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T'ai Chi Gong & Yoga Programs
Contents


A Typical Class

  • Class begins with a call to Come Together. Students form two lines with no regard to rank.
  • Announcements, if any, are made and the class is saluted in with a Soft Style salute.
  • Depending on the emphasis of the class, gentle neck and shoulder rolls are performed followed by Swinging Arms. After which one or two Chi Gong disciplines are performed to prepare the individual for the class’s program. These usually are chosen from Seated Brocade, Standing Brocade, Heaven & Earth Harmonies, and Guided Meditation.
  • The remainder of class involves exposure to other Chi Gong disciplines, step – by – step instruction in the Jiu Ling Form, supportive exercises conducive to T’ai Chi, and practice of the Form Proper at varying speeds.
  • The class is kept informal so as to aid in the atmosphere of relaxation, and Meditative Music is played throughout the entire class.
  • At the end of the hour, class is recalled to Come Together. A time is given for any questions or for the Instructor to make comments.
  • The class is saluted out and class ends. A moment is taken to communicate with practitioners … the next class comes in.
  • Note: All classes are On – Going. There is no Beginning Class, or new start dates. A beginner fits right in with any class. All classes include elements that address Fundamental, Intermediate, and Advanced aspects of Taiji. Therefore everyone benefits.

 

Introduction to T’ai Chi

There are a lot of misconceptions and misrepresentations concerning T’ai Chi. These stem from lack of education, students who don’t go beyond basic levels of learning, and those seeking to cash in as instructors of an art form which is continuously growing in popularity.

Often considered an Old Person’s exercise, or an exercise developed by old teachers no longer able to practice Real Martial Arts, it is anything but. Due to incorrect information, many who could really benefit from Taiji never consider it. Folks looking for what they consider a Real workout will generally look for something more physical.

Taiji Quan is a form of Gong Fu that traces back several hundred years to a former Shaolin practitioner, who became disgusted with the temple’s departure from Internal Development, Chang San - Feng, and the Wudang Temple in the Hubei Province of China. Also spelled T’ai Chi Chuan, the practice is commonly referred to in the United States as Taiji or T’ai Chi.

Unlike the more well known Shaolin Gong Fu, most forms of T’ai Chi emphasize relaxed movements developed from the principles of Yin & Yang. Scientifically speaking, T’ai Chi techniques are based on the mathematical formulae of ratios and proportions, which is the meaning of the famed Yin & Yang symbol. Ultimately only the smallest amount of energy is used to gain the greatest amount of result. Taiji Quan (literally translated from Chinese as Grand Ultimate Fist), when practiced as a Martial Art, is a highly effective form of Passive/Aggressive Self – Defense.

Note: Contrary to many modern opinions resulting of the “Hippy Movement” of the 1960’s, the Ying & Yang symbol has NOTHING to do with Peace or the balance of Light & Darkness or contrast of Good & Evil. Nor does T’ai Chi or Chi Gong have anything to do with religion or praying to deities.

The slow moving exercises, initially used to teach the art, are also extremely beneficial for one’s health and well-being. This aspect of T’ai Chi has made it extremely popular the world over. Unfortunately, many individuals stopped learning beyond the initial exercises and never continued into the depths of their Form’s meaning, Self Defense applications, or advanced interpretations. Were more students to take the time to investigate, they would find T’ai Chi to be a perfect training companion with Kempo, Karate, and even Escrima. To meet the Relaxation Class demand of modern times, these students proclaimed themselves as Instructors and began teaching their watered down interpretation of Moving Meditation. Most students today are not even aware of its martial aspects.

Often people who start to learn a form of T’ai Chi focus on the details of the individual hand and foot movements. There are several styles of T’ai Chi, each with it’s own variations and patterns of movement and attention to specific techniques. It is much better to relax and learn How to move and to breath correctly As you move. Once these two essential points have been learned, everything else about T’ai Chi can be explored to whatever level the student wishes. Learning to relax and focus, however, is the key.

In a culture characterized by fast food, ATM’s, tanning beds, and instant internet access, it becomes increasingly more difficult to just let go and chill out. Every day people spend outrageous sums of money in the name of relaxation. Yet whether it is a yoga class, aroma therapy, a massage session, or lying on the floor while someone speaks in a soothing cadence with Asian music in the background, controlled breathing is always a central element. Likewise, correct breathing is essential in T’ai Chi.

