Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art originally developed for self-defence.
It was popularised in America during the 1960’s by a Chinese master of the art called Cheng Man Ching.Yang Chen Fu was another famous Chinese master who popularised his New Yang style form. These masters of the Yang style developed and promoted the health benefits of the flowing solo form primarily which became widely popular around the World. The Martial side of the art has become more widely known recently although like all martial arts and particularly Tai Chi Chuan is very sophisticated and takes years of dedication under an accomplished teacher to develop.
Components of a class include.
Daoist and Buddhist breath awareness methods of practice.
Daoist and Buddhist Meditation principles and practice.
Self-Massage techniques.
Silk Reeling(connected whole body joint circles and spirals).
Dao Yin and Qigong(leading and guiding energy along specific pathways).
Foundational body training specifically for the practice of Tai Chi Chuan.
Solo forms.Yang Cheng fu/Yang Lu Chan/and Yang Ban Hou.
Partner exercises to include Push hands,Da Lu,and San Sau.
Tai Chi Bang,Ruler and ball exercises.(Also part of the Daoist Yoga on the movement page).
Rooted in the feet. Developed in the legs. Directed by the waist.Collected via the spine. Manipulated through the arms. Expressed in the fingers.
All these key areas are developed from the practices listed above to create the Tai Chi body.
BaguaZhang
BaguaZhang (walking the Zen Circle in stillness expressing the I Ching in movement.)
Walking the Zen Circle *is a Daoist practice based on the intuitive insight of constant change and transformation seen in nature and expressed through the philosophy of the I Ching through the martial art of Baguazhang.
Based on close observations and subtle awareness of the flow of energy in nature and animals within that environment combined with existing knowledge of other Internal Martial Systems and the deep philosophy of the I Ching a sophisticated Martial Art evolved.
Walking Meditation is also in the Buddhist tradition and in Zen the practice of Kinhin(walking in a circle)is done after each session to bring the practice of meditation in relative stillness in sitting to meditation in movement during walking the circle.
Components of the class include.
Daoist and Buddhist breath awareness methods of practice.
Daoist and Buddhist Meditation principles and practice.
Self-Massage techniques to include the Patting system.
Silk Reeling(connected whole body joint circles and spirals).
Dao-Yin and Qigong(leading and guiding energy along specific pathways).
Static and Dynamic foundational body training specifically for the practice of BaguaZhang.
Fixed posture Circle walking.
Solo forms and partner exercises.
Aikido
Aikido is a relatively modern Japanese martial art developed from ancient roots by Morihei Ueshiba(1883-1969). The art was introduced to the West in the 1950’s and 60’s by his son and other teachers and has continued to grow and evolve led by his grandson ever since.
The Do of Aikido means Way or Path in Japanese of which there are many in Japan.
For example - Judo, Kendo, Iaido, Shodo, etc.
Budo (martial way-path) is particularly unique to Japan in how it has evolved from the military fighting arts and skills needed to fight the enemy in war to a way of living with the same spirit in peace with the only enemy being one’s self and potential over reactive ego. Aikido develops the mind and body to respond skilfully and compassionately within a martial context.
The Ai in Aikido means harmony. The harmony of mind body breath energy and spirit within oneself and expressed with others in the practice of this martial art.
The Ki in Aikido is the same as Chi in Chinese and Prana in the Indian tradition which manifests within all phenomena and is specifically developed within the practice of Aikido.
Through practice and the increased sensitivity of the nervous system with mind and body coordinated we can….
Communicate, connect, center, circle, cooperate and control with compassion.
We learn to communicate our intent clearly robustly and honestly in mind body and spirit.
We connect deflect and direct incoming force and circle from our centre with mind and body coordinated to enable control and a compassionate response.
We use non resistance which promotes fluid cooperation rather than tense reaction between partners which inhibits the sensitivity needed for the development of skill in technique.
Components of a class include..
Ukemi (rolling and falling safely).
Atemi (feints and strikes).
Nage (wide variety of throws).
Kansetsu Waza and Osage Waza (joint locks and pins).
Misogi (specific practices to raise the sprit of vitality).
Weapons (wooden sword, staff, knife).
Nishio Toho Iai (drawing of the Japanese sword).