles, cross training between Dynamic Qigong and these systems only increases your understanding and ability. Please see the Events page for details of upcoming workshops and retreats.

Wu Style Tai Chi

CLEAR STRESS AND ANXIETY - BECOME CALM AND FOCUSED
HEAL BACK & NECK PROBLEMS & INJURIES, AND ACHIEVE BALANCED HEALTH
DEVELOP FLOWING ENERGY, AND SUPERB COORDINATION & BALANCE

Tai Chi is, for most people, probably the most recognizable oriental Mind-Body practice. Its slow and graceful movements immediately suggest its ability to help eliminate stress, and calm and heal mind & body.

Tai Chi (or Tai Ji as it is pronounced) means 'Total Unity' in Chinese. This refers to a state of total unity of Yin and Yang, the dual aspects of existence. This hints at the ultimate spiritual goal of Tai Chi which is a state of total integration and harmony within oneself. Along the way, Tai Chi offers innumerable benefits for mind and body, for people of all ages.

The main practice in Tai Chi is called the Form, which is a series of slow-motion, gracefully flowing movements that embody the principles of Yin and Yang, and the flow back and forth between them, physically, energetically and mentally. Practising the Form not only help with stress and allows you to become calm and centered, but also releases tensions within your body and gently heals neck, back and joint problems, as well as internal health issues.

There is a wealth of clinical studies on the health benefits of Tai Chi - many available on the internet.

There are several genuine styles of Tai Chi (Chen, Yang, Hao and Wu), and all have a distinct character and feel. Andrew teaches Wu style Tai Chi as it has a greater emphasis on the health, healing and meditation benefits, while still being a complete traditional style. It is gentle enough to suitable for people with back, neck and joint problems or injuries, and also is a powerful de-stressing practice.

Andrew teaches authentic Tai Chi, which includes the inner work and the 'secrets' to gaining the full benefits of this life-enhancing art. This knowledge is rare, and missing from much of the Tai Chi instruction offered nowadays. With this knowledge, Tai Chi is a very powerful Mind-Body practice - without it, it is just a relaxing slow-motion dance. (See Tai Chi as a Martial Art for more on this). By teaching thoroughly Andrew ensures his students get the maximum benefits from the time and effort they put into learning and practicing.

For a full explanation of Tai Chi in general, and the Wu style in particular, please refer to Andrew Popovic's book 'Tai Chi - Ancient Physical Systems for Creating Inner Harmony and Equilibrium’ (Lorenz Books/Anness Publishing). Book link

Taoist Meditation

ACHIEVE 'STILLNESS IN MOVEMENT' - ATTAIN INNER PEACE WHILE LIVING FULLY
FREE YOUR CORE ENERGY, OPEN YOUR SPIRIT & TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
FREE YOURSELF OF THE TENSIONS THAT LIMIT YOUR POTENTIAL

These practices are done sitting, standing, lying down, and in particular whilst moving. These powerful Taoist methods enable you to integrate stillness with movement - attaining inner peace and harmony whilst living in the modern world and being an active human being.

It is this integration of meditation and movement - meaning activity rather than only sitting still - that not only makes this tradition of meditation so complete but also incredibly relevant to the needs of the modern world.

Included in these practices are the unique Taoist methods of Outer and Inner Dissolving, where you use awareness and intent to directly dissolve blockages and tensions in your energy at every level,including: physical, emotional, mental, psychic, and karmic. Not only does this lead to greater mental freedom, but it can also spontaneously resolve deep-seated health issues, whose origins may lie at the more subtle levels of your being.

There are many traditions of meditation, and many methods. The ancient Taoist tradition of Lao Tzu is a particularly direct and powerful approach to aChieving inner peace and freedom. Andrew teaches methods that have been transmitted in an unbroken lineage for at least 4,000 years. The famous sage Lao Tzu was simply the first to write these teaChings down, in the Tao Te Ching - they predate him by thousands of years.

Practitioners of Tai Chi, Qigong and the Internal Martial Arts can be taught how to integrate these techniques into their practice, making them a powerful moving meditation.

The inner methods of Taoist Meditation must be learned directly from a teacher who can transmit these practices.