In Dramatic Arts one learns the importance of relaxed, meditative breathing to calm the mind and prepare for performances. The same holds true in preparation for Taiji practice. All good Instructors begin their classes with some form of mind calming exercise. The better ones incorporate Chi Gong practices into their program. In fact, the practice of Chi Gong (see Introduction to Chi Gong below) and T’ai Chi run hand in hand.

Long before learning the entire Form, one will start becoming aware of differences in their everyday life. The overall Sense of Well Being will increase, Balance will develop, Fluidity of Movement will grow, and Daily Stress will become more controlled. Athletes will find this practice to be an ideal warm –up for other activity. Even weight – lifters find their performance to increase and plateaus being broken.

The greatest majority of books on the subject contain only a smattering of background information, then an incomplete series of photographs that were extremely difficult to follow at best. If one isn’t already familiar with the Form described, one can just about forget following the book at all. And you can forget about learning any applications in SelfDefense. The writings of Dr. Yang Jwing – Ming are of exceptional quality. The book most often recommended by Hanshi Nelson is “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to T’ai Chi & Qigong” by Bill Douglas. The first three chapters provide the beginner with a good, overall idea of what T’ai Chi is about.

 

There are those who debate as to whether Chang San-Feng actually lived, or whether he founded what is now known as T’ai Chi during the 14th Century. The art can, however, be accurately traced to the Chen village in the Henan province of China. There the teaching of this art was kept within the family until the beginning of the 19th Century, when it was taught to Yang Lu-Ch’uan. His grandson, Yang Cheng-Fu (1883-1935), refined the art to its modern form. Cheng – Man – Ching, a victum of tuberculosis, learned this art as a young man and was ultimately responsible for the exposure of T’ai Chi to the Western World during the mid – 20th Century.

Like all other Martial Art forms, when properly taught Taiji is taught in levels. The Yang system, from which the greatest majority of modern styles are derived, teaches the smooth, slow, meditative form we are so familiar with as a low level exercise. The upper body moves like Hands billowing in the Wind and the lower body As Water ripples across the Earthen Floor ... movements which emulate the original patterns based on the White Crane & Snake . It is at this level that the student should learn to Flow with their movement, learn correct body posture, and to breath properly. One learns to keep their body at the same level which in turn gives the legs a strength workout that will no other exercise series can even compete with.

As the student progresses to more advanced levels, they learn to slow down their breathing as well as Form speed, and to gradually lower their body level. This eventually turns the form into a very strenuous workout which will leave you sweating. Maintaining a slow breathing rate in coordination with the nature of the forms movements, often taking as long as twenty to thirty minutes, turns T’ai Chi into a type of low-impact aerobics. Later, if a qualified Instructor is involved, the student learns to apply the form they are learning in a Passive/Aggressive approach to Self – Defense, and more.

Unfortunately, the greatest majority or students never get beyond the beginning levels of upright, slow movement. These find that teachers of this widely popular exercise are in need and all to often think “Hey, I know that stuff . . . I can make a few extra bucks . . .” As a result, we have a large number of So – Called Instructors who teach 6 or 9 – Week Courses and Commercial Karate Schools who advertise “We also teach T’ai Chi” on their billboards.

When looking for a T’ai Chi class, ask some basic questions. “How long have you been practicing?” “Are you certified?” Very, very few instructors have certificates , good or bad, but at least it makes teachings somewhat traceable. “Do you include Chi Gong in your program?” If they don’t, they don’t understand the concept … Warning!!! T’ai Chi without Chi Gong instruction is like playing tennis with a shoe instead of a proper racket. “Can you explain the Form and show it’s applications?” If they start into some tirade about who they studied under, who that person studied under, how far back their style goes, or that their Instructor was a true Chinese … Warning!!! This person is trying to teach under someone else’s credibility, not their own … which is a good sign they don’t have any. This applies to ANY form of Martial Arts, Self Defense, Kempo, Karate, Ju Jutsu, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Shoot Fighting, Escrima, or any other kind of physical Instruction.

In conclusion, remember that anybody can learn T’ai Chi, and everyone can benefit from its practice. It doesn’t matter if you are in your teens, twenties, forties, sixties, are a weightlifter, dancer, gymnast, home maker, factory worker, or a white collar professional. As to those who think T’ai Chi is easy or for the weak, the American Nine Lotus Academy of Hickory, NC has a Free Trial Class for you.

