#james saper

[thelantern]

Click on heading to view posting from Micheal Pearce's blog with an excellent comparison between external and internal approaches to training. He is recording his experiences as he studies MaGui Bagua with Li Baohua.

[thelantern]

The Andrea Falk Seminar Summaries

Xingyi Spear Fundamentals Seminar Jan. 28, 2012

The spear seminar started with a focus on spear handling techniques. Especially, left and right low block, overhead chop (ie: spinning the spear on alternating sides of the body). Understanding proper hand positions, the downward strike, and the use of turning the body to power the movement was an important part of the drill. This was practiced while standing, with stepping and with turning around.

The five principle strikes were reviewed with attention to proper alignment, form and connection to the body. As were combining the principle strikes with footwork. The five principle Xingyi spear strikes:

thrust (lan, na zha)

drill (zuan)

chop (pi)

slash (pao)

crosscut (heng)

Both the Xingyi Spear Linked form and the Spear 13 Routine were reviewed. Key sections of the Spear 13 Routine were covered. Including:

Step forward right pao, retreat, circle and dot

Lan na, jumping zha, beng (on landing)

Closed stance left heng (overhead), step forward right heng (overhead)

The Hungarian Kung Fu Academy's website (http://kungfuakademia.hu/en/) has this to say about Xingyi Spear training:

"In several kungfu systems, barehanded power excercises are supplemented or exchanged by some kind of difficult long weapon excercise. Static power development excercices only develop strength. Rarely do they train martial abilities, and if they do, it happens only indirectly. On the other hand, practicing with weapons trains combat abilities all the way. The use of heavy weapons is physically rather demanding, it builds muscles, strengthens the tendons and the joints equally. It develops dexterity, balance and coordination which are all needed for movement with heavy weapons. Its greatest benefit is that it is enjoyable and exciting. The practicioners work with it with enthusiasm, since it offers plenty of challenges, yet time flies while engaged in practice. Spear is the principal weapon of Xing Yi style, its use is among the most important teachings of the system and the main method for strength development."

Magui Bagua Weekend Seminar Summary January 28-29, 2012

Each day began with Chen Zhenglei's warm up exercises, which focus on loosening the joints. Grandmaster Chen's description of these exercises reads, "Blood is the Mother of Qi and Qi is the commander of Blood. Blood follows the movement of the Qi. Through moving the joints, the muscles and tendons relax, and the tissues and joints open allowing for the movement of the Qi and Blood. Joint loosening is a good preparation for exercise. It can inspire the spirit and enhance the effect of training."

Training time was spent on circle walking in both Bear and Dragon postures. The Magui Bagua Training Manual has this to say about the Bear and Dragon postures: "Most circle-walking is done in the bear posture to develop a solid dantian and good qi/blood circulation....The bear circle-walking connects the whole body. All movement is done from the 'tendons'...Circle-walking in the bear model is the best way to change the large tendons. The most important part of the large tendons is the lower back. If the middle is strong then the tips gradually get stronger. So bear walking concentrates on the lower back / waist area. Circle-walking in the Dragon model trains the spirit of the dragon _ fearless and able to change in an instant. On the external level, it develops the upper back....Beginners should always start with the bear form circle-walking until they feel solid, before doing any dragon circle-walking. Because the upper back and the nape of the neck are very open and smooth in the dragon model, the qi and blood can easily flow to the head."

The Dragon Changes 1-4 were covered in detail. In the Single Palm Change, emphasis was placed on proper bai bu (turn-out step), ensuring power was directed to both legs. In the Double Palm Change, the movement Reach to Heavens and Stab into the Ground was practiced with a partner to get used to using a straight arm with lifting power. Andrea Falk taught a variation of the Following Palm Change which is nice to watch and painful to do, because of it's repeated drop stances. In the Triple Chuanzhang Change, maintaining an outward pressure during the transition from chuanzhang to drop stance was practiced with a partner. This is a technique for controlling multiple attackers.

The seminar also covered a number of Bagua Skills. In this practice a single technique is done repeatedly, not unlike Xingyi training. It can be done standing or with a variety of stepping patterns. The following skills were practiced:

Chuanzhang (spearing palm) using straight line stepping

Yazhang (pressing palm) standing

Gaizhang (covering palm) zig-zag stepping, outside triangle step

Fan bei chui (backlist)

Six of the Tendon Changing Exercises were also taught over the weekend. "The tendon changing exercises described in the classic serve to strengthen, make supple, and connect all the tendons and soft tissues of the body. They change the weak to the strong, the sick to the healthy, a body (and mind) of 'cotton and sand' to a body (and mind) of 'iron and stone'."

