Styles

There is a tremendous amount of information to distill regarding Chinese martial arts and KungFu.  The following descriptions are only brief tidbits about the topics covered in my classes.



BaGua (Eight Trigrams):  Beginners welcome, inquire within.  This "High Cloud" Daoist system is an advanced style of internal KungFu dating back to the Qing Dynasty.  BaGua is one of three main internal orthodox styles of KungFu.  Unique and dynamic circular-spiraling movements contort the body in practice for purposes of health, healing, and martial arts.  Generally BaGua is reserved for individuals with prior marital arts training due to its immense complexity.  Its topics not only include martial arts but many other subjects such as Chinese medicine and philosophy to name a few.  However, individuals without prior martial arts knowledge or experience can still benefit from its practices - those who possess a good work ethic might be able to grasp its studies more fully.  Originally being adopted in the Imperial Palace as exclusive training for high ranking guards, BaGua was not widely taught to the masses.  Practitioners can generally trace their history back to the style's founder DongHaiChuan.  The roots of my practices are as follows, from my teacher from ancestors GongBaoZhai from GongBaoTian from YinFu from DongHaiChuan.  Most of my martial arts efforts have gone into investigating and learning more about BaGua.  From very early on, I fell in love with its mysteries.  I hope to have the privilege of discovering more in the years to come.

Meditation:  This term takes on various and deep meanings.  Words such as focus, release, and clarity might come to mind.  Humans have been practicing meditation for a long time (historically thousands of years) but no matter how it is described and by whom, meditation plainly is an exercise.  This type of exercise is used to settle ones mind and body, redirecting their attention to ultimately reaching a state of being more conducive to reach ones goals - whether it's wellness, less stress, or merely to be in a state of peace and calm.

QiGong:  Health and martial arts exercises which promote benefits of the mind and the body.  QiGong is often practiced while moving on two feet rather than sitting calmly.  These exercises have many positive affects when practiced long-term, such as improved mood, resiliency to sickness, and better overall wellness.

TanTui (Springing Leg):  Practiced by many Northern stylists of KungFu, these external exercise sets are often used as beginner form training.  Movements are straight forward and numerous, allowing the practitioner to grow a strong rudimentary foundation or to bridge a better understanding of KungFu if coming from another type of martial art.

Shaolin Long Fist:  An external style of KungFu, the set I teach is from my teacher who early on introduced it to me as part of my foundational training.  Shaolin has a rich history and wealth of knowledge in strengthening the body and the mind.  Over time their practices became very influential around the world.  When practiced, this physical prowess and clarity of mind allowed monks to carry out their duties over long days which included being able to defend themselves from invaders to the temple.  This practice was then extended to villagers to help protect themselves for various reasons.