The Mystery of Eight Brocades Qi Gong – All Movements

The Mystery of Eight Brocades Qi Gong – All Movements

Qi Gong in the West

It is rare to see people in the west practicing authentic Qi Gong like in the old days in China. Originally the Eight Brocades Qi Gong form was developed by the military. Qi Gong translates to “Breathing,” “Power,” “Exercise.” Something most people don’t want to admit is that the “magical Qi,” which translates to “Energy” or “Power,” is the same “Qi” that is also used for cars and airplanes. It describes the source of power, which for us is oxygen.

Mystification of Qi

In the West, most things that are difficult to learn are viewed as unprofitable. The wellness genre in the west is big and people are always looking for the easiest healing method. In China, the understanding of wellness is much clearer, as there is no such widespread social system as in the West, which is why people feel responsible for their own health. How can one be able to change without effort?

Learning Authentic Eight Brocades Qi Gong

Our academy is educating people internationally about true Qi Gong with traditional values. The technical aspect of Qi Gong is properly explained so that one can work effectively with Qi Gong. Master Ziji and Centina put together this extensive series about all the movements available in the Eight Brocades Qi Gong. During this series, the movements are shown, afterward explained, and individual corrections are shown. Each day one episode will be published.

When practicing Qi Gong make sure that you adjust the difficulty accordingly. Stances can be lower or more accurate as well as flexibility can be improved to achieve better positions. You can check out our flexibility training course for effective stretching methods for your Qi Gong practice.

When practicing Qi Gong make sure that you adjust the difficulty accordingly. Stances can be lower or more accurate as well as flexibility can be improved to achieve better positions. You can check out our flexibility training course for effective stretching methods for your Qi Gong practice.

Support Wudang Academy

These series are completely free for everyone to watch. We need to make people aware of traditional Qi Gong and the importance and effectiveness of traditional Wudang Qi Gong practices.

If you like this series or our Qi Gong helped you, please leave a donation or comment below. With every donation, you support our school and the archiving of traditional information for everyone. Master Ziji will continue to work on projects like this and is always educating people about the truth and reality of Internal Wudang Martial Arts.

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How Qi (Internal Energy) Works Within the Body

How Qi (Internal Energy) Works Within the Body

The body and mind are deeply connected. We need many things to work efficiently. Some theories are mostly very fragmented and do not explain the whole universe of these principles. 

If one portion of our primary needs is not satisfied, we lack energy or cannot use it efficiently. The Daoist understanding is to reflect on nature and understand what we really need. The natural principles lay the playground for the way of humans.

So how do we get the most of our energy?

First, we need to understand how the individual is built to store and use energy.

The human body has a specific capacity and sensitivity for using energy; this is depending on the physical properties of the body. Let’s think about like a vase, or a vessel of some sort, it is possible to hold energy inside depending on its shape or form. Muscles, for example, do not mean we are energetically stronger; It is essential to find the balance in the body to be able to work efficiently, excessive large muscles will make your energy consumption higher and fatigue faster.

In general, it can be said if one physical appearance is stronger, than the potential for more energy capacity is there, but it can also mean the individual is more emotional and mentally unstable or lacks focus. The opposite is true for individuals with a weaker physical appearance; they have it harder physically but developed because of this a healthy mind and sharp focus. As I said, this is only general, and everybody cannot be generalized, but it is obvious to see that imbalance can bring these results.

It is the master who intends to balance these principles to pave a straight path of harmony for the student.

The path of cultivating Qi

I will list the essential understandings for cultivating Qi in its importance:

  1. Physical training, students within the Sanfengpai learn to become physically stronger, durable, and elastic. This training (Jibengong) will provide the body with the right foundation to develop Qi further on. Once the body can work with these requirements, the students start to use Qi by learning it naturally and practically.
  2.  Tai Ji training, is the control of the extremes, harmonizing our powers is vital for learning to control Qi efficiently. Once the student is physically ready, it is easier to stay calm and focused on these exercises, hypersensitivity, or unable to feel anything only results for students who skipped the first step. The physical body will harmonize the way how Qi works, and the mind can be at ease and focus.
  3. Wu Ji training, also understood as “returning to emptiness.” Once the student has a hold of Qi, the natural order is to find the origin of this internal cultivation. Western people often tend to skip necessary steps and think the Qi will guide by sheer will. We do Wu Ji training to understand ourselves further and preserve our energy. It is what results from the tedious training of body and mind, that our being can find harmony.

Let’s not overcomplicate things further.

