Qi Gong and Internal Martial Arts
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Qigong (chi kung) Classes in Guelph
Qigong (class schedule below) is a Chinese form of movement therapy that builds and trains Qi in the body. Sometimes referred to as Chinese yoga, the practice combines movement and mediation as a way to integrate mind and body. Because of its long history, there are hundreds of different forms with as many different styles to teaching as there are teachers.
I focus on several health Qi Gong sets:
the classical forms &mdash Eight Silk Brocades (Ba Duan Jin) and 5 Animals (Wu Qin Xi)
modern forms &mdash 18 Postures (Liang Gong Shi Ba Fa) and Double Nine Qigong
Chen Taiji (tai chi), Xingyi (hsin-i) and Bagua (pakua) classes in Guelph
Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua (class schedules below) are three central internal styles of Chinese martial arts. These differ from external or hard forms in that they rely on the cultivation of internal qi and relaxed but strong body postures, as opposed to muscular strength, for their effectiveness. As a result they are equally focussed on cultivating health as they are focussed on self-defense.
Chen style Taiji is the oldest form of Taiji. It is characterized by slow, flowing circular movements that are punctuated by quick and powerful bursts. Jack Yan will be teaching in Guelph! He is one of North America's most accomplished instructors and apprentice to Chen Zhenglei, one of the current standard bearers of Chen Taiji.
Hebei style Xingyi is a martial art that uses direct economical techniques and straight-line movements. Its foundation training is based on the Five Phases theories. I teach the lineage as taught by Di Guoyong, founding member of the Beijing Xingyi Quan Research Association
Magui style Bagua is an unique lineage of this famous internal style. All bagua is characterized by its circle-walking training and its circular, turning techniques. The Magui lineage makes use of 'full body power' quickly build internal strength in the body and to create effective techniques. The Magui lineage was been taught to very few people. I am fortunate enough that my teacher, Andrea Falk is learning from the lineage's sole inheiritor, Li Baohua.
I also organize regular seminars in Xing Yi and Ba Gua that are taught by my teacher, Andrea Falk.
Andrea Falk is world renown for her teaching, her translating of Chinese martial arts books into English and her dedication to Wu Shu. Her teaching and training sees her tirelessly traveling between Canada, the U.S, the United Kingdom and China. Visit her website, www.thewushucentre.net.
Daytime Qi Gong classes
Classes are being held at Evergreen Seniors Centre on Monday and Thursday mornings. These classes emphasize the Qi Gong set know as, "Eighteen Postures for Daily Practice" (Lian Gong Shi Ba Fa). This is a Qi Gong form that integrates East and West in a series of gentle exercises designed to maintain and enhance health. Adapting classical Qi Gong forms, this style incorporates therapeutic exercise, self-massage and meditation. The movements are easy to learn and perform and can provide a lifetime of benefit.
The Thursday morning classes are for students who are familiar with the 'Eighteen Postures for Daily Practice.' This class will explore the movements and Qi Gong principles with greater detail to help develop a daily practice. Please note: both classes are open to non-members as well as members of the Wellingtion Seniors Association (WSA).
Because I will be away for three weeks starting the end of October, the Evergreen Centre is running two classes over the Fall session, one starting in September and a second starting in November.
Qi Gong I
Mondays, April 16 to June 25
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
WSA Member: $66.65 Non-member: $74.16
To register, please contact Evergreen directly: 823-1291 or use the City’s online registration site for this class.
Qi Gong II
Thursdays, April 19 to June 21
11:15pm - 12:15pm
WSA Member: $42.00 Non-member: $49.50
To register, please contact Evergreen directly: 823-1291 or use the City’s online registration site for this class.
Evening Qi Gong classes
Wednesday evening Qigong classes will be held at St. Andrew's Church (161 Norfolk). The next session runs from March 7 to June 27. These classes will focus on circle walking and self-directed Qigong practice.
7:30pm to 8:30pm
Registration: Full session: $150 or $36/month
To register contact me by phone 519.341.9314 or email.
Fall Classes in Taiji, Bagua & Xingyi
Chen Style Taiji
Taiji classes are held Tuesday evenings at St. Andrew's Church (161 Norfolk) on an on-going basis. I teach the 18 Posture class, Jack Yan teaches the Old Frame and Push Hands classes.
- 6:00pm to 7:00pmÊ- 18 Posture Routine
- 7:00pm to 8:00pmÊ- Old Frame First Routine
- 8:00pm to 9:00pm - Push Hands
Registration: One class/week: $50/month; two classes/week: $76/month
3 months - 5% discount, 6 months - 10% discount, 1 year - 15% discount
Bagua and Xingyi Classes
Bagua and Xingyi classes are held at St. Andrew's Church on Wednesday evenings from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. The next session is from March 7 to June 27.