 

Introduction to Chi Gong

Literally translated Breath Discipline, Chi Gong is the basis of Chinese Medicine and is mentioned in the Yellow Emporer’s classic (dated around 3000 – 2400 BC). Indeed, according to Chinese martial Artist’s, the highest level of martial arts is Healing. The earliest forms of Chi Gong can be traced to the Internal Medical Arts of ancient Egypt. The Biblical Physician, Luke, most likely was a pracitioner of Chinese - Style Medicine. Also spelled Chi Kung and Qi Gong, there are hundreds of different Chi Gong exercises that range from yoga-like sitting postures to slow moving exercises performed while standing. It is interesting to note that Western Studies have shown Modern Chi Gong to have a minumum 85% rate of healing success, as oppossed to 22% (at best) for Western Medicine.

According to strict Chinese Classics, the best times to practice Chi Gong and / or T’ai Chi is when first waking up, early noon before mid day meal, in the evening before going to bed. In addition, these practices are good any additional time one feels it is needed (as in during times of stress or illness).

The premise is to first release the mind of its tension, relax the body, and breathe.

 

“Breath is the First Step to life … without Breath, there is no life … therefore, let us Breathe correctly.” (jpn)

 

Once the individual learns to breathe in a proper manner, the student can learn the arts of uniting the mind with the body. There are many disciplines to achieve this goal, but all have the common foundation of using breath as a sort of Energy Pump to guide and circulate Chi throughout the body.

Because 20th Century Physicians did not understand the principles involved, Chi Gong was put down as “Un – Christian” or “Mystical”. Yet Chi Gong is very much a science. This living energy which courses through our body follows a network of circuits which is called the Jing. Once the individual Taps – In to their Center (, located just below and inward of the navel), also called the Dan Tien or Hara, the course of the Chi Flow can be strengthened and directed to address a variety of issues. This energy can be harnessed Medically and/or Martially. It must be remembered, however,

Chi Gong is not T’ai Chi, but T’ai Chi is the manifestation of Chi Gong in a Martial Manner.

San Zhou Gong, literally interpreted as Three Cycle Discipline, is the basis of Chi Gong taught in the Jiu Ling T’ai Chi curriculum. San Zhou Gong involves several disciplines that include seated meditation, stretching combined with deep breathing, relaxation therapy, energy manipulation, radial chi gong therapy, and more.

These disciplines affect the 12 courses, called meridians, which regulate the 12 organs recognized by Chinese Medicine. An important practice is the activation of the ”Triple Burner,” one of the organs not recognized by Western Medicine. This is referenced by the old adage of “”Lighting the Fire, Heating the Cauldron and Spreading the Vapor.”

For more on San Zhou Gong, see the link in the Main Menu.

 

Jiu Ling T’ai Chi Gong

Jiu Ling Quan is literally translated from Chinese as Nine Spirit Fist. T’ai Chi Gong is literally translated as Grand Ultimate Discipline.

Jiu Ling T’ai Chi Gong represents the specific Form developed by Hanshi (Sifu) Nelson. This Form is a 72 Step Set which trains both sides of the body, not just the right as most Forms do. An important difference between Jiu Ling and styles such as Yang, Wu, Sun, and Chen is that patterns, such as Single Whip and Snake Creeps Down are learned from both sides in a continuously flowing Form. One does not have to learn the entire Form from a left and right side mirror imaging perspective. Also, unlike most modern styles of T’ai Chi, the Jiu Ling Form tells a story, as do the colorful Shaolin Ch’uan Fa training forms, and is not just a blend of graceful movements. There are eight sections of this Form, each separated by a Single Whip technique, which is the predominant movement in this Form. Two of these ‘Whips are performed from a Left – Handed perspective.

Taught at three different speeds, this Form is both; a moving manifestation of Chi Gong, and an articulated teaching exercise in Passive/Aggressive Self Defense. Every movement has a distinct purpose, all technique applications are practical and effective. The Self Defense aspects are highlighted during regular instruction, but a separate class is set aside to teach this aspect in depth.

Individuals familiar with the Yang Style Long Form will feel right at home learning this Set. Yet the feeling of endless, repetition after repetition doesn’t follow.

When performed at more advanced levels, there are three points where deeper aspects of Standing Chi Gong may be practiced.

