Baguaquan and xingyiquan are two styles that complement each other as yin does yang. Bagua is known for its circular movements and its practice of circle walking. Xingyi embodies characteristic linear movements said to be derived form the logical strategies for using spear and staff. How fortunate we are to include writings in this anthology by leading authorities on these styles. Separated into three sections, the first features bagua. Allen Pittman presents five variations of the single palm change, followed by an overview of the Yin Fun bagua lineage and an interview with He Jinbao focusing on training, fighting skills, teaching and learning. Travis Joern examines how a martial artist can apply the theoretical aspects of the Book of Changes to bagua training. Hong Dzehan (son of Hong Yixiang, stellar master of the three internal systems) then shares some of his personal experiences and favorite bagua techniques. Section two contains chapters on xingyi. The interview with Luo Dexiu questions the proper way to study xingyi from the beginning to the advanced levels. Robert Yu compares American boxing with xingyi's pragmatic fighting techniques and in the following chapter he recounts in detail how it was to study under Hong Yixiang in Taiwan nearly forty years ago. Stanley Henning gives a travelogue of a trip to Shanxi Province (the home of xingyi) and then discusses Che Style xingyi training methods as thought by Dr. Wu Chaoxiang, including the five element theory, twelve animal forms, two-person routines, and spear training. The third section presents some commonalities in what many refer to as the internal arts: bagua, xingyi, and taiji. The chapter on Fu family style beautifully details how they incorporated the essential elements of taiji, xingyi, and bagua into their majestic sixiangquan (four image boxing). Marcus Brinkman relates many of the unique insights and experiences he had during his extensive study with Lo Dexiu and Hong Yixiang, including internal development and fighting applications. Tim Cartmell provides the final chapter which explains the key concepts of “sticking and following” as they apply to the throwing methods of the Chinese internal martial arts. The rich content in this anthology comes from the rare academic and hands-on experience of those presented in chapters here. Readers will no doubt benefit from the practical practice tips as well as the other cultural details these wonderful authors share.
"The traditional instructional verses of the Chinese martial art of baguazhang. The book includes translation (from sixteen sources) of the original texts, commentary on the meaning, and discussion of the variations in text and translation notes."--
A praying mantis insect faces any danger regardless of its opponent’s size and strength. If you’ve seen their parade of innate fearlessness, it is easy to see why they have inspired the creation of a Chinese martial art style. This anthology assembles the work of four highly qualified authors who present rare information about praying mantis boxing. In the first chapter, Dr. Martin Eisen interviews Gin-foon Mark, a noted fifth-generation master of Guangxi Province Bamboo Grove Praying Mantis. Mark discusses training in Chinese temples and compares it with the common training methods found today. The goals, training, and results are very different. The classical methods include developing the senses for fighting, and medical applications. Dr. Daniel Amos studied praying mantis boxing in Hong Kong. When a person starts to study a martial art, he or she is actually joining a social group to do so. The social structures of Hong Kong martial arts temple cults provide Chinese shunted aside by the dominant status system with an alternative, albeit secondary, system of status achievement. Here, the author presents details of his study and the social setting. The essence of China’s varied martial styles has often been preserved in writings. At the heart of this heritage are “character formulas”: a short list of characters that is used to establish the most elemental characteristics of a particular martial style. In the third chapter, Dwight Edwards provides an analysis of “The Twelve Character Formula of Seven Star Praying Mantis Boxing.” In the following chapter, Ilya Profatilov shares the results of years of researching the mantis systems in China. Old manuscripts describe the origins, theory, and curriculum of praying mantis boxing. Additionally, oral folk traditions, legends, fantastic stories, and songs are utlized. Referencing such sources, the author details the history of this realistic combat system, showing that it preserves its original techniques and classical forms. In the final chapter Profatilov discusses a favored close-range technique he recounts from his tutalage under Master Lin Tangfang (1920-2009) in a small village in Shandong Province. He uses the past to inspire his practice, as we hope this anthology will stimulate further research and practice to all readers.