Qigong Healing - Qigong Tui Na

USE YOUR MIND AND ENERGY TO HEAL OTHERS WITHOUT 'BURNOUT'
DEVELOP YOUR ENERGETIC AND PSYCHIC SENSITIVITY IN AN AUTHENTIC WAY
A SAFE & EFFECTIVE TREATMENT METHOD THAT WILL ENHANCE OTHER THERAPIES

Qigong Tui Na means "Energy Work Pushing and Pulling" in Chinese. What this refers to is the ability to move the
Chi energy in a patient using your intent and energy, in order to clear blockages and heal disorder.

Very different from the more commonly found external 'Tui Na', this therapy uses minimal external movements and is
extremely physically gentle, making it highly suitable for use on sensitive patients.

You will learn to connect with another person's energy in a very real way, develop your ability to perceive
blockages and disorder in the patient's energy, and then use energetic pulsing and spiraling techniques to help
them restore normal functioning.

The unique methods of Qigong Tui Na allow you to work with a someone's Chi without sacrificing your own energy,
preventing the 'burnout' which is so common among therapists. You will also learn special methods to protect
yourself from being patterned or influenced by your patient's energies.

This workshop will be of special interest to craniosacral therapists/cranial osteopaths, and all therapists working
with their patient's energy, as well as those who might wish to heal friend/family members.

Suitable for all, including those with no previous healing experience..

Heaven & Earth Qigong

HEAL NECK, BACK AND JOINT PROBLEMS
ACHIEVE DEEP PHYSICAL AND MENTAL RELAXATION
OPEN YOUR ENERGETIC SYSTEM AND RELEASE BLOCKAGES

Considered the most powerful single-movement Qigong ever created, this is a deep and highly effective Taoist Nei
Gung (inner work) system, yet simple to learn. You will learn to release your spine and spinal ligaments, pulse
your joints and internal spaces of the body, gather and release macrocosmic Chi and develop the microcosmic orbit
of your energy. Its name comes from the practice of unifying the energies of Heaven and Earth in your main Tantien energy center (located in the abdomen) during this practice.

Heaven and Earth Qigong leaves you highly relaxed both mentally and physically, with a great sense of physical
comfort. It is extremely effective for healing back and neck problems, and joint disorders.

Suitable for beginners, Heaven & Earth Qigong also forms Part I of the Spinal Neigong series.

Silk Reeling Qigong

CIRCULATE CHI ENERGY SMOOTHLY & FULLY THROUGHOUT YOUR SYSTEM
DEVELOP DEEP RELAXATION IN YOUR BODY, ENERGY & MIND
CLEAR ENERGY BLOCKS & INCREASE YOUR VITALITY

'Silk Reeling' refers to the ability to move Chi throughout your body, as if pulling a silken thread. It is a key skill in all the Taoist movement Qigong sets as well as in Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Bagua. In itself, Silk Reeling is a powerful Qigong method that uses simple movements connected with your awareness and intention to develop your ability to master your Chi energy.

With practice, the skill of Silk Reeling allows you to turn any movement into a Qigong movement, as you are able to use it to circulate Chi. It also dramatically increases the power of any other Qigong set that your practice.

Practitioners of Tai Chi and the Internal Martial Arts should consider this an essential secondary practice, to develop their inner ability (Neigong).

As well as the main Silk Reeling exercises, you will learn standing Qigong postures to clear energy blocks and develop your Chi; as well as Taoist Outer Dissolving, where you use your mind to directly clear blockages in your Chi. Outer Dissolving must be learned directly from a teacher who can transmit this practice.

Bend the Bow Spinal Qigong

RELEASE AND REALIGN YOUR SPINE
HEAL INJURIES, CLEAR ENERGY BLOCKS AND REVITALISE YOURSELF
GAIN STILLNESS, CLARITY AND EMOTIONAL BALANCE

Your spine is the most essential energy conduit in your body, so it's essential to ensure its good functioning.
Back, neck and joint problems can be dramatically improved with Bend the Bow.

As your spine also stores mental, emotional and psychic patterns, these techniques can help you gain stillness,
clarity and mental freedom.

Bend the bow and shoot the arrow is a Taoist metaphor for absorbing and issuing energy using your spine. You will
learn to release your vertebrae and pulse your spine, joints and energy gates whilst storing and releasing Chi.
Effectively this is spinal breathing, at the level of your Chi, and is a deep form of reverse or 'pre-birth' breathing.

Bend the Bow is an essential inner aspect (Neigong) of Taoist Qigong, Tai Chi & all internal arts, as well as Taoist
meditation. This absorbing and releasing of Chi can dramatically increase your health and the power of your
practice, whether for Qigong, martial arts, meditation, or healing others.