There is no magic formula in cultivating Qi. But there are several other things you should keep in mind:

  1. Sleep plenty to let the body fix itself. After each training, the circulation can work, and resting is the only way of repairing damages within the body. Every improvement also means a change inside, and for this, the body needs to be able to activate its regeneration, which only happens during sleep.
  2. Focus on your breath, 90% from our Qi can be used with the right and natural breathing. Our body takes in energy from Oxygen, and this way, we can use Qi more efficiently.
  3. Eat healthily, another way of getting energy is to eat light and healthy food. It will give the body the fundament for improving and changing within. Variation is essential and the ability to feel what the body needs to eat now.
  4. Fix the circulation within the body. Cleaning the body from the inside works with our blood/Qi circulation. Our bone structure, tendons, and fascia can block or prevent this circulation. Therefore it is crucial to get back to the Jibengong training as mentioned above to fix these problems.

This information should all sound logical and natural because the way of the Daoists is a natural way. It is the media and alternative approaches that wake the interest of people who do not know this natural order. I guess that the main reason is to make money to learn special methods. As I said, there is no magical formula or a way to fool your body and mind. The path of Daoists is a way of consistency, hard work, and determination. I am sure it is not a suitable way for everyone, but from my experience, it is that most people change their way of thinking at a certain point in life and realize that their own body and mind is vital for preserving the life quality, and then they start training. In China, people lack social insurance, and self-preservation is an important topic. When people tend to make others responsible for themselves, it will only lead to ignoring our own needs.

The Three Pillars of Internal Wudang Martial Arts

The Three Pillars of Internal Wudang Martial Arts

There are three main doctrines that help progress in the internal arts. We reach mastery when we train all three categories. The doctrines are structured and should prevent confusion in the Wudang martial arts or esoteric approaches which lead away from the main path.

Posture – 步法 Bù Fǎ

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Ma Bu Posture

The position and physical orientation of the body is the key to efficient relaxation and muscle tension as well as to the control of gravity. The basic Gong Fu doctrines consist of the Ji Ben Gong – basic exercises as well as the basic positions. Emphasizing a strong posture is important as students begin Wudang martial arts.

Usually one should start with Ji Ben Quan practice to improve in the basic postures.

You can start Ji Ben Quan right now and learn with our free online class here!

Internal Movements – 身法 Shēn Fǎ

Once the posture is stable, the student can gain power in the movements by controlling internal motions rooted over the Dantian. It is required that one acquires good enough flexibility for the basic postures in Ji Ben Quan. The internal movements in Wudang require flexible joints, elastic tendons, and relaxation.

Internal movements are rooted in the posture and lead the intention in one direction.

Rhythm Control – 節奏 Jié Zòu

The coordination between yin and yang, strength and relaxation as well as the breathing determine the rhythm control. The rhythm control can be done in both a consistent and irregular pattern. Everything is depending on controlling the factors which lead to efficiency in the internal practice. The learning of rhythm control must be corrected and taught by a master and is in an online class incomprehensible.

Learning from an authentic master

Master Ziji is one of the only qualified masters that teach the full understanding of the internal Wudang martial arts. You can check his seminars over here!

The next seminar plan for the upcoming year will be published at the end of October.

Also, watch the video about the three pillars:

Wudang Martial Arts – Flexible Body and Mind

Wudang Martial Arts – Flexible Body and Mind

In the traditional Chinese martial arts, it is important to be soft. Only the soft overcomes hardness, making the body stronger, more resistant and prevent sickness.

Wudang Martial Arts

The standard stretching routines in the traditional Wudang schools demand high flexibility to improve ones internal power. Being flexible puts less strain on the body and relaxation becomes more efficient. This will prevent injury and establishes freedom in the mind. Freeing oneself from physical and mental blockades to prevent stagnation of energy.

Only flexibility is not enough

It is a misconception in the Wudang martial arts that endless stretching may lead to a better condition. One more important factor is the power of the muscles and the elasticity of the tendons. It is common practice to use balancing stances to improve the fine-musculature of the body. The power to balance and hold the body is as important as the softness while being in this stances. This leads to better control of the body and more efficient use of the muscles.

Why it is important for power

Once the body can move unrestricted and freely, the power can be easily transferred through the body. Once we understand the Taiji – Yin Yang principles of power generation than it becomes clear how we train our coordination to work internally with our Qi. It is the time where students discover their Qi once they are flexible enough.

How Tai Chi gave me my life back!

How Tai Chi gave me my life back!

Before I started Tai Chi and Qi Gong training, my physical condition was so bad that I basically saw only two options: either I hang myself and give in to the pain and physical decay, or I catch myself and fight for a more vital body and keep my zest for life.

Everything started a few years ago. My nerves simply stopped moving. Damage to the spinal column and the nervous system, accompanied by severe nerve pain, required the operation of multiple spine and joint operations. That’s why I used bone implants and metal studs. However, the pain was still only with numerous drugs – and only slightly – to get a grip. I could not stand for a long time and could not walk without a walking stick. Numerous therapy attempts with different physiotherapists remained relatively unsuccessful. The inpatient treatments in the therapy center – twice for several weeks – brought little improvement.