Bonus Xingyi session The two person routine, An Shen Pao was recovered from the dusty corners of the student's memories.

[thelantern]

"Spectacular outside performance is less significant than internal development"

An interview with Di Guo-yong on the hungarian Kung Fu Academy's website. Once the formalities are over with (1st and 2nd answers), master Di compares modern wushu with traditional kungfu.

[thelantern]

Everything I teach is wrong

When I show a movement or posture, it is correct for the student I show it to at that moment. But it is an approximation - a simplification. As a student progresses, what I show will change as the emphasis of what is to be learnt changes.

[thelantern]

What is Xing Yi Quan?

Xing Yi is is perhaps the most linear and forthright of the internal martial arts. Quick and direct movements characterize this style. The name translates to "Form and Intent Boxing" meaning that this is a practice of aligning mind and body into a unified whole. Folk history credits the famous Chinese general Yue Fei with inventing Xing Yi. But modern Chinese researchers generally agree that a martial artist named Li Luo-neng (1808-1890) adapted an earlier style known as Xinyi Liuhe Quan to create this style. While it is not well known in North America, it is well suited to people looking for a practice that is clearly martial, but easier on the joints and ligaments than external styles. What makes a martial art internal? The internal martial arts make a distinction between health and fitness. Most typical forms of exercises train fitness. Fitness requires health, but increasing fitness levels doesn't necessarily build up health. In fact too much exercise can even hurt your health, as anyone who has over-trained will understand. The internal arts are different in that the emphasis is first to build up health. This is why typically, exercises are done slowly and relaxed. Meditation and/or standing exercises to cultivate health are also an important part of the learning do this reason. Learning Xing Yi Xing Yi practice begins with stance training. Traditionally months to years of just standing practice would be required! There are five key striking techniques which are organized according the Chinese concept of the Five Phases —Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. These strikes and the standing practice form the core of Xing Yi. Typically a single technique is practiced repeatedly, gradually increasing efficiency of movement and power. As a student advances, animal forms are taught. There are 12 Xing Yi animals which build on the techniques learnt from the 5 strikes. Different styles will have slightly different animals but common animals forms are Dragon, Tiger, Snake and even Chicken. Routines, partner routines and weapons (staff, spear, sword and saber) forms are also complete the Xing Yi curriculum. Tips for successful practice Take time to get the stance and Xing Yi stepping correct. Xing Yi makes use of ‘full body power’ which requires careful attention to alignment and footwork. Intention is an important part of Xing Yi. Understanding the intent that each movement reflects is important to improving your skill. Don't forget to relax! Being the most linear of the internal arts it is easy to use too much tension to power the movements. Alignment and timing instead, is the key to Xing Yi's martial skill. Resources: Stone Lantern website: http://thelantern.tumblr.com. Website of Di Guo-yong: http://www.diguoyongwushu.com/ China From Inside's overview of Xing Yi: http://www.chinafrominside.com/ma/xyxy.html

[thelantern]

What is Ma Gui style Ba Gua?

Ba Gua can be considered the whirling dervish of the internal arts. The practice of walking in endless circles performing complicated turning movements verges on dance. It is a martial art that uses agility to outmaneuver an opponent and attack from unexpected directions. While there are several stories of how it was developed, most branches credit Dong Hai-chuan (1798-1882) with inventing Ba Gua. It is known that he taught each of his students differently, based on their abilities. So the lineages from each of his students vary quite a bit from each other. Yin and Cheng styles (the main styles are named after Dong Hai-chuan’s students) are the most well known. Ma Gui was Dong Hai-chuan's last and according to many, his best student. Despite his accomplished skill, he was very traditional in his teaching and taught few students and so Ma Gui style is not well known. His style emphasizes slow and heavy circle walking to build internal health.

What makes a martial art internal?

The internal martial arts make a distinction between health and fitness. Most typical forms of exercises train fitness. Fitness requires health, but increasing fitness levels doesn't necessarily build up health. In fact too much exercise can even hurt your health, as anyone who has over-trained will understand. The internal arts are different in that the emphasis is first to build up health. This is why typically, exercises are done slowly and relaxed. Meditation and/or standing exercises to cultivate health are also an important part of the learning do this reason. Learning Ba Gua Central to Ba Gua is circle walking. There are eight animal postures held to train different types of alignment while walking. Through this practice the body is strengthened and health is cultivated. For each animal the are eight short sequences called Changes. These Changes are used to change direction and to learn techniques. It is also common to practice application drills which focus on a single martial technique. Ma Gui style emphasizes circle walking with a slow, deliberate step using the Bear posture. This builds strength in the legs and lower body. All the other elements in this style build on this, attempting to knit the body into a strong, integrated unit.

