Stuck with your internal martial arts training? Unable to move to the next level? Originally released through social media to fellow Baguazhang practitioners, these 64 illustrations (inspired by the 64 hexagrams of the I-Ching of the Mawangdui texts) are there to help you understand the deeper aspects of Baguazhang through the medium of the subconscious. And allow to tap into your innate qi that resides in all of us because at a certain level of training Baguazhang and Qigong are one and the same thing.
Baguazhang (Eight Trigram Palms) is one of the 3 traditional internal martial arts of China. It is unique in that it mostly employs palms instead of fists and moves in continuous circular motions. The Art of War and other books on military strategy deal with needs of the battlefield. Here the two branches of martial thought come together to enlighten the modern warrior. This book leaves the techniques of fighting to others, and instead delves past the veil of mystery to equip the seeker with a higher advantage. This book is for martial artists who struggle to understand the Tao from an internal martial arts perspective and who want to experience the Tao (as best they can) from a simple Western mindset grounded in a scientific base.
The special medical Qi Gong described in this book was developed and perfected over the course of 1,700 years by Taoists, traditional Chinese medical doctors, and Qi Gong experts in China to meet the needs of a woman’s unique anatomy. Author Tina Zhang leads readers through a variety of pleasurable postures and easy exercises that address specific areas of the body. In turn, these exercises, which work progressively to strengthen the spirit-mind-body connection, enhance natural female energy to help prevent or alleviate health issues and conditions from puberty to post-menopause, including high blood pressure, stress, fatigue, endometriosis, age-related problems, and more. Emphasizing a balance between hormones and emotions, the book includes concise descriptions of selected acupuncture points, meridians, and orbits that promote long-range anti-aging and long-term optimal health. Women empowered by these benefits can take control of their bodies and better direct and assist their physicians in maintaining their health without the cost, risk, and side effects of pills, hormones, and supplements. Qi Gong for Women also contains useful information on addressing women’s physical and spiritual health for physicians, acupuncturists, and doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
In its first English-language edition, this detailed training manual is a complete guide to Gao baguazhang, as preserved through the lineage of Liu Fengcai. The youngest of the major bagua lineages, Gao bagua shows the influence of taiji quan, xingyi quan, and shuai jiao. It incorporates traditional bagua weapons, pre-heaven palms, and animal forms in addition to sixty-four individual post-heaven palms and their accompanying two-person forms. A unique synthesis of health-building techniques, Daoist theory, and practical fighting applications, Gao-style bagua is an example of the finest internal-arts traditions. The original manuscript for The Cheng School Gao Style Baguazhang Manual was completed by the art's founder, Gao Yisheng, in 1936. It was not published at the time, but handed down to his student Liu Fengcai, who edited and published the first Chinese edition in 1991 with the help of his own student Liu Shuhang. In 2005, Liu Shuhang published a revised and expanded version, and this was again expanded and reissued in a third edition in 2010. Now, the manual has been translated and fully updated for its first English-language edition. Including over 400 photos showing step-by-step techniques and forms, the manual documents the fundamentals of the art as well as detailed descriptions of techniques and empty-hand forms, laying the groundwork for advanced training. This edition includes rare photos of important masters in the Gao lineage, lineage charts, biographies, and other updates, making it the essential companion for anyone studying Gao style and a useful guide for any practitioner of baguazhang or other Chinese martial arts.
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gong") is an ancient Chinese health-care modality that has fascinated people throughout the millennia. Based on the fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine, Qigong is a system that teaches us to understand Qi, our bioelectric life force, and use it to heal ourselves and others. Qigong: Essence of the Healing Dance will give readers some of the basics of the outward "exercises" that are normally associated with the practice of Qigong, as well as detailing movements from such systems as Wuji Qigong, Bagua Xun Dao Gong and Shaolin Qigong. More than merely outlining these practices, this book will take readers on a journey of exploration into the essence of this fascinating, though little understood, healing practice. Masters from around the world—such as the ninety-two-year-old Duan Zhi Liang of Beijing, Canadian healer Effie Poy Yew Chow and American Jerry Johnson—contribute their personal insights into the wonders of Qigong. People from various walks of life, all of whom have achieved healing as a result of practicing Qigong, share their powerful experiences. Author Garri Garripoli, himself a practitioner of Qigong for the past twenty years, renders the book fascinating yet easy-to-read. He expertly guides readers on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, inspiring them to look deeper into healing in order to discover how to move beyond the standards and limitations of Western medicine. Qigong: Essence of the Healing Dance shows readers that we all carry within ourselves the ability to heal, and encourages them to tap into that innate gift and dance their own dance of life. Readers are sure to find this book fascinating, even life changing. It is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the mystique of ancient Eastern healing arts or seeking a daily practice that promotes and maintains full-body well-being.
The Dragon Bagua Zhang system of third-generation master Fu Zhen Song was one of the most powerful martial arts styles to emerge from 1920s China. Fu Zhen Song had a reputation as a skilled fighter and uncompromising teacher, and his Dragon Bagua style was renowned for its extensive catalog of whirling body movements and fighting techniques. In 1991 Lin Chao Zhen, Fu’s formal disciple, brought this mysterious martial art to the United States, where he practiced and taught until his death in 1997. Fu Zhen Song’s Dragon Bagua Zhang presents this challenging system in a step-by-step format, including palm forms, stepping patterns, and training methods. Originally written in Chinese by Lin Chao Zhen and translated by his son, Wei Ran Lin, this edition also features an extensive introductory section on the development of the Dragon Bagua form and the history of its lineage. The text is accompanied by 150 photographs of the late master Lin Chao Zhen demonstrating the form, as well as an illustrated two-person practice set that teaches the system’s applications for self-defense and sparring.
One of the three major orthodox internal styles of Chinese martial arts (along with Xing Yi Quan and Tai Ji Quan), Bagua Zhang (or Ba Gua Zhang) is also one of the most ancient and revered. The first volume in a series of two on the form, Liu Bin’s Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang, Volume One, is written from the perspective of a wise master who gives equal attention to Bagua’s historical evolution and to the art and practice itself. A disciple of famous master Liu Xing Han and one who honed his skills for over 20 years under the same trees in Temple of Heaven Park as the originators of Bagua, Professor Zhang Jie is ideally suited for the task. He presents the fundamental theories of Bagua simply and clearly, in such a way that they comprise both a martial arts manual and a guide for everyday living. The idea of balance in all things is stressed throughout, as is the ancient Chinese philosophy that underlies Bagua. In addition to illustrations of the Bagua movements, the book contains previously unpublished historical photographs. Equally useful for novice and seasoned practitioners, as well as students of Chinese culture and history, Liu Bin’s Zhuang Gong Bagua Zhang immerses readers in all aspects of this important martial art.
San Shou Kuai Jiao (Fast Wrestling for Fighting) is the Chinese martial art of throws and takedowns. A San Shou Kuai Jiao throw can cause tremendous damage to your opponent while keeping you safely on your feet. For centuries, fighters in China have valued this art for its speed and power. Today, China's police and military forces are trained in its techniques. Chinese Fast Wrestling for Fighting presents seventy-five throws and takedowns against punches, kicks, and grabs, and demonstrates basic training methods such as stances, footwork, and strength training. Written by a gold medal winner in Chinese wrestling (Liang), this book is a complete training guide to this powerful martial art. Throw your opponent to the ground - fast! Effective for competition and self-defense. 460 action photos detail every technique. Includes a chapter on ground fighting.
Reduce stress, release pain, and create bodily harmony with this introduction to qigong and tai chi. Includes practical information, insights, and widely practiced sequences and forms that lead to improved health.