Then I read an article about a Chinese doctor diagnosed with cancer. He was told he had only a short time left to live. Since he was a doctor himself, he knew that the diagnosis was correct and he also knew that conventional medicine could not help him here. But he did not want to accept that and so he studied old medical literature and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Finally, he found the health exercises Tai Chi and Qi Gong, which significantly supported his healing process. When he told his story, it was already 30 years ago. This story and this will inspired and motivated me a lot.
Even my grandson gave me strength and stamina. He was just two years old and was full of energy and life. My big goal was to be able to play with him again.

So I was looking for a Tai Chi school in my area, which should not be an easy task. On the internet, I found a coach who was even a medical doctor. That would be the perfect combination, I thought, and immediately called him. When he heard my story, he interrupted me and advised me to try something different. The risk of possible paraplegia would be too high.

In my mind, however, this success article was still so present that despite the unsuccessful first attempt, I was unable to dissuade from my plan. Again, I was looking for a Tai Chi school and came to the side of the Wudang Academy or Master Ziji (Michael Weichhardt). It was Sunday afternoon when I contacted him and he answered immediately. A few days later we already had the first trial training. This time, I was a bit worried about a renewed rejection of my history back a bit.

The training room was on the second floor and I remember well how difficult that way was for me. Already before the training, I was sweaty. Master, however, was very sensitive and took a good look at my physical problems. He showed me three different exercises – for an hour. I could not hold it any longer. I was completely exhausted and powerless and at the same time, I felt like someone had finally taken a heavy backpack from me. I had regained hope and new courage.

Master gave me a homework course every week, and he stopped me for daily practice. He taught me to walk properly and efficiently and to be in the right position. Also important were the breathing and the Qigong exercises. Although the exercises were not always painless, I trusted my body. After a few weeks, the first signs of improvement began to appear. I was able to reduce the tablet intake and my gait improved noticeably. Friends who had not seen me for several months could hardly believe this change. They had to convince themselves.

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P.A in our autumn seminar 2018 with Chen Shiyu

Today – after two years – I still enjoy the smooth and flowing tai chi movements. My physical condition has since improved so much that I can participate once a week in group training. Training has taught me to be better at dealing with my pain while meeting the needs of my body.

I am very grateful for this experience and with my story, I would like to urge everyone to actively take care of their body. At any rate, you are never too old for Qi Gong and Tai Chi.

Best regards
P.A.

A report by P.A. after 2 years of training in our Wudang Academy.

Advanced Internal Studies Workshop for Students and Teachers

Advanced Internal Studies Workshop for Students and Teachers

Event Date: 20.4 – 21.4.2019

Introduction

The traditional Daoist doctrines based on the Classic Chinese Medicine are rarely known to a full degree in western countries. In this workshop Master Ziji will individually coach every student and upcoming teacher to enhance his knowledge of the internal arts. This is an excellent follow-up workshop from the last seminar at Wahnam Frankfurt and is also very recommended for teachers in our educational program.

Content

In this workshop, the main instructions will be held in two groups, one is for learning and mastering the content while the other group is more focused on teaching it. The proper understanding of posture corrections and Qi alignment will be a crucial part of the workshop. The groups will be selected during the seminar.

Main topics:

  • Qi Gong posture and breathing
  • Zhan Zhuang posture and alignment
  • Tai Ji coordination & control
  • Internal Qi-transformation

The topics were chosen to challenge advanced students and teachers to understand the thematics of the internal arts comprehensively. The practical understanding and ability to freely use these principles stand in the foreground, new movements and forms may be learned passively during the workshop.

Schedule

  • 20.4.2019 – Start: 7:00am – End: 12:00pm (5 hours)
  • 21.4.2019 – Start: 7:00am – End: 12:00pm (5 hours)

Every day will start with outdoor Qi Gong exercise from 7:00 am – 8:00 am, between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm the workshop will be held indoors.

Location

JUFA Hotel Salzburg City
Josef-Preis-Allee 18, 5020 Salzburg
Go to the booking page to reserve your room!

Sightseeing (optional)

Since the workshop ends every day at 12:00 pm the second half of the day is practically free to contemplate about the internal arts or do some sightseeing in Salzburg. There are many places to see and Salzburg is a beautiful town! The hotel has a lot of information about available tours and places to see!


Participation

Our workshop does not include accommodation, however, the hotel where the workshop will be held is highly recommended. If you want to participate you should reserve your room before the hotel is full. In the worst case, there are many other hotels around in Salzburg.

  • Maximum participants: 30
  • Price: 175 Eur

Register now!


Leave questions in the comment field below!

