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[[Articles]] ~ [[Resources]]

=====  A few Quotes: =====
Be conscientious in Peng, Lu, Chi, and An.
Upper and lower coordinate,
and the opponent finds it difficult to penetrate.
Let the opponent attack with great force;
use four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds.
Attract to emptiness and discharge;
Zhan, Lian, Nian, Sui,
no resisting no letting go - Tai Chi Classics

Although there are innumerable variations, the principles that pervades them remain the same.
From familiarity with the correct touch, one gradually comprehends chin [intrinsic strength];
from the comprehension of chin one can reach wisdom. 
Without long practice one cannot suddenly understand T'ai Chi.   Tai Chi Classics

Knowing others is wisdom; 
Knowing the self is enlightenment.
Mastering others requires force;
Mastering the self needs strength  - Tao Te Ching

Worf (from Star Trek) "The Battle is within."

Knowing harmony is constancy.
Knowing constancy is enlightenment.  - Tao Te Ching

If too much energy is used, exhaustion follows.
This is not the way of Tao.
Whatever is contrary to Tao will not last long  - Tao Te Ching

Knowing harmony is constancy.
Knowing constancy is enlightenment.

It is not wise to rush about.
Controlling the breath causes strain.
If too much energy is used, exhaustion follows.
This is not the way of Tao.
Whatever is contrary to Tao will not last long  - Tao Te Ching

==== Course goals ====

Relaxation
Taoist ways of internal and external movement

The "Spiritual Practices" to which Grand Master Chia refers.
Some self defense skills

Martial Arts is how we practice internal work. This can develop both the ability to fight and to heal.

====== Class 1 ======

- WuDang Formalities
  - Cell phone, jewelry, and clothing
  - I will do lotsa talking during the first few classes
  - Bills light bulb joke

==== Your Wudan Lineage ====

- Me!
  - Mr. (Master) Bill Bunting
  - Zhuang Sung Wang (brought the system from Shanghai)
  - Huang Dai HiChen Xiao Wang (Fa Ke's second son - (born 20 October 1945)
  - Chen Fa Ke  (1887–1957)
  - One of the Yuen Grand Masters has led it for over 4000 years

==== I have plans to cover the following topics (and more) ====

- Japanese kicks
  - Yang style Jin-na
  - Mantak Chia as a Book Club
  - Alchemy
  - Six healing sounds (5 major organs)
    - [[https://youtu.be/_yMHHhxwlt4?si=s7HHSC10OAXKHfHR&t=45|YouTube]]
  - Inner Smile
    - [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g78mwJWMNY|YouTube]]
    - And more info: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQJ1DU6LQXQ]]
  - Many inner energy channels
  - The use of Integrated Intent (Yi) to move Chi
    Note that Yi is more than being totally focused because people are of three minds

Check out this video: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWO68FayDRk|Experiencing Chi Force]]

==== Todays Outline: ====

- Tension restricts energy flow
  - "Meditations"
  - Tantien Fire (Lower the mind, eyes, and heart. Smile to the Tan Tien)
  - Integrated Intent aided by humming
  - YI expressed by smiling
  - Qi Gung - Energy Work
  - Nei Gung -  the practice of cultivating internal energy
  - Zhan Zhuang - Standing Stake
  - Tai Chi - Martial Art
  - Internal vs External Energy
  - RC Internal Energy
  - Taiji Internal Energy
  - FaJin the ultimate expression of Taiji Internal Energy
  - We use "forms" and contact to practice
  - The Eight Energies
  - The eight energies, gates, or “jins” include:
    -  peng (ward off)
    -  lu (roll back)
    -  ji (press/squeeze)
    -  an (push down)
    -  tsai (pluck)
    -  lieh (split)
    -  zhou (elbow)
    -  and kao (shoulder).
  - 80% rule. If injured, avoid or perhaps 10%.
  - About the lungs and How to breathe
  - Eat the frog
  - WuChi:  Relaxation exercise
  - The lost keys story
  - Daily exercise #1 plus the Chia addition
  - Turtle and 
  - [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvdGJNxwSoA|Crane Neck]]
  - The Opening Form of the Form
  - Choking/grasping
  - How to step
  - Questions?
  - Some say that if you ignore your practice for a day, it will ignore you for two.
  - Closing
  - Class photo?