8:30pm to 9:30pmÊ
Registration: Full session: $150 or $36/month
To register contact me by phone 519.341.9314 or email.
Weapons class
Classes in Xingyi Spear are held Wednesday evenings 9:00pm to 9:30. Enrollment in regular Xingyi classes is required.
9:00pm to 9:30pmÊ
Registration:$20/month
To register contact me by phone 519.341.9314 or email.
Andrea Falk has trained Chinese martial arts since 1972, learning in China since 1980. She has trained bagua and xingyi since 1981. She now learns xingyi with Di Guoyong in Beijing, for whom she has translated a three book series. She learns MaGui bagua from one of the few lineage holders, Li Baohua, in Beijing. MaGui bagua is a little known lineage even in China, and Andrea is responsible for spreading it in the West.
Andrea teaches at Ôthe wushu centreÕ - Montreal (1984 - 1988), Victoria (1992 - 2003), and Quebec city since 2007. The Canadian seminar tour is a twice-a-year visit to maintain ongoing training groups that have been running since 2004.
Beginners and newcomers to the groups are welcome. Experienced martial artists from external styles often enjoy the new challenge of xingyi and bagua, and may even heal old injuries and lengthen their training lives.
For more information on Hebei Xingyi, visit Andrea's Xingyi Page
For more information on Magui Bagua, visit the North American Magui Bagua Assoc.
Saturday, June 9, 2012; 45 Dawson Rd. Guelph
Qiang (Chinese Spear) Fundamentals
Saturday, June 9th; 10am to noon; Registration: $60
The Spear is known as the king of the long weapons, and is a vital part of Chinese martial arts. This seminar will cover fundamental spear techniques and routines from the martial art Xingyi. Previous experience in Chinese weapons, while not required, is suggested.
Register early. Space in this workshop is limited.ÊSpears will be provided during this seminar for those who don't yet own a spear.
Dao (Chinese Sabre) Fundamentals
Saturday, June 9th; 1:30pm to 3:30pm; Registration: $60
The Chinese sabre or broadsword is known for its fierce, powerful techniques. Described as "the general of weapons" it was the weapon of choice for soldiers during the Han dynasty. This seminar will cover fundamental sabre techniques, applicable in all styles of Chinese martial arts. Previous experience in Chinese weapons, while not required, is suggested.
Register early. A limited number of sabres will be available for use during the workshop.Ê
Bagua: Cultivating Deep Skill
Saturday, June 9th 3:30pm to 5:30pm; Registration $45
Magui style Bagua is an unique lineage of this famous internal style. All bagua is characterized by its circle-walking training and circular, turning techniques. The Magui lineage makes use of slow & deliberate circle-walking to quickly build internal strength and to train the use of 'full body power'.ÊThis style has been taught to very few people. Andrea Falk trains in Beijing with the lineage's inheritor Li Baohua and has been asked to represent this style in the West.
This afternoon session will cover Bagua's unique system for building internal Qi to cultivate health, change tendons and develop Full Body Power.
Sunday June 10th, 2012; 45 Dawson Rd. Guelph
Bagua: Martial Skills and Full Body Power
Sunday June 10th, 11am to 4pm; Registration $95
During this day-long seminar, beginners will be introduced to the Bagua changes and martial applications. People who learned the lion and sabre changes will review the dragon and lion changes, the 88 routine, partner drills, the 16 basic techniques, and applications for the moves. Intermediate students will continue to work on the dragon changes and the 16 basic techniques.
Bagua Weekend
Saturday, January 28th, 3:30pm to 5:30pm; and Sunday 11am to 4pm; Registration:$135 for both days.
Those wishing to attend both days of Bagua training will get the full benefit of extended training within this system.
'The practice of circle-walking trains the qi & blood, eventually developing the whole body. With training the body changes, the vital organs are revitalized & any diseases in the body will gradually disappear. The body becomes robust & one's spirits become clear & strong.'
To get an idea of what a weekend seminar with Andrea is like, I've posted summaries of the recent January 2012 workshops on the club website:
The Andrea Falk Seminar Summaries
About Andrea Falk:
One of CanadaÕs foremost instructors, Andrea Falk has trained in Xingyi & Bagua for over 25 years. She is a graduate of the Beijing College of Physical Education in wushu, was a member of the Canadian Wushu team in 1986 and is the president of the North American Magui Bagua Association. She has published numerous translations of internal martial arts books through her company TGL Books. She teaches regular seminars across Canada & in the U.K. She continues to train in China on a regular basis.
"I teach the traditional internal styles from the ground up. My emphasis is on basics and skills training, with understanding of applications. Expect a low-key session where you will work hard and leave with concrete skills to practise on your own. My personal style and preference has always been straightforward. I feel that this approach brings more in the long run - you get back from the martial arts only what you put in." A. Falk
| | last updated May 10th, 2012
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