Some of you are following the activity on our social media pages- Facebook -Twitter, etc and may have seen this article published on Keith's website. It is actually a response to another video and explains the concept of ground connection as simply redirecting the incoming energy to ground, and /or back into the opponent. It is a subtle use of the basic principle of yin becoming yang. Yielding (yin) is to make a strategic controlled withdrawal to a position of stability and strength, in order to redirect, or (in this instance) 'bounce' the opponent with his own force, by feeding it back to him. In the video  for the sake of safety we only direct, rather than bounce. This is the strategic use of one particular form of 'Jin' or trained force/ energy in Tai Chi Chuan, there are many other manifestations available. follow the link to find the video if you cannot see it below.
http://www.keithroost.com/a-life-full-of-glory.html

Christmas and New Year 2014-15
It's that time of year when everyone is thinking of celebrating and relaxing, and perhaps  (whisper this) easing up on practice a little?

 

So in the spirit of the Season and Wu Wei (non doing) we aim to facilitate that with the following information:

 

Last classes for 2014.

           

Trowse                      16th December

           

Hindolveston           18th December

 

New term 2015                    Fee payable on first lesson unless paying weekly

 

Hindolveston                       8th January                                                   £25.00          

Trowse                                  13th January                                     £18.75

 

Private classes remain according to the schedule agreed with your personal teacher.

 

Drop in fees remain at £7.50 per session.

 

Have fun over the holidays and we look forward to training with you in the New Year.

Stay in touch during the break



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 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMAngYlGzIsTAUdyd3Enuaw

 

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 Email:    [email protected]

 The Ba Duan Jin is one of the oldest Qigong techniques recorded in ancient Chinese history; you will read this in almost every treatise on Qigong. What far fewer texts will reveal is that there are many versions, some seated, some standing, some very dynamic, some comparatively passive.

All of these forms are intended to act upon the energy circuits associated with the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which are concerned with regulating the flow of Qi (intrinsic energy). The major governing vessels (Ren and Du, or governing and Conception Vessels) primary circuits, and those associated with the organs are activated by this set, and as such benefit the whole body and psyche.
I was taught that the name is derived from the ability of this set to impart the quality of a fine silk brocade to the energy of the practitioner, that is soft, smooth, strong, rich and intricately interwoven, just as your energy circuits should be.

Perhaps the reason so much has been written about this set is partly because of  its historical heritage, partly its adaptability to so many ranges of ability, but mostly its remarkable effectiveness, even when performed in the easiest forms. Of course when the most demanding, advanced versions are practised daily, the beneficial effects are even greater, it is for this reason that versions of these more demanding forms are often the basis for the secret Nei Gong training of many respected martial arts systems, the tough guys of the Qigong world.

In our courses we  cover the Ba Duan Jin set, at three levels of performance. first we teach the root of each movement, the essence, then we move up the scale demonstrating how adding in pauses, spirals, weight shifts and different breathing increase the demands  but also the benefits of each technique. This means our students are shown how to scale the versions up or down according to their ability. Teacher training of course goes even deeper into these aspects, so our teacher candidates have a thorough understanding of the way the system works from a traditional and physiological perspective


The easiest level we teach is less physically demanding, the levels increase in the amount of physical complexity, sinking, rising, twisting, compressing and expanding, as they progress. Also the difficulty of the breath components progress, therefore the easiest physical form, combined with the most advanced breathing can be a demanding and beneficial practice even for advanced practitioners. Always practice with sympathy for the body and mind, intention should be strong, even when the action, and breath are less.
The dvd below does not include 'Bouncing the heels' or 'Contemplating Dao'  please see your teacher for details of the variations included in your regular class.
Aways seek the advice of your medical team before beginning any new exercise programme