Qigong | Classes in NJ | Yiquan

Wang Xiangzhai

Qigong exercises are generally performed with relaxation and focus (in some instances, tension is consciously used for a specific purpose). The mindful movements of Qigong gently stretch the body and sinew channels to promote a balanced flow of qi. Proper practice also develops the resilience, whole body connectivity and flexibility of the fascial/connective tissue system. Qigong practicing can be more yin or nourishing, or more yang and energizing. Once you understand what you need for balance, you can use the appropriate type of Qigong to attain that. Scientific studies in China have shown that Qigong can catalyze increased blood flow right down to the capillary level. Practitioners know that consistent Qigong practice can build harmonious energy and a deep sense of centeredness.

** Qi meaning life force is very simplistic and limited. To begin a deeper understanding of "Qi", please read this: http://jaybulloch.com/articles/what-is-qi/ and start practicing Qigong or Taijiquan.

                                                                            Qigong Resources and Videos

Common Mistakes in Qigong and Taijiquan Practice by Sifu Mark Rasmus
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvSMOD1OV8&t=127s
Sifu Mark Rasmus has hundreds of fascinating free videos on Youtube covering
Qigong, Taijiquan, Wing Chun, Hermetics, Healing and Meditation

Dealing with side effects in Qigong, Sifu Mark Rasmus:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AGfQ1koYn8

Eight Pieces of Brocade at Taoist Temple
www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6kNW504Jjs
please be careful with how far you stretch your neck....less is better for most

One of the Master's I learned Ba Duan Jin from :
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XmD9K68Wwc

A quick and simple style of Qigong:
http://youtu.be/3zL4DyguWAk

More on Qigong self-healing-one approach:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXMSvxk0LRM

Another version of 8 pieces of the Brocade:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=445Fz8AQvX8

Recommended Books on Qigong:

A Comprehensive Guide to Daoist Nei Gong by Damo Mitchell
Decoding the Dao by Tom Bisio
Opening the Energy Gates of the Body by Bruce Frantzis
Heal Yourself with Qigong by Suzanne Friedman
Restoring Your Life Energy by Waysun Liao
The Master Key by Robert Peng
Meridian Massage by Cindy Black

Qigong websites:
http://www.qi-journal.com/index.asp

Qigong Meditations:
http://www.neiyanggong.us/jing-gong.html

Qi Magazine free download:
http://www.qimagazine.com/qimagazine00.html

Comprehensive site about Traditional Chinese Medicine:
http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/front/index.html

Acupressure points: Locations, uses and charts, http://www.yinyanghouse.com/



What is Yiquan?

  Yiquan is a powerful martial, health and spiritual art which uses standing meditation for its foundation. These practices were found to rapidly build total well being, proper structure and internal power. Our classes feature these standing meditations for well-being, known as "Zhan Zhuang" or "post standing", along with slow motion drills or "shili" and stepping methods. A primary aim is the expansion and realization of Awareness creating the integration of body and mind with deeper levels of attention, will and intention. These skills can be used in martial arts or other life pursuits. Yiquan can reveal how to be natural in an unnatural world, how to stop fighting yourself on all levels and how to liberate your intrinsic power and talent. As a martial art, Yiquan training requires great perseverance, deep understanding and careful step by step cultivation of mind, body and spirit.
“Yi” (pronounced “ee”), refers to the concentration of mind and intention but in Yiquan it refers to something between "attention" and "intention". “Quan” (pronounced “chwen”), means fist or force in martial arts. Yiquan is a profound and unique art because of its focus on mind, intention and Zen like “emptiness” awareness combined with detailed physical training. Wang Xiangzhai created Yiquan and quickly established it as a formidable martial art. Later in life, he turned his attention to the use of Yiquan for health and conducted systematic research on Yiquan’s application for a variety of ailments with great success. This aspect of Yiquan, known as Zhan Zhuang, soon gained widespread use as a form of medical Qigong. Numerous scientific studies in China attest to its amazing health building abilities without creating any negative side effects. This research contributed to the widespread acceptance and practice of Qigong in China.