Suitable for beginners, Bend the Bow Qigong also forms Part II of the Spinal Neigong series, expanding the
techniques learned in Heaven & Earth Qigong.

Gods Playing in the Clouds Qigong

ENHANCE YOUR ENERGY
CALM YOUR EMOTIONS
INCREASE YOUR MENTAL AND PSYCHIC CLARITY

This profound 5,000 year old Taoist system incorporates all the Taoist Neigong (Internal Work) methods
simultaneously, in an externally simple but internally sophisticated six-movement set.
It functions both as a superbly effective physical and energetic health system as well as the bridge to Taoist
meditation and spiritual practice.

The synergy of Taoist Neigong achieved in Gods Playing in the Clouds allows for release of tension and blockage at
all levels, from the physical to the psychic, and can dramatically increase your internal energetic power.
It clears the mind, eliminates mental and emotional stress, and develops your focus and clarity.

It is easy to learn at beginner's level, but offers endless potential for development of ability. Suitable for
total beginners as well as those with experience.

Dragon & Tiger Qigong

CLEAR NEGATIVE ENERGIES - ESPECIALLY THOSE ACQUIRED FROM OTHERS
ATTAIN VIBRANT HEALTH
DEVELOP ENERGETIC POWER

A powerful 1,500 year-old Medical Qigong system that works both with your external energetic field and your
acupuncture meridians - you'll become extremely relaxed yet vibrantly energized. You can learn to powerfully
project Chi energy from your hands for healing yourself and others, and to develop martial power.

Dragon and Tiger helps clear negative energetic patterning that you may have acquired from other people, especially
negative emotional energies and tensions.

It is an excellent introduction to Qigong for newcomers to the internal arts. It is a particularly useful system
for therapists, who often pick up unwanted energies from their patients, and who may wish to be able to feel Chi
and project it powerfully.

Bagua Zhang - 'Eight Trigram Palm'

RAPID, DYNAMIC & AEROBIC
EMBODIES THE PRINCIPLE OF CHANGE & THE I-CHING
DEVELOPS A FAST AND FLEXIBLE BODY & MIND, VIBRANT HEALTH & INTERNAL POWER

With a distinctly different quality and methodology to Hsing-I and Tai Chi, the art of Bagua Zhang appeared in Beijing in 1852 with a master called Tung Hai Chuan. Tung never fully revealed where he had learned Bagua Zhang, but claimed that he had learned it from and old Taoist sage in the mountains. It is certainly based of the ancient Taoist spiritual practice of circle walking meditation, but whether it was already developed as the complex internal martial art that Tung possessed will never be known.

Bagua Zhang embodies all the principles of ancient Taoist Neigong, methods which can be dated back at least 4,000 years. Many of the circle walking, changing of direction and spiralling movements in Bagua have close parallels in ancient Tibetan and Native American spiritual dances, as well as in Sufi whirling practices. This suggests that the basic principles of circle walking, spiralling movement dates back to before the crossing of the land bridge from Asia to North America, at least 10,000 years ago. These movements create powerful spiralling energies in the body and specifically in the central energy channel, opening key energy centers, or chakras, including those in the brain. It is this core aspects of Bagua that makes it a genuinely spiritual martial art. Beyond this, Bagua is the embodiment of the Taoist I Ching or Book of Changes, which describes the key changes of manifestation in the universe.

As a martial artist, Tung Hai Chuan amazed the martial arts world of the time by beating all challengers with this strange and unique art. He became justly famous and passed the art on to a relatively small number of students, many of whose lineages survive to this day.

While Tai Chi has a Yin quality, and Hsing-I a Yang quality, Bagua is concerned purely with Change - it is not characteristically yin or Yang, but flows between these poles with infinite permutations. Like Hsing-i it is performed at speed, often lighting-fast. It is extremely beautiful to watch, having a constantly flowing and coiling quality that does not resemble any other martial art - in fact it is quite unlike almost any other movement art.

This constancy of flow and change is perhaps the essential characteristic of Bagua - being the embodiment of change it never hesitates and never stops. All the martial techniques, such as strikes, throws and kicks, are delivered on the move. While a Tai Chi practitioner takes a momentary position, or 'root' and executes a technique before moving on, a ba gua practitioner executes the technique as they are moving and changing position - there is never a fixed point. It is almost impossible to pin a good practitioner down - they are moving on at the very same moment that they are delivering a strike, throw or kick.

This is made possible by the internal methodology of Bagua: there is a constant coiling and uncoiling or the body both internally and externally, and the practitioner is always 'walking'. In Bagua all movement originates in the feet (in Hsing-I it is the fist and head; in Tai Chi the waist). This allows for sudden, spontaneous changes of direction, allowing the practitioner to deal with multiple attackers simultaneously, flowing from one attacker to the next seamlessly and spontaneously.

The main practice of Bagua Zhang consists of 'walking the circle'. This opens the energy channels of the body and brain and activates the upwards and downwards spiralling energy currents that pass through it. Various arm positions are used while circle walking to activate and release specific channels.

'Palm Changes' are added to the practice, starting with the Single Palm Change, which embodies the trigram Chien or Heaven, which is pure Yang in nature. After this, the Double Palm Change is developed, which embodies the trigram for Earth, which is pure Yin. Altogether there are eight main or "mother" palm changes in Bagua, embodying the Eight Trigrams or Bagua. These have energetic qualities such as Wind, Thunder, and Fire. They are changes of direction and energy that inherently contain the main martial techniques of Bagua. Further, these eight trigrams can be intermingled with each other to form the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching, embodying all modes of change in the universe.

High levels of Bagua practice are linked to principles of Taoist Inner Alchemy: the transformation of the practitioner's energy and mind, in harmony with the energies of the outer world. Crucial to this level of practice is the principle of spontaneity, merging with the Tao and allowing the flux of universal energies to determine the form that Bagua takes.

Even at an early stage of practice, Bagua develops an understanding and acceptance of change, bringing about freedom from the individual's inner constraints that can limit creativity and human potential.

Bagua increasess aerobic and muscular fitness and heals spinal, joint and internal health problems, while bringing about a feeling of inner peace, clarity, joy and personal freedom.

It is considered by many to be the most sophisticated and profound of the Taoist Internal Martial Arts.

As with all the internal martial arts, actual sparring is not required to obtain the health and mental-emotional benefits.

The Dynamic Qigong system is based mainly on Bagua principles and methods, and offers an excellent way for people to access most of the qualities and benefits of Bagua, without specifically dedicating themselves to this practice, and without the martial focus.

Hsing-I Chuan - 'Form & Mind Fist'

QUICK, DIRECT, POWERFUL & AEROBIC
EMBODIES THE ENERGIES OF THE 5 ELEMENTS AND THE PRINCIPLE OF MIND-INTENT
DEVELOPS THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION, SUPERIOR HEALTH, MENTAL FOCUS & ENORMOUS INTERNAL POWER

Hsing-I has an energetic quality and mental approach that are fundamentally Yang in nature. In a sense, it is simpler than Tai Chi or Bagua, as it uses far less techniques, preferring to rely on the cultivation and application of internal power for its martial effectiveness. It's apparent simplicity conceals an elegance of function over form, and from the very start of training, Hsing-I focuses on internal alignments of the body and energy channels, correct posture, the development of inner (Neigong) skills and the cultivation of internal power and mental focus. The famous saying about Hsing-I is that 'It's not pretty but it works!'. Many people who train in this art actually come to find it very beautiful, in its simple perfection.

Hsing-I uses five main techniques, which embody the Five Elements. They are Pi Chuan - Splitting Fist - Metal; Tsuan Chuan - Drilling Fist - Water; Beng Chuan - Crushing Fist - Wood; Pao Chuan - Exploding Fist - Fire; Heng Chuan - Crossing Fist - Earth. Each element fist develops the energy of its element within the practitioner and will benefit the corresponding organs of the body: Metal / Lungs; Water / Kidneys; Wood / Liver; Fire / Heart; Earth / Spleen.

There are also linking forms and animal forms in Hsing-I, however its most famous practitioners were known for their use of just one or two element fists as devastating martial techniques, infused with enormous internal power. The martial attitude in Hsing-I is that one simply crashes through an opponent, using this inner power.

This power is largely developed through the practice of a standing posture called San Ti - Three Treasures, which is the Splitting Fist held static. With correct posture and internal alignments, San Ti develops the internal energy of the practitioner and also the mental focus - the intent or 'I' (pronounced Yi).