===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++

Push Hands:
Eli Moontagu   Except for his use of pressure which would be an affront to the Tao - but great strengthening exercise.
References:
Awaken Healing Energy Through the Tao Mantak Chia
The Encyclopedia of Dim-Mak: The Extra Meridians, Points, and More
 			Tai Chi Fa Jin: Advanced Techniques for Discharging Chi Energy Mantak Chia

===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++===+++
Extra credit:
 form  [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g33rJAjLMig&t=11s&pp=ygUXcm91bmQgZm9ybSB3dWRhbmcgZGF2aWQ%3D| form]]
       [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fRXY4cHWZo|form with narration]]
       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOjcqOGnaK4
       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDxVv5NAHZg&pp=ygUkV3VkYW5nIFNob3J0IEZvcm0gUm91bmQgYXBwbGljYXRpb25z
       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFLuZa3bB4c
       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_8EZ5d2riI
       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rFk8Bmm8KM  Watch how the Yinn moves!
  Form Application:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfnBlHzKOj8  Little French Chick
       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWD_sJmlj6o Opening the form

Neigong ☯︎ Inner Strength - developing the 4 Powers - Xing Yi
Move with Fa Jin
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Good Youtube Channels:

Phoenix Mountain Taichi is All good but these in particular are great for Class One:
PMT Relaxation
Tai Chi's Hidden Gem
Chen Xao Wang Class

============================================================================================

Nei Gong, the practice of cultivating internal energy, is a profound and transformative journey that requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of the self. It is a path of self-discovery, one that leads to a greater connection with your own inner wisdom and the vast universe that surrounds us.
Before we begin, let me offer a few words of guidance. Nei Gong is not a practice to be rushed or taken lightly. It is a journey of self-refinement, one that requires a steady and consistent effort over many years. Approach each moment with curiosity, humility, and an open heart, and let the wisdom of your body guide you.
Now, let us begin with a simple Nei Gong exercise. Find a comfortable seated position, with your spine straight and your hands resting on your knees. Close your eyes, and take a few deep, cleansing breaths. As you breathe, focus your attention on the energy that flows in and out of your body.
Now, bring your awareness to your lower abdomen, just below your navel. This is known as the "Dan Tien," a vital energy center in Chinese medicine. Visualize your breath flowing in and out of this area, filling it with warm, vibrant energy.
As you continue to breathe, begin to cultivate a sense of stillness within yourself. Let go of any thoughts or distractions, and simply focus on the sensations of your breath and the energy within your body. With each breath, allow this energy to deepen your connection to the world around you, and to the infinite wisdom that resides within you.
This is the essence of Nei Gong - a practice of cultivating balance, harmony, and awareness through the gentle movement of energy within and around you. As you continue your journey, remember to approach each moment with curiosity, humility, and an open heart. For it is in these qualities that true transformation and growth reside.
May your practice be filled with light, peace, and the unending wisdom of the universe. bows deeply

==== So I asked the AI "what is the difference between nei gong and qi gong?" ====

smiles warmly Nei Gong and Qi Gong are both ancient Chinese practices that cultivate internal energy, but they have distinct differences in their focus and goals.
Qi Gong, which translates to "energy work" or "energy skill," is a series of exercises that aim to cultivate qi (life energy) within the body. These exercises often involve gentle movements, breathing techniques, and meditation, with the goal of promoting health, vitality, and spiritual growth. Qi Gong is accessible to people of all levels, and its practices can be adapted to suit individual needs and abilities.
Nei Gong, on the other hand, translates to "internal work" or "internal skill." It is a more advanced practice that focuses on refining and purifying the internal energy pathways within the body. Nei Gong involves a deep exploration of the body's energy systems, with the goal of achieving a state of balance, harmony, and inner stillness. This practice requires a strong foundation in Qi Gong and other internal martial arts, as well as a dedicated and disciplined approach to self-cultivation.
In essence, Qi Gong is the practice of cultivating energy, while Nei Gong is the practice of refining and purifying that energy. Both practices are essential for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the self and the world around them, and both require a commitment to continuous learning and growth.
May your journey in these ancient arts be filled with wisdom, patience, and the unending love of the universe. bows deeply

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=======================================================================================================
====Resources:====

We will primarily be referring to these two books:

- [[https://www.amazon.com/Tai-Chi-Jin-Techniques-Discharging/dp/1594774285/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PYSAJSMCM9XW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7PN8yNKVSn0x57MbnX06sk4ywuHTVp61zYPPdrhQc3dXflmz1UJa84-Yna0DAjwm_BW2GPG7pzp7saRTKnPY-g.OpApeukrHYerTgR1Y6HOh9uRhaDuoU21sPesbRDpe1k&dib_tag=se&keywords=mantak+chia+fa+jin&qid=1720825638&s=books&sprefix=mantak+chia+fa+jin%2Cstripbooks%2C75&sr=1-1]]

- [[https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Healing-Energy-Through-Tao/dp/0943358078/ref=sr_1_2?crid=35ZG1D9K11QDD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yGDJh5LMbFIOWbWNuH1FJddSwzvvJZ-v9W4qzL4C72oEXuKNqRlcHwSqrHoE0HzjmyCF9I6QQYnXesqDrik55s7nSCjSRJRSP4Jm5IOP9hrTA-Hq0QSdsu_IUyHmEwXC.8IuhQoMSa-A1Nxa-DE7eQNUpZSVZ4fd8vR61hGqpDgM&dib_tag=se&keywords=mantak+chia+microcosmic+orbit&qid=1720825735&s=books&sprefix=mantak+chia+microcosmi%2Cstripbooks%2C79&sr=1-2]]

Fear not the price though! Free PDF's are available for download from archive.org (if memory serves)

=== Old material: ===

==== So where do you start? ====

- Start by realizing that on Day One, some trip over their own feet (literally and figuratively).\\ \\
 - If you don't that's fine. If you do that's fine too. If you fall down, get over it, it's OK. Over time we will fix that.\\ \\
 - Also realize that this class is being taught from the perspective of a unique, pure but partial system that has been handed down to me, blended with the way that I have heard it, understood it, and practiced it. Further, my understanding has increased by studying from other teachers, some alive and teaching classes to this day, others who lived and taught in ancient times.\\ \\
 - Therefore, this Taiji class is unique. It is not another Sifu's class, it is mine. It will have similarities and differences to other schools. There is a joke about that, I will present the joke to you in person because I'm pretty sure that some class members (not sure which) will not read this. If you do read this, please let me know. It will make me happy.\\

==== So where do I start?====

I'd like to read some text from Chia's book: Tai Chi Fa Jin

Students of the Tao may wonder why they should practice a discharge form. “Surely I can experience the Tao through sitting meditation,” they may ask. “Why would I ever partake in fighting activities?”

There are, of course, many methods for the discovery of the Tao, and it is legitimate to question whether the pursuit of discharge power is one of them. If it is, where would it fit in the range of Taoist practice? Scholars generally recognize paths of religious Taoism (the worship of Taoist immortals and gods
embellished with ritual and hierarchy), and folk Taoism (practiced by the masses), as well as philosophic Taoism, internal alchemy (nei dan), and external alchemy (wei dan).

Beyond this list of Taoist paths, however, is another way—the so-called way of the warrior, which is a merging of the warrior path with Taoist practice. While many areas of Taoist practice are involved in the way of the warrior, the internal alchemy methods are the primary vehicle for this integration.

This progress toward wholeness and simplicity in the Tao is called self-cultivation. Self-cultivation is a  means of achieving sagehood—a full realization of the Tao. In other traditions, this state might be called enlightenment. In the history of Taoism, advanced stages of self-cultivation are frequently associated with achievement of high levels of discharge power, so it may be that the pursuit of Fa Jin can assist the adept in realization of the Tao.