Tips for successful practice

Circle walking takes patience and perseverance. With time and practice it becomes clearer how it relates to martial application and to health building. While seemingly simple, there are many details to refine in circle walking. At the start, broad strokes are usually taught with more details added on as a student progresses. Focus your practice on the fundamentals. While it can be tempting to practice the more flashy moves, Bear circle walking is the practice that makes all the other parts of Bagua effective. Ma Gui style even takes the perspective that all of the other movements are simply ways of testing to see how your circle walking is progressing. Practice regularly to build health. The internal arts all rely on a foundation of health. The process of cultivating health is gradual and requires diligent training.

Resources:

Stone Lantern website: http://thelantern.tumblr.com.

Ma Gui Ba Gua website: http://www.maguibagua.ca

International Ma Gui Ba Gua website: http://maguibagua.com/

Pa Kua Chang Journal: http://pakuachangjournal.com/

[thelantern]

What is Chen Style Tai Chi?

Tai Chi (taiji) is probably the best known of the internal martial arts. Slow, fluid movements practiced by groups in parks is a quintessential icon of Chinese culture. While there are several stories of how it was developed, Chen Wang-ting is most commonly recognized as the creator of Taiji. He was a Ming dynasty general who lived from 1580–1660. Combining his knowledge of Shaolin martial arts with aspects of Chinese Medicine and Chinese Philosophy, he invented Taiji. For five generations it was only taught to Chen family members. It was then taught to Yang Lu-chan, who created Yang style Taiji (surnames are conventionally placed before personal names in Chinese). Of the various family styles of Taiji, Chen and Yang styles are the most well known. Chen style Taiji is distinct in that it retains much of the art's martial flavor. Stomps, jumps and fast punches appear in the routines. But these explosive movements ("fa jin") alternate with fluid and relaxed movements. What makes a martial art internal? The internal martial arts make a distinction between health and fitness. Most typical forms of exercises train fitness. Fitness requires health, but increasing fitness levels doesn't necessarily build up health. In fact too much exercise can even hurt your health, as anyone who has over-trained will understand. The internal arts are different in that the emphasis is first to build up health. This is why typically, exercises are done slowly and relaxed. Meditation and/or standing exercises to cultivate health are also an important part of the learning for this reason. Learning Taiji Taiji learning often focuses on practicing a long solo sequence - the First Routine ("Yilu"). Depending on how the movements are counted, this set will have around 100 linked movements. Within these movements are martial techniques as well as health building principles. The Second Routine ("Erlu") or Cannon Fist ("Paochui") is often taught to more advanced students. Complicating things slightly, there are two versions of these routines - the Old Frame (Laojia) and the New Frame (Xinjia). The Old Frame is more fluid in its movements while the New Frame has more quick and explosive elements. A teacher may teach either one or both versions depending on their background. It is also common to find an abbreviated sequence taught which distills the first routine into around 20 moves, making it easier to learn and practice. A third component of Taiji instruction is the two-person practice of Push Hands (“Tuishou”). Finally, various weapon forms, commonly sword, saber and spear can be taught. Tips for successful practice Be patience with yourself as you start to learn the sequence. Remember key postures and the general shape of the sequence. Don't get caught up on details or esoteric points too early. There is a saying in Taiji, "a beginner for 10 years". Which means the insights that truly increase one's skill take time and patience. Practice regularly to build muscle memory. The more you practice the movements, the less you will have to think about the sequence. At the beginning you can practice key pieces or even just single postures.

[thelantern]

Personal Computing

When I was growing up, the first personal computers were being created. They were full of potential and short on practical uses. Storing recipes and text-based games were among the early achievement of these computers. As programming languages have become more nuanced and as computer hardware have become more capable, computers go way beyond the visions pioneered in the 1970's and 80's. A parallel can be draw with learning the internal arts. At the start, students have only a vague sense of what they hope to gain from the practice. In time, the understanding becomes refined, the body changes and the internal practice becomes more integrated with daily life. (Photo by Phillie Casablanca. Click on image for more photos on Flickr.)