English translation of Wang Xiangzhai's "The Correct Path of Yiquan"
https://brennantranslation.wordpress.com/2016/08/31/the-correct-path-of-yiquan/

YIQUAN VIDEOS

Shifu Wei Yuzhu demonstrating Yiquan's "Hold the Tiger" and "Flying Dragon"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQJIRHyKBWk

Introduction to Yiquan in English, his site has more in-depth information
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG1jwVxUKiE

Master Cui Ruibin- Yiquan's effect on the Cells
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU5nrT2dEEk

Yiquan "Zhan Zhuang" program by Master Lam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y07FauHYlmg&list=PLnbdKqPj9CY6iVtRrXg_Vjf07oozW6H5o

Master Yao Zongxun demonstrates Yiquan and Zhan Zhuang in the videos below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeQ76vOOq5k&feature=bf_next&list=PL52FF6B9246236BF6&lf=results_main

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOjct-3pFm8&list=PL52FF6B9246236BF6

Yiquan's Jianwu or "Health Dance" by Yao Zongxun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKEpsJUBnqE&list=PL52FF6B9246236BF6

Yiquan Masters
www.youtube.com/channel/UCJW2UjNOpy0qDqPeBwskj3Q

Yao Zongxun was the formal successor of the founder of Yiquan, Wang Xiangzhai. Grand Master Yao did a great deal to systematize Yiquan to make it more accessable.

Master Yao Zongxun

My Yiquan teacher. Dr. James Kan and his teacher Mr. Bao Yong Gang

Gary with Master Bao, 2007

FAQs

Tai Chi Chuan or Taijquan? Chi Kung or Qigong? Chi or Qi? Hsing-I Chuan or Xingyiquan?

These are the same words but are spelled differently because initially Chinese words where transliterated according to the Wades-Giles system. In the 1980's the transliteration was switched to the Pinyin system. Today you may see a combination which may vary from author to author. Hence, the confusion.

What is Taijiquan? "Taiji" refers to the duality of the universe depicted by the famous symbol of yin and yang. That symbol is called the Taiji symbol. It's half black with a white dot and half white with a black dot. It symbolizes a dynamic state of interdependence, transformation, and balance. Taiji refers to the primal condition of the universe after it split into two from the primordial Oneness. It is often translated as the "grand ultimate or grand terminus". "Quan" refers to fist or force and martial arts. Taijiquan was originally known as Cotton fist.One story is that the originator of Yang style Taijiquan, Yang Lu Chan, was an unbeaten pugilist who employed the principles of yin and yang. His embodiment of Taiji philosophy in his art gave rise to the name, Taijiquan.
The vast majority of people who practice Taijiquan today do not use it as a martial art. Most practice it as a flowing set of mindful movements which reduce stress, increase well-being and balance.It has a long list of scientifically verified benefits including, increasing grey matter in the brain, helping with diabetes, improving bone density, reducing blood pressure and more..
To study the martial aspects of Taijiquan is becoming a little more popular in America than it once was. To actually use it effectively in real martial arts contests is rare and would require very intensive mental, physical and energy training for years. Taijiquan is a masterpiece. Woven within it is Qigong, the physics of effortless movement, a through and gentle exercise system, Meditation, Inner Alchemy and the study of Yin and Yang within oneself as well as with others.
It is deeply influenced by Taoist philosophy, i.e. the philosophy of being natural and harmonizing with Nature.
Taijiquan has different branches named after families or locations: Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun, Wu/Hao, Wudang etc. Each Taijiquan style has an external form or choreography which takes some time to learn properly. Along with form study, Taijiquan's internal training involves learning "Sung", listening and sensing skills or "Ting jin", Fajin or explosive power, push hands etc. Weapons like sword, are used for training in later stages of development.

What is Qigong or Chi Kung? Qi or "chi" basically means energy or life force** and "gong" refers to any skill which is highly developed through dedicated practice. Qigong is a method of building, balancing, and refining your energy and awareness. There are thousands of forms of Qigong which may focus on health, martial power, inner alchemy, spirituality and ethical development or can be a synthesis of these. Qigong often includes still meditation and self-massage/acupressure as well.
Qigong movements are done mindfully with different focuses depending on the goal. Generally, there is regulation of breathing, mind, movement and posture with deeper alignments of energetic structures (danteins,sinew channels, meridians, energy gates) all done in an integrated fashion.
Most Qigong sets are separate movements which are easy to learn. Externally, they may look simple but internally, they are more complex. There are some Qigong forms, like Wild Goose Qigong, which have a long series of linked movements.

** Qi meaning life force is very simplistic and limited. To begin a deeper understanding of "Qi", please read this: http://jaybulloch.com/articles/what-is-qi/ and start practicing Qigong or Taijiquan.

Understanding the philosophy of Yin and Yang
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJNEvjwipO0