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. I teach the lineage as taught by 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).
Qi Gong I
Mondays, Sept. 13th to Dec. 12th, 2010
Please note: there will be no classes on Oct. 11th and Oct. 25th
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
To register, please contact Evergreen directly: 823-1291 or use the City's online registration site for this class.
Qi Gong II
Thursdays, Sept.16th to Dec.23rd, 2010
Please note: there will be no class on Nov.4th or Nov 11th
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
To register, please contact Evergreen directly: 823-1291 or use the City's online registration site for this class.
Evening Qi Gong classes
Thursday evening Qigong classes will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (161 Norfolk) starting Sept. 2nd. These sessions will continue until the end of August. These classes will focus on the classical forms &mdash Eight Silk Brocades (Ba Duan Jin) and 5 Animals (Wu Qin Xi).
Thursdays, Sept. 2nd to Dec. 16th
7:30pm to 8:30pm
Registration: $144 or $12 drop-in/class
Chen Style Taiji
Taiji classes are held Wednesday and Thursday evenings at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (161 Norfolk). Wednesday evenings (7:30pm - 9:00pm) are concurrent classes in Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua. Thursday evenings (8:30pm - 9:30pm) are Taiji only.
Wednesdays, Sept. 1st to Dec. 15th, 2010
7:30pm to 9:00pm
Registration: $144
Thursdays, Sept. 2nd to Dec 16th, 2010
8:30pm to 9:30pm
Registration: $144
To register contact me by phone or email.
Bagua and Xingyi Classes
Bagua and Xingyi classes are held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (161 Norfolk) on Wednesday evenings (concurrent with Taiji) from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
Wednesdays, Sept. 1st to Dec. 15th, 2010
7:30pm to 9:00pm
Registration: $144
To register contact me by phone or email.
Weapons class
Classes in Xingyi Spear and Taji Sword are held Wednesday evenings 9:00pm to 9:30. Enrollment in regular Taiji and/or Xingyi classes is required.
Wednesdays, Sept. 1st to Dec. 15th, 2010
7:30pm to 9:00pm
Registration: $31
To register contact me by phone or email.
Andrea Falk has trained Chinese martial arts since 1972, learning in China since 1980. She has trained xingyi and bagua since 1981. She now learns xingyi with Di Guoyong in Beijing, for whom she has translated a three part book. 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 in the city where she lives - 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.
Andrea's next visit will be late January 29 - 30th, 2011.
To get an idea of what a weekend seminar with Andrea is like, I've posted a summary of the recent June 2010 workshops on the club website.
Qiang (Chinese Spear) Fundamentals
Saturday, Jan 29th; times and registration: TBD
The Spear is known as the King of the long weapons, and is a vital part of the martial art, Xingyi. This half-day will cover spear set-up and Xingyi's fundamental spear techniques. Previous experience in Xingyi or Chinese weapons, while not required, is suggested. Materials for making a spear will be provided with the option of purchasing your spear at the end of the workshop (approx. cost: $60).
This workshop is limited to 12 participants.
Bagua: Cultivating Deep Skill
January 29th and 30th; times and registration: TBD
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.
Bagua Circle Walking for Health
Times and registration: TBD
For people interested solely in the health benefits of the practice of circle-walking, this one hour seminar will provide the training to start your practice.
'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.'
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."
| | last updated August 22nd, 2010
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