A guide to the seemingly effortless yet explosively powerful martial art techniques of Fa Jin • Explains how to collect energy within and discharge it for self-defense as well as healing • Explores how to counter the natural instinct to resist force with force and develop yielding softness through the 13 Original Movements of Tai Chi • Illustrates routines for the partner practice of “Push Hands” (Tui Shou) Fa Jin, an advanced yang style of Tai Chi, complements the physical, mental, and spiritual conditioning available through solo Tai Chi practice and the internal martial arts of Taoism. Fa Jin enables adepts to harness the energy of yin, yang, and the earth in the lower tan tien and discharge it as an extremely close-range yet explosively powerful blow in self-defense and partner practice as well as in healing techniques. Integrating the teachings of many Taoist masters, including Chang San-Feng, the creator of Tai Chi; Wang Tsung-Yueh, the legendary 19th-century master; Bruce Lee, the actor and martial artist who made the “one-inch punch” technique famous; and the Magus of Java, a living master able to discharge energy in the form of electric shocks, this book explores the history, philosophy, internal exercises, and physical practices of Fa Jin. Drawing on Iron Shirt Chi Kung and Tan Tien Chi Kung techniques, Master Mantak Chia and Andrew Jan reveal the secrets to collecting yin and yang in the lower tan tien and discharging the energy in a seemingly effortless yet explosive blow. Illustrating several routines of the Tai Chi partner practice of “Push Hands” (Tui Shou), they explain how to apply Fa Jin techniques by “listening” to your opponent’s intentions and countering the natural instinct to resist force with force through yielding softness and redirection. The authors also detail how to prepare for this advanced practice through stretching, meditation, breathing, relaxation, and energetic exercises.
Advanced techniques for utilizing the universal healing connections revealed by Taoist astrology and astronomy • Provides meditations and healing techniques based on Taoist astrology • Allows readers to develop a personal practice based on an understanding of their planetary strengths and weaknesses • Includes Taoist star practices for expanding personal awareness into a cosmic field of chi that will support others in their efforts to heal and grow spiritually Taoist Astral Healing provides a step-by-step program for refining our ability to cultivate, circulate, and retain chi from the stars and planets. While the initial focus of Taoism centers on creating physical health that is deeply rooted in the energies provided by the earth, individuals may also draw down energies from the stars and planets to continue to grow in awareness and to develop their full soul potential. Harnessing these energies allows us to break through the cycles of attraction and addiction, promote longevity, and transform the physical and energy body into a “light body” in order to heal ourselves and others. Taoist Astral Healing teaches how to connect the body with the five elemental forces of nature, as well as the moon, sun, planets, stars, and galaxies. Noting the relationships between specific constellations and points on the body--such as the Big Dipper’s correspondence to the bones of the skull--the authors offer planetary and stellar meditations that allow the inner and outer universes to become more connected. Following the numerous meditations and techniques provided throughout the book, readers develop a personal practice based on an understanding of their planetary strengths and weaknesses and their own spiritual growth.
Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. The Chinese have long treasured qigong for its effectiveness both in healing and in preventing disease, and more recently they have used it in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. Now in this fascinating, comprehensive volume, renowned qigong master and China scholar Kenneth S. Cohen explains how you too can integrate qigong into your life--and harness the healing power that will help your mind and body achieve the harmony of true health.
This revised edition includes a complete redesign with an emphasis on reader usability and modern Chinese typography.Packed with over nine hundred photographs, this comprehensive text offers theory, martial applications, sequences, Qigong exercises, weapon training, and is an indispensable resource for those serious about Chinese martial arts.Translation of ancient Baguazhang documentsBaguazhang QigongBasic TrainingBody ConditioningEight Palms sequence and fighting setSwimming Body sequence and martial applicationsBagua Deer Hook Sword sequence and martial applications
Did Dong Hai Chuan Create The Martial Art of Ba Gua Zhang?Did he base the system on the Ancient I-Jing?Is there any connection to the I-Jing?These and other questions are examined from a compilation of historic legends and facts.Also, an overview of the necessities of Ba Gua Zhang and Internal development.Also included are Various sets from the school of Cheng Ting Hua:Da Jian setRooster Knives set72 Kicks setGao Yi Sheng's Pre and post Heaven setsA large variety of applications from the various Cheng schools
