our neigong practice
Our practice is carefully structured, with elements of qigong, xingyi quan and bagua zhang introduced in a manner that is complimentary to the well-rounded development of the practitioner.
Initially standing practice and jibengong exercises are taught, so that the body and mind can be prepared for training as well as strengthened and made healthier. Exercises from the Shaolin system of Twelve Linking Hands neigong are also taught at this early stage.
Xingyi fundamentals, the santi posture and five element fists follow. Once a student has developed a good enough foundation with the above practices, they then move onto the highly-demanding baguazhang standing practice and then circle walking.
Because of its difficulty, it is generally expected that a student develops a good foundation in neigong and jibengong before starting the circle walking. On all levels it is very demanding; yet it is also very rewarding on all levels, yielding more fruits (including simply a sense of wellbeing and increasingly good health) the longer one trains.
More advanced drills, forms, practices, weapons training, and “mind instructions” are added as the student is able to assimilate them into his or her practice. However, the ultimate goal is not the collection of long lists of methods, techniques, and forms. Rather, we aim for the physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual growth of the practitioner.
what we practice
qigong shierlianshou
Qigong (Qi = life energy, Gong = practice) is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for health, spirituality, and martial arts training.
According to Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian philosophy, qigong allows access to higher realms of awareness, awakens one's "true nature", and helps develop human potential.
While there are numerous qigong forms, at WiseHand we practice and teach Qigong Shierlianshou (or Twelve Linking Hands), an exceptionally rare and extremelly effective qigong form, as learned from Master Liu Xuyang.
Aside from the martial benefits, these exercises are superb at preserving and restoring the health of a practitioner, as well as developing the necessary gongfu required for Chinese medicine practitioners. The dantian is developed and the body is strengthened, yet it remains flexible and supple.
Master Liu as well as Dr. Chung have taught Twelve Linking Hands exercises to many of his patients, depending on their needs. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, digestive issues, male and female fertility issues, eye problems, mental health issues, and insomnia have been significantly improved by practicing these exercises.
xingyi quan
Xing Yi is characterized by linear movements and explosive power that's most often applied from a short range. Standing practice, particularly the well-known santi posture, is also a fundamental element of xingyiquan practice. This is followed by the “five element fists”, which condition the body and mind of the practitioner, as well as working the qi.
Rarely taught or seen, the “eight methods” are a series of simple and powerful applications of gong that is cultivated in the five element fists. The eight methods contain some of the most effective combat techniques found within the Chinese martial arts. As is typical with the ethos of xingyi, they are direct, unembellished, and potentially lethal.
Also taught are partner drills, so that students can get a feel for applying the art with another person. The zashichui form and weapons, notably the long spear, are taught once students have developed a level of proficiency in the fundamental practices.
Very importantly, special “mind instructions,” are taught. Mind instructions, or xinfa, are teachings on the nuanced use of tension, relaxation, body mechanics, breathing, posture, and mental focus which ensure that the practitioner develops the special qualities that made xingyi famous, such as rooting, the cultivation of qi, and explosive power.
bagua zhang
The practice of circle walking is Bagua zhang's characteristic method of stance and movement training. Practitioners walk around the edge of the circle in various low stances, facing the center, and periodically change direction as they execute forms.
While bagua zhang in most lineages became increasingly intricate over time, the neigong core of the original art—then known simply as 'turning palm,' but now more commonly referred to as ‘walking the circle’—was to remain the focus of Master Liu’s lineage over time.
This practice of circle walking deeply transforms the practitioner's body, mind, and spirit. The physical body becomes immensely strong, the dantian developed, and the energy and tendon channels strengthened. The central channel is opened up, connecting the practitioner to “Heaven and Earth.” Awareness of “the Dao” becomes a real experience, rather than a philosophical concept.
As well as the circle walking practice, there are also numerous jibengong practices to develop the body and the fighting skills of the art. These practice range through standing postures, stepping drills, body conditioning techniques, and movement drills that condition the whole body as well as the dantian.
The famous weapons of bagua, including the large saber and the deer horn knives, are taught to those students that have gained some proficiency in the empty hand methods.
The secret of the practice,
is to practice.