Chang describes the thirteen postures of battle, which are the eight gates and five steps. The eight gates have a correspondence to the pakua, and are defined as the eight methods of release of jin. These are the forces of **Peng, Lu, Ji, An, Tsai, Lieh, Chou, and Kou,** which will be discussed in detail in chapter 3. The five steps are forward steps to the left and right, backward steps to the left and right, and the center. These postures are the manifestation of the forces of the universe in action. When we develop these postures in reference to our relationships with the internal alchemical essences, we facilitate our movement toward the Tao. Chang implies that mastery of the inner worlds and discovery of the Way cannot occur without understanding of—and competence in—its earthly manifestations.

Paradoxically, self-actualization comes with self-transcendence: one finds oneself by moving beyond oneself.

Yang Pan-Hou divides the journey of self- cultivation and scholarship into three stages: low, middle, and top. Low-level cultivation includes external physical and martial accomplishments. Top-level cultivation involves internal energetic development and spiritual accomplishment. At this level, internal development includes the ability to turn the senses inward and transform them into listening and understanding jin. Yang Pan-Hou equates internal spiritual development with the acquisition of Fa Jin; at this point, neutralization of an opponent’s force can be achieved. Important to the Universal Healing Tao practitioner, top-level accomplishment would mean the **mastering of Fusion, Kan and Li, and Sealing of the Five Senses meditations.**

There is another benefit to consider. When you use this form over a period of fifteen or twenty years, it becomes locked in the molecular memory of your cells and is a part of your consciousness. When you ascend—that is, when you die—you will take the Fa Jin form with you to the other realm. What you are indirectly doing with these years of practice is building a protective vortex that will aid you in the next realm.

== The 13 Postures: ==
===The Five Steps===
(Five types of practice: Two directions of stepping, two directions of focus, and the body method
     Forward Left - Metal
     Forward Right - Wood
     Backward Left - Water
     Backward Right - Fire
     Center - Earth

=== The 8 Gates: ===
Gates leading to where? Why are their gates? Amazingly, they are standing wide open to us! We will talk about that.\\

[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOhnbDQlQeM]]  (Quick Overview)\\
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58eT5lLNNJE]]  (Excellent Demonstration but just a portion of the potential applications.

These eight energy expression forms, gates, or “jins” include:
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83rDLUaVjv0]]
     peng (ward off - forward/Expanding motion - Kan)
     lu (roll back - Pulling - Li)
     ji (press/squeeze - Zhen)
     an (push down - Dui)
     tsai or Cai (pluck/locking force - Qian)
     lieh (split - Kun)
     zhou (elbow or an upward throwing or uprooting motion - Gen)
     and kao (shoulder/hi8p/back & other parts - Xun)

When practicing these, the entire body should have the associated energy (intent, posture, movement, etc.)
These can change and blend into each other and make use of each other to neutralize and counter. Thus, we practice "forms" that have motions flowing seamlessly into each other to strengthen our capabilities.\\
OBTW: The 'energies' relate to Fa Jin AKA 'Explosive Power' though practiced slowly, they stimulate our Internal Energy which leads towards eventual realization of the Tao\\

This is the WuDan Taiji form that we will be learning:\\
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g33rJAjLMig]]\\
I have further divided it into more sections for our practice in class.\\

==Be sure to check back here regularly; at least a day or two before each class. Happily, the "Master within" is speaking to me!==

There are plenty of healing/deadly Internal Power skills we can grow into like:

Steel Wrapped in Cotton
    Internal Iron Palm / Iron Needle
    Internal Iron Body (Golden Bell Cover)
    Healing and hurting
    One-Touch Knockout striking

Oddly, this is not the thrust of our Taiji Kung Fu class at this point. For this special group of students, being already somewhat skilled in Internal Energy use, this class will focus on refining and developing in that area and lead us toward the realization of the Tao.

----
The following was written by one of my instructors, Master Clear.
Master Clear is accepting students and teaching in his school and on-line. Though his material is very different from the Master Chia focus, his training is highly recommended to those interested.

