Moy Style Yang Tai Chi
The Tai Chi of Moy Lin-Shin is an adaptation of the Yang long form of Tai Chi combined with principles of Lok Hup Ba Fa and Yiquan learned from his teacher Leung Tse Pang. The 108 movement set and associated foundation exercises focus on cultivating internal health through gentle stretching, turning and expanding the spine. Although Tai Chi is a powerful martial art, Moy Tai Chi intentionally does not focus on this aspect, but rather emphasizes the health benefits.
The Moy Tai Chi curriculum also includes forms for the dao (sabre), and jian (sword).
Chen Style Tai Chi
Like many things born of ancient culture, the origins of Tai Chi are shrouded in mystery and debate. Chen family Tai Chi is widely regarded as the oldest style and the predecessor to the other traditional styles Yang, Wu(Hao), Wu and Sun. The foundations of Chen style are found in the many variations of the exercises known as silk reeling. These exercises employ a smooth shifting and spiraling motion that is very beneficial for strengthening the body and building coordination. Chen Tai Chi is also known for its explosive releases of power or “fa jin” which are not present in most Tai Chi styles.
The 18 posture short form developed by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei focuses on the essential movements found in the 74 movement Old Frame First Routine(Laojia Yilu). Beginners will enjoy the short form and silk reeling exercises as a complete introduction to the Chen style of movement.
Lok Hup Ba Fa
First taught openly in the late 1930s by Wu Yihui, Lok Hup Ba Fa is an ancient Chinese movement art that is said to have been created by the Taoist sage Chen Xiyi and passed down passed down privately for many generations. The eloquent, circular movements of the Lok Hup form bear resemblance to other internal arts such as Tai Chi, Bagua, Xingyi, and Yiquan. The version of the Zhu Ji that form we practice was passed from Wu Yi Hui to Leung Tse Pang to Moy Lin Shin.
As the movements of the Lok Hup set are more demanding both mentally and physically, it is recommended that students have a foundation in tai chi first. Learning the Lok Hup form is an excellent way to inform and expand other Internal Arts practices. The form consists of 66 movements separated into two halves. The first half emphasizes the external body, and the second half focuses on the internal providing a complete workout for mind, body and spirit.
Qi Gong
An ancient Chinese practice, Qi Gong cultivates holistic health through postural alignment, building whole body awareness, mindful breathing, sinking the body and mind to access and mobilize the Qi.
There are myriads of forms of Qi Gong, with a wide variety of intentions. Most have either a martial, medical, or spiritual focus. Our emphasis is on achieving the maximum health benefits that these amazing arts can provide. Qi Gong practices can be adapted for all levels of health and fitness and can provide a complete workout for anyone.
The translation of Qi is internal life force or energy, and Gong is skill or achievement. Through continued practice Qi Gong one can learn to circulate internal energy and promote the unity of mind, body, and spirit.
Many Qi Gong practices require very little space, and thus can be practiced almost anywhere.
Swimming Dragon
Swimming Dragon, or Taiyi You Long Gong, is a fusion of Daoist Internal Arts such as Tai Chi, Bagua, Daoist yoga and others. Legend has it that it was developed by a Daoist master who was imprisoned, and thus had limited space to practice.
One of the best features of this art is that it cultivates principles of internal movement, and improves strength, flexibility and balance in a concise set that is easy to perform in a small space.
Ba Gua Zhang
Ba Gua is one of the most beautiful and fascinating of the Chinese Internal arts. Based on the eight trigrams of the classic book of divination the I Ching, Ba Gua is performed while walking in a circle. Excellent for developing balance and whole body coordination, Ba Gua is an ideal companion for any other internal arts practice. Executed slowly and methodically as a meditative practice, or more quickly for cardiovascular health, and efficient power delivery, Ba Gua provides a myriad of opportunities for cultivating health and well being.
A complete martial arts system, there are several foundational practices for strengthening and stretching the body. Although there are many martial arts applications to the movements, the focus of our practice is on maximizing the numerous health benefits available from Ba Gua and it’s spiraling movements.
The Ba Gua style we practice is of the Gao Yi Sheng style of the Chen Ting Hua branch.
Xing Yi Quan
Also known as five element fist, Xing Yi Quan is an art known for its explosive power delivery and martial efficiency. The interaction of the five elements- Metal, Earth, Fire, Water, and Wood is based in Traditional Chinese Medical theory. Each element has a corresponding fist, which is practiced in a linear fashion, and cultivates the qualities of that given element.
Most Xing Yi systems also include 10-12 animal forms, although the five elements and Santishi (standing practice) are the foundations of the art. Typically practiced with martial intent, Xing Yi is also an excellent health practice for building mental focus, understanding internal power, and efficiency of movement.
Yi Quan
Yiquan is a meditative art derived from Xing Yi Quan by Wang Xiang Zhai. Yi translates as intent, as Yiquan focuses on training the mind intent as well as the body. It consists of static and repeated dynamic exercises without any sequential forms and is convenient to practice as very little space is required. Although exercises are usually practiced while standing, they can also be performed while sitting and lying down for people with health concerns.
Yiquan creates a peaceful tranquility in the body and mind and is most beneficial to practice in natural settings. The zhan zhuang (meditation postures) improve circulation, posture, relieve stress and have been widely researched for their health benefits.
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