Organization contact:

If you have questions or need special assistance please mail to:

events@wudang.academy

Martial Arts, Tai Chi & Qi Gong on Budget! Worth It?

Martial Arts, Tai Chi & Qi Gong on Budget! Worth It?

You may find many other Wudang schools outside of the San Feng lineage – some are a lot cheaper, but is it worth choosing another lineage over a lower price? Let’s find out:

Different lineage

There are many viable options when you really want a different lineage, for whatever reason. But there are also much less qualified schools due to the lower price and lower quality control. A lower price usually means the schools prefer to have more foreigners coming to their school to make money, often they care less about how you are preserving the tradition in your country. The best option usually is to go directly to the grandmaster of the lineage, which gives you a much higher chance to receive actual high-quality teachings – but not for a lower price.

Why does the master not teach me more? I am disappointed!

Hold your horses here! If you want a traditional school, you have found it! It is not usual in traditional schools to tell you everything from the beginning. Why should the master even teach you? Just because you paid a lot of money? That is not how tradition works in China. In the San Feng lineage, one must prove himself to be of good personality and dedication to the lineage to improve oneself. Whining about your lessons by demanding it will not help you when the master has no interest in teaching you that may be a sign to get your “things” (almost said a bad word) together.

It is common for the cheaper schools to be more attractive to foreign people because they give you a “show” and try to appeal your demands. But with this attitude of the master, you will not feel the accomplishment compared to a traditional school.

There are many more blog posts on this website of how to appeal to a traditional school!

The Method of Internal Arts on a Budget:

This topic is practically nonsense; there is a big reason why schools of internal arts are more expensive than others. The principles and method of internal arts are designed for the whole being and teaches you about yourself, health, personality, and martial arts. Knowing as much as possible is the key in these schools, and that is why most masters do not like to give it away for people who are not prepared to understand. In my school, most people truly grasp to understand the internal arts after one year of intensive training. Working with yourself and your accomplishments from overcoming your borders is something that is experienced during the training. Imagine your body lived wrong to some degree and it got adapted but regularly you feel a lot of neck and shoulder pain, improving health and yourself is usually a very demanding process which relies on the intensity.

I see a lot of people from other Wudang schools, and they have not even scratched the basis of the power & relaxation method (Yin & Yang) instead they wave around their arms like sorcerers. Being blinded by “magical” exercises is part of the marketing strategy. There is no control in China when you register at one of this schools; it is your fault.

Ok, so how can I identify a “good” school?

When you want to have a quality education then you start looking at the number one place with no budget compromises. Watch our Youtube channel and see if the postures are truly combined with Wuji – the movements should be calm and under control – no matter if fast or slow. It is where our Wudang Academy comes in; we always ensure quality even for foreign trainers. Knee pain, shoulder pain, back pain, basically all kind of obstacles physically and also mentally in concentration and behavior can be fixed in a very short amount of time (usually within a month) when the master is qualified. Wudang internal arts are not about fixing your issues over years, but fixing them real quick and then start your real training to improve. You make a compromise in Wudang teachings – the master in China probably will not force you to do it since you are a foreigner, but there is no chance for being ignored in our international Wudang Academy – you are IN or OUT. That is how a traditional school is for traditional students.

Future of Traditional Schools

For now, we have agreed to support Master Chen Shiyu’s school since it is indeed a traditional school if you care about quality content in the internal arts. The most problem people have with his teachings is that he does not talk much, instead of hearing him talk you should carefully observe what he is showing you. And most foreigners stop practicing when Chen Shiyu is not looking, this he will see, and he will think you do not take it seriously – no point in him teaching you seriously too. As a student, you are at fault first, and you should try hard in what is being told to you. It is your choice if you want to be a student or a “tourist”. We plan to support much more authentic traditional schools in the future…

If you are mentally prepared we recommend to learn at his school, more information here:

Self-Conflict in Internal Arts

Self-Conflict in Internal Arts

What really is a problem to us are our boundaries, the chains we set ourselves. Believing in one thing is not enough we must explore to know.

When the strength is leaving our body, we get out of our comfort zone, and our concentration drops. Battling with ourselves to the limits will give rise to an internal conflict. Letting go of our ego and accept failure will resolve all problems we have of ourselves. Only to never give up is the goal of our struggle, giving us an opportunity to grow.

The strength to continue is what masters seek in their students, giving them the hardship to strengthen their resolve to continue. This nourishing path is a path of internal development and forms true personality through unwavering discipline.

What is so good in our life if we are never challenged? Nature always has to test itself to evolve. Self-conflict means the development of crystal clear focus on the essential things.If successful then the students have accepted everything in their heart, free from all burdens and only recognize their freedom.

Think about it as a valley and mountains; only birds may fly freely without challenge. The hardship to walk all the way is nothing when the heart accepts the journey.

Sincerely Your Master Ziji