 

 

Stress Management

No matter what the vocation … white collar professional, blue collar worker, common laborer … everyone must deal with stress and tension in some manner or another. The T’ai Chi / Chinese Yoga program offered at the Academy is tailored to address the stress issue.

All classes are intentionally directed so as to help individuals let go, to disconnect from daily routines, and even laugh a time or two. Here all persons are equal. There are no titles, no requirements to wear uniforms, and the atmosphere is completely laid back. Invariably, all participants leave feeling much better than when they arrived.

 

Chinese Yoga

The word Yoga comes from an ancient Sanskrit term which can be interpreted as Bringing Together. Loosely explained, this represents the joining of Mind & Body, Heaven & Earth, Internal & External. Nearly every book one reads Yoga is described as an exercise which has nothing to with religion … then shortly after directions are given for setting up shrines to various Hindu Deities, subliminal messages on how to accept that you are becoming a vegetarian, etc.

With the growing popularity of Yoga, crash courses for Instructors seem to be everywhere. A person can know nothing, attend a weekend seminar, pay a fee, and obtain an Instructor’s Certificate to teach at a YMCA or other health club somewhere.

Chinese Yoga represents meditative practice from the American Nine Lotus perspective, and has NOTHING to do with religion, praying or dancing to any so – called gods. Flexibility, relaxation of mind, and development of breathing discipline are the initial focal points of this practice. Nine Chakra points are focused on rather than the seven taught in Traditional Yoga. These points are explained as spheres, not as 2 – dimensional disks or small tornadoes, as they are often referred to in Hindu Yoga publications. These Nine Chakra are shown to be directly related to the Jing as taught through Chi Gong’s “Lesser Heavenly Circuit” (down the front and up the back of the body) and “Greater Heavenly Circuit (add courses through the arms and legs).

As the individual learns to relax, breath, and focus … multiple levels of Still Meditation can be learned. Although directly related to San Zhou Gong, Chinese Yoga can be learned and practiced as an independent art form.

 

Heaven & Earth Harmonies

Growing from it’s origin in the Sun Salutation routine of Yoga, the Heaven & Earth Harmonies is a complete discipline in it’s own right. Beginning from an upright posture, each movement and holding posture blends into the next. This discipline has several levels to learn, yet stretches and energizes the entire body.

Many of the postures of Heaven & Earth Harmonies are similar to that of Traditional Yoga, but to illustrate the significant emphasis names have been altered. Ultimately, this discipline is about relaxation and flexibility, not strength or religious inference.

 

Guided Meditation

This exercise is initiated from Heaven & Earth Harmonies. From the Arrow Posture the class is guided through rolling onto the back and into the Floating Posture (referred to as the Corpse Pose in Indian Yoga). The Meditation Guide will then lead the class through the closing of eyes and will then verbally lead a soothing cadence (not to be confused with a chant or mantra). The Guide will walk in patterns in between and around the meditating individuals while speaking. The experience has been often described as near – hypnotic. After the routine, which lasts around 15 – 20 minutes, the class is guided back into the Arrow Posture and the Heaven & Earth Harmonies session is brought to a close.

 

Seated & Standing Brocade

The 7 Section Seated Brocade is an excellent means of “waking up” in the morning, or preparing for an extended period of rest.

Each of the 7 Sections are modular and may be practiced individually, interchanged by preference, or other practices inserted during actual performance.

Sit comfortably on a full cushion which elevates the sacrum above the ankles. Feet should be crossed Native American or Burmese style in front of the body. Also referred to as an Inverted Lotus because the ankles are crossed below the knees rather then above. Optionally, one could sit on the side of a bank or hill which would allow the same positioning of the sacrum in reference to the feet.

The head should be comfortably resting on the shoulders and facing forward. When the spine is in line and the head in this relaxed, forward position this is referred to as being In Center.

Unless otherwise stated, the tongue should be at the roof of the mouth, closing the upper gate (of the Smaller Heavenly Circuit). All breathing should flow smooth, slow, deep, and be measured in a 4 – count inhale and 4 – count exhale rhythm.

A hot cup of tea, or a non – citric juice (100% grape or apple juice is recommended) is ideal to sip upon during this exercise. A pause may be made between each section to partake of the chosen beverage, if any is chosen.

This discipline may be practiced either as a mild form of stretching, or as a method of Deep Meditation. The 7 Section Seated Brocade is considered an entry level form of San Zhou Gong and does not involve praying to any Hindu deity or any other form of Asian religion.

 

Standing Brocade

The 11 Section Standing Brocade is an excellent means of “warming up” prior to more intensive External exercise such as weight lifting, aerobics, and Martial Arts, or for more specialized Chi Gong exercises. The Standing Brocade is also an extremely effective form of combined Internal and External exercise when practiced alone. When performed in union with the San Zhou Gong Seated Brocade and Swinging Arms sets, the three combined disciplines form what is called Morning Warming and is a most harmonious way of beginning the day. When the 7 Section Seated Brocade and 11 Section Standing Brocade are performed together, they represent the 18 Section Complete Brocade of Jiu Ling Tao.

The Standing Brocade has eleven sections which are modular and may be practiced individually, interchanged by preference, or in a flowing sequence. When practiced individually, it is recommended to perform 8 – 12 full repetitions per exercise beginning and ending with a session of Swinging Arms. When practicing an “assortment” of individual Sections in a varied sequence begin, separate each section with, and end the exercise period with Swinging Arms. When performing the Standing Brocade in the prescribed continuing sequence, begin and end the exercise period with Swinging Arms.

Unless otherwise stated, the tongue should be at the roof of the mouth, closing the upper gate, also called Heavenly Gate, (of the Smaller Heavenly Circuit). All breathing should be smooth, slow, deep, and be performed in a continuous, flowing manner. Beginning practitioners should measure their breathing in a 4 – count inhale and 4 – count exhale rhythm. Advanced practitioners may increase their breathing to a 6 or 8 – count rhythm.

When practiced correctly this discipline is a complete art form and works the entire body. It massages the body’s organs and drastically enhances the body’s immune system. It is this discipline which Hanshi Nelson attributes to being most significant to repairing several of his most serious health concerns including: a fist sized tumor in the left of his lower abdomen, sever high blood pressure, a scare of colon cancer and three tumors in the right wrist.

Developed from study and research of several different variations of 8, 10 and 12 Section Standing Brocade, all of which claimed to be The true rendition derived from the 18 Exercises attributed to Bodhidharma.

Traditionally these exercises are performed individually in sets of repetitions. As a result of students mentioning how Long this set was when performed correctly, Hanshi Nelson experimented with the sequences, explored other variations, and connected his routine together in a continual flowing exercise. He has also included an exercise gleaned from Twelve Tiger Kung Fu’s Chi Gong discipline. The resulting sequence is performed in one continuous set, incorporates 108 successive breaths, is just a bit longer in time sequence, yet is more refreshing and appealing to students.

 

Taiji as Quan

This class is set aside to provide proper instruction in Self Defense application of the techniques of Taiji Quan. It is a proven fact that students understand better what they are learning when they see and feel what they are supposed to be doing. Learning movements to Taiji Forms without Self Defense application is like going to school to learn math … without being given problems for which to find solutions. This applies to ALL Forms/Kata, not just Taiji.

 

Certification Program

An optional Certification Program is available for those interested in moving in that direction. It is required, however, for those interested in moving toward eventual Instructorship. There are four graduation levels to an Adept classification, required for an Instructors Certification, with advancement beyond.

In the beginning a student is classified as a Novice. The first graduation is to Acolyte, upon which the student is awarded a Purple Sash. This represents basic skill level of the Jiu Ling Form and the Seated Brocade.

The second graduation is to Journeyman, upon which the student is awarded a Blue Sash. This represents skill in Self Defense applications of the Form and the Standing Brocade.

The third graduation is to Advanced Journeyman, upon which the student is awarded a Brown Sash. This represents skill in correct breathing and variable speeds of Form, depth of understanding in movement, and the complete Heaven & Earth Harmonies.

The forth graduation is to Adept, upon which the studen is awarded a Black Sash. This represents a well rounded knowledge and skill of technique in several applications of the Form, the Jiu Ling Taiji system of Self Defense, Chi Gong, and Acupoint Theory. The Adept Level does not automatically award the individual with Instructor’s Certification.

Upon successful completion of the Instructor’s Training Course, the Adept is awarded the title of Instructor and may wear a Yellow Sash. For more on the Instructor’s Training Course look under Tao of Kuhasu Jutsu of the Main Menu.

 

 

 

 

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