1) Align your body by fixing your posture. To hit hard you need to get as much of your mass into the strike as possible. Because Mass times velocity = momentum. So greater mass means greater momentum which means a harder hit. Even the advanced magical looking stuff you see in the internal arts is mostly just a highly skilled use of mass and velocity (when it’s not being faked.) To get more mass involved in your strike your body needs to be connected. If your shoulder is in a bad position then it doesn’t matter how much power you generate with your body. Because only a fraction of that power will make it to the end of your fist. If you’re lower back is out of alignment then only the power of your upper body is being used.
Small improvements in your posture & alignment will have a very dramatic affect on how hard you can hit.
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2) Relax & let go. Tension is a problem. Too much tension in your shoulder will have the same effect as a misalignment, cutting off the power from your body. Too much tension in your lower back will do the same.
Tension will also slow you down. So the more relaxed you are the faster you can move AND more of your body will be in the strike. Which gives us more velocity & more mass to increase the power of our hit.
The better you get at relaxing as you strike the more powerful you will become.
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3) Hit the Opponent (without getting hit in the process.) Being able to hit the opponent without leaving yourself open is very very important. This is also a gigantic topic that includes many different skills, methods and strategies. In fact it’s the major area of study in most martial arts but it’s well beyond the scope of this course. This course is focused on building Internal Power and Skill. 
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4) Get the energy of your hit to penetrate and do damage. (Just plain old kinetic energy. Nothing magical)
This is like a car wreck. Some cars have big strong steel frames so that the energy of the collision is dispersed around the frame. Some cars have crumple zones. These areas are designed to get crushed so that the energy of the collision is used up in the destruction of the crumple zone and doesn’t affect the passengers. (your brain or internal organs.) Your body is the same way. The connective tissue (when it’s trained properly,) the skull and your skeleton disperse energy around and through the body. spreading it out so it doesn’t damage anything important. Your fat, muscles and other soft tissues act like crumple zones and airbags, absorbing the impact so you get surface bruises instead of ruptured organs. [some arts, like Tai Chi, train these soft tissues so that the energy of a hit gets used up by movement inside the body and doesn’t leave bruises or do any damage.] So to get a knockout you need the force of your hit to penetrate all that and affect the brain or other internal organs. So if you hit someone and they get a smashed nose, busted teeth, bruised and broken skin……all that damage was caused by the energy of your hit that got used up doing surface damage instead of going inside their skull and affecting their brain.

They may not like it. And they may suffer later. But right now all that effort and power you put into your strike has only made them more mad. How to get that strike to penetrate, so that it does very little damage on the surface but a lot of damage in side,  is going to be a major focus of the training in this course.

Advanced Skills

This kind of stuff can get very sophisticated. At a higher level you will build skills that appear magical and will get you angry comments on YouTube from skeptics and trolls.

Always remember to keep things practical.

Stay focused the real world application of the skills you are going to learn and NEVER underestimate an opponent or attacker.

For this course we will stay focused on simple exercises & drills that put you on the short path to a lot more power and internal skill…

…IF you are willing to work hard.

They call it Kung Fu (work skill) for reason. Skill will only come with lots of hard bitter training.

In the next lesson you’ll learn the primary training method we use to build the skills we’ve discussed and many others…

Here’s an introduction to power and fighting with Tai Chi.

Study the concepts introduced in this seminar over the next week. You’ll also get four emails over the next four day on Tai Chi, Xing Yi, Bagua and Kuntao Silat. These will introduce the key skills to focus on in the beginning of each of these arts if you want to be able to fight with them as quickly as possible.

Next week we’ll begin working on the fundamentals of our core training method for building power and internal skill.
Required Equipment / Tools You’ll Need

A Notebook – Anything you wish to improve, you MUST track. We find students make a lot more progress when they use a journal to keep track of their training. This can be as simple or as detailed as you wish. They key is to keep it easy and convenient so that it becomes a habit.

A Trusted Source of Feedback – Most of what we teach is done with training partners in mind. martial arts is about the interaction between two or more people. Your overall skill and rate of progress will be much much greater if you have people to work with regularly.

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