The intent, the Chi energy, and the physical body are connected, or united, until simply by forming a mental intention (I), a good practitioner's energy and body take that form and action (Hsing) instantly. Hence 'Form & Mind'.

Hsing-I is actually over 700 years older than the art of Tai Chi, and legend has it that is was created by the greatest general in Chinese history, Yue Fei. This hints at its no-nonsense quality.

Hsing-I does not appeal to everyone - it is overtly martial in feel and look - but most people who start learning it enjoy the dynamic, rapid quality, fitness benefits, and mental clarity that result. Hsing-I can develop a very strong mind and body over time, and superior health - Hsing-I masters have always been known for their vibrant longevity. Hsing-I particularly suits those who have trouble being focused, expressing or asserting themselves, or are generally too Yin in nature. It develops one's ability to express and develop Yang energy, physically, energetically and mentally. Many women find they enjoy this expression of Yang energy, as a natural counterpart to a Yin nature.

As with all the internal martial arts, actual sparring is not required to obtain the health and mental-emotional benefits.

Dynamic Qigong incorporates many of the key principles of Hsing-I, for people who wish to access some of the qualities and benefits of Hsing-I, without specifically dedicating themselves to this practice, and without the martial focus.

Tai Chi Chuan - 'Total Unity Fist' - Tai Chi as a Martial Art

SMOOTH, FLUID & RESPONSIVE
EMBODIES THE PRINCIPLES OF YIN & YANG, CENTEREDNESS & SENSITIVITY
DEVELOPS A RELAXED AND FLUID BODY & MIND, BALANCED HEALTH, AND FLOWING ENERGY

The most famous of the Taoist internal martial arts - indeed the only one that most people have heard of, people often express surprise and even scepticism that Tai Chi is a martial art. The slow motion movements of a Tai Chi form belie the effectiveness of the martial techniques that are hidden within the postures.

There are several reasons Tai Chi forms are practiced in slow motion: to precisely train the martial movements and techniques into the body's 'muscle memory'; to allow the mind to relax and find stillness and focus; to develop deep relaxation of the nervous system, which then allows for lightning-fast reactions when attacked; and to clear energy blocks and circulate the Chi throughout the body.

Because the health and mental-emotional benefits of Tai Chi are so great, and because it doesn't look obviously martial, it has become justly popular among people of all ages as a health and relaxation practice. Unfortunately, many Tai Chi teachers in the West, and a number in China, do not actually know the martial aspects and applications of Tai Chi. This creates a lack of true understanding of the meaning and function of the Tai Chi Form and principles, which translates into less Mind-Body benefits for the students of that teacher. There is a growing situation of 'empty' Tai Chi - where the extraordinary benefits are missing because what is being taught is just external physical movement. Traditionally this is called 'waving your arms in the air' or (tongue in cheek) 'a nice dance'.

Regardless of any interest in martial arts per se, it is almost essential for any serious student of Tai Chi, who wishes to progress beyond a basic level, to have at least a core understanding of the Tai Chi postures as martial techniques. This is because without understanding what the postures of the Tai Chi Form mean as martial techniques there can be no full understanding of how one's Chi energy should be directed. Thus the mental intent that is necessary to fully direct the Chi would be missing. The movements of Tai Chi alone will move Chi, but not nearly as much as when mind and body are working together.

Another aspect of Tai Chi as a Martial Art is the practice of Push Hands - Tui Shou. This is a two-person exercise that develops coordination, balance, relaxation and awareness, as well as all the core principles of Tai Chi. It is not combative in anyway - more cooperative while challenging your partner to remain centered and balanced under mild pressure.

In a sense, push hands is the bridge between Form practice and sparring, but even for those students who have no interest in pursuing the genuinely martial side of Tai Chi, it is considered indispensible to developing many of the key inner aspects of Tai Chi. It is also very good for your energy circulation and ability to relax under stress. This is because one's natural tendency when pushed even slowly and gently is to become tense - during push hands you learn to relax this fight-or-flight response, which applies to all forms of stress, psychological as well as physical. Many people find push hands great fun, and a nice form of social interaction with their fellow students.

As with all the internal martial arts, actual sparring is not required to obtain the health and mental-emotional benefits.

Dynamic Qigong incorporates many of the key principles of Tai Chi, for people who wish to access some of the qualities and benefits of Tai Chi without specifically dedicating themselves to this practice, and without the martial focus.