Internal Arts
Dao In Lung Shen
Dao In translates as ‘cultivating the chi’, Lung Shen as
‘dragon spirit’ (like the serpentine energy of the
kundalini), and Yoga as ‘union’. This sy
stem evolved about
1650 A.D. on Mt. Hua Shan by the meeting of Chi kung masters and Kundalini Yoga masters.
Taijiquan
Tàijíquán (Tai Chi Chuan) is a moving meditation that sets into motion the Microcosmic orbit that vertically permeates the torso, and the macrocosmic orbit, a circuit through all four limbs. The internal energy travelling through these circuits naturally flows into connecting meridians, and masses potential energy into a tidal wave of force. As a healing element, this flow Of energy increases circulation, calms the mind, relaxes the muscles and heals nervous, organic and skeletal problems. As a fighting art its use allows internal energy, not muscular force, to defeat an enemy. When a Tai Chi Master strikes an enemy, his internal energy enters into the enemy’s body, destroying body tissue more than a physical blow could ever do. Tàijíquán advocates relaxation of the body and lightness in contrast to other styles, the Tàijíquán practitioner remains relaxed and calm during a fight, not simply for enhanced reflexes or clear thinking, but also to allow his internal energy to flow unhindered by muscular tension. The relaxation then allows the fighter to casually touch his opponent with enough sensitivity to detect the force and direction of an oncoming attack. In turn his body yields no clues to his own movements. This is the essence of the internal martial art known as Tàijíquán.
Baguazhang
Bāguàzhǎng (Pa Kua Chang) is sometimes called the Eight Trigrams Boxing or Dragon Dancing. The art is rooted in the I-Ching, the Ancient Book of Change. The nature o Pa Kua is circles, addressing the eight directions of the I-Ching. The practitioner walks smoothly in a tight circle and ducks, turns, weaves and changes direction at high speed. Bāguàzhǎng transcends enslavement to the form and becomes a free flowing movement, freeing the practitioner to act and react naturally while fighting. When doing Bagua, work towards fluid, smooth action, roundedness, balanced footwork, and intent focus.
"Flow like water, spin like a tornado, and strike like lightning.
Be calm, be natural and be relaxed.”
Qigong
Qi Gong is the art and science of using posture, movement, breathing, and concentration to gather Qi and promote the strong flow of Qi, ultimately healing the body and the mind. Qi
gong is both a preventative and a self healing technique. The student maintains a posture, or preforms a series of simple movements in repetition, while directing the Qi through concentrated visualization.
Gongfu
The words ‘Kung Fu’ bring to mind images of warriors locked in mortal combat, silver-screen heroes with superhuman strength, quirky wisdom and undefeatable immortality. But the real roots of Kung Fu focus not on the battle but on self-development. The ultimate goal of the way is integration of the mind, body and soul as a means to attain enlightenment of the spirit. Monks of the Shaolin temple sought enlightenment through long periods of meditation, fasting and disciplined living. These heroes of 2,000 years ago combined techniques of mental focus with naturalistic movements they observed in the world around them. The power of this combination made them the spiritual leaders and the most learned scholars of their time – and the greatest warriors, perhaps of all time.
