- Hsing-i and Pa
Kua
Tai Chi, Hsing-i and Pa Kua are often referred
to as the three brothers(sisters). These classes
offer a more strenuous regimen and an opportunity
for cross training to improve one's understanding
and practice of the Tai Chi family of arts. Much of
what is written about Tai Chi on this site pertains
to all three arts, especially regarding health. The
brief descriptions below are intended to evoke the
individual flavor of each.
- Hsing-i
- (Hsing-I Ch'uan, Xingyi,
Xingyiquan)
Hsing-i (pronounced "Shing-ee") is a development
of traditional Shaolin Boxing (Kung-fu), Hsing-i
emphasizes the development of clear intention (I)
directly translated into form or action (Hsing).
Like Shaolin, Hsing-i is characterized by clarity,
immediacy, and directness. Its movements are
inspired by the action of natural forces and
animals. In the 20th century, a derivitive of
Hsing-i-Chuan , called simply I-Chuan, was
developed as a back to basics approach to health
and martial ability. I-Chuan greatly emphasises
San-Ti&emdash;the basic relationship between
Heaven, Earth and Man as the foundation of success
in all martial arts.
Practicing Hsing-i promotes health as internal
Chi Kung, deeply
massaging and strengthening the tissues and organs
of the body. Its five basic actions harmonize the
natural rhythms of the body. In training the heart
and mind, it encourages a calm and focused
attitude. Its coiled posture develops a spring-like
power. In self-defense, Hsing-i is honest, direct,
and elegant in simplicity.
Hsing-i I (a: Heaven, Earth and Man)
In our current schedule, we do not offer a
Hsing-i class. Students who would like to begin the
practice of Hsing-i in a group setting are
encouraged to begin with Chi Kung and the
I-Chuan(San-Ti) training it emcompases. Private
lessons are always available.
- Pa
Kua
- (Pa Kua Chang, Bagua,
Baguazhang)
Pa Kua is a synthetic method which combines
traditional Chinese boxing and Taoist meditation
methods. Pa Kua is the youngest of the three
brothers and just beginning to enjoy popularity in
the West. As a relatively modern style with deep
roots in meditative and martial philosophy, it is
both rigorous and well suited to the demands of
contemporary society.
Pa Kua's circling and spiraling movements
develop a flexible power of the waist, open the
spine, and unify the fluid action of the feet and
palms. Its practice emphasizes constant change
while maintaining one's center. The name, Pa Kua
(eight conditions), implies that it is at home with
many possibilities, being uniquely adaptable,
supple, and unpredictable.
Pa-Kua I (a: Spiraling Body) (b: Circle
Walking)
Use vigorous circling and spiraling movements to
develop a flexible waist, open the spine, and join
the action of feet and palms. Learn to maintain
your center while in constant motion.
(a) Spiraling Body: Ten-Daoist-Exercises (first
5 postures), 2 Pa-Kua Standing Postures,
Eight-Inner-Palms (Bear, Bird, Dragon) and
Square-Standing-Changing-Palm
(b) Circle Walking: Ten-Daoist-Exercises
(complete), 8 Pa-Kua Standing Postures,
Eight-Inner-Palms (Great-Roc, Lion-Holds-the-Ball,
Monkey-Hanging) and
Circle-Walking-Changing-Palm
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