RobB

When I trained a little BG my teacher said that it could be useful to train any of the 'shapes' (my word not his) (e.g., from the SPC or Mother palms) as standing postures. It gives an opportunity to send the mind inside and try and find the twists and lines of connection inherent to the posture. Then you can try and retain that when you encouter the 'shape' during movement. Cheers Rob

Depends what you mean by magic. Some of the posts lately by Snowmonki and thetaoiseasy have been pure, pure gold. Cheers Rob

My teacher has mentioned that you should only go barefoot outside at certain times of year i.e., once it's warmed up in the summer. Cheers Rob

Hi, I've no direct experience of iron body training but, if you are concerned about it you do need to talk to someone with direct knowledge of what you are trying to train - not a bunch of anonymous internet people. AFAIK Chris Lomas' material is top notch. You should contact him directly with your queries. http://ironpalmproductions.com/iron-body-training Cheers Rob

"The Tai Ji Quan of Li Fang Chen, who was a friend of Du Xing Wu, is a ancient boxing style whose founder was Yang Lu Chan (1799-1872). Yang Lu Chan, forced to teach his art to an imperial court that he abhorred (the Manchus), transformed it as to pass on his personal form only to his family. Yang Lu Chan had three sons and the youngest , Yang Jian Hou (1837-1917) who had Li Fang Chen as a disciple, learned the ancient form of boxing which remained alive but hidden. For his part, the third son of Yang Jian Hou, Yang Cheng Fu (1883-1917), popularized a health exercise based on the movements of the family art. What differentiates them is quite simple: In the modern form, you learn a choreography of martial inspiration that no longer relies on Nei Gong (internal power training), but only on the movement. In the old form, as in all the inernal school boxing styles, many Li Gong (strength training), Nei Gong (internal power training) and combat exercises were practiced before you even see the form. The health aspect of the form comes essentially from the practice of Nei Gong and it is important to know that the martial aspect is not contained in the form." From http://urbandaouk.blogspot.co.uk/

Hi everyone Dr. Serge Augier of Paris will teach in Cambridge , UK, weekend of 1st-2nd September 2012. Serge is the inheritor of the Daoist Daxuan tradition, and a very open, clear and generous teacher. The teachings will be of great value to anyone interested in the Neijia fighting arts, Qigong, Neigong and inner cultivation. Details on Serge's teaching can be found at - www.sergeaugier.com His english blog can be read here: http://urbandaouk.blogspot.co.uk/ For details and cost please email the organiser at - [email protected] More details in the 'Upcoming Events' thread. Cheers Rob

Hi All, Looks like Alex has updated his website with some more information about Serge and his teaching: http://www.skydragoninstitute.webs.com/ Cheers Rob

Serge has updated his english blog: http://urbandaouk.blogspot.co.uk Cheers Rob

Shaktimama back in the house! Always a pleasure to read! Cheers Rob

reposted in 'Upcoming Events'

Hi, My teacher recommends a simple 'sealing' at the beginning and end of practice. This is just standing in a simple wuiji-like posture with either feet shoulder width apart or closer together, crown raised, spine suspended -all the usual things. Place both palms, laogong over laogong, over the lower dantien. Breathe naturally and focus the mind on the LDT. Stand like this. He recommends ideally doing this for as long as you have practiced i.e., if you walk the circle for an hour then you stand like this for an hour afterwards. Cheers Rob

Hi CP, You could try posting your query here: www.rumsoakedfist.org - lots of knowledgeable people there. I've also just seen this by Frank Allen which might be of interest. Cheers Rob

Hi All, Anyone know anything about this lot and their method? http://psych-k.com/ Cheers Rob

Hi Seth, I've not trained with anyone from the Yizong group but I've heard nothing but good things about them. Luo de Xue is, by all accounts, an excellent teacher. Cheers Rob

Have you tried asking the same question here? http://rumsoakedfist.org/viewforum.php?f=4 Cheers Rob

Hi Jetsun, Can't believe I never revisited this thread! Did you ever get in touch with Alex? I think he takes his spirituality as seriously as his fighting. It's a good blend. Hope to see you at training. I'm also trying to find people for lunchtime rou shou in the town centre if that sounds interesting. Cheers Rob Ps: Hi Ed!

Hi, Snippet from a friends blog: http://www.acupractitioner21.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html Cheers Rob

Hi All, I have read Lindsey Wei's book and suggest that everyone who is interested in the real world practice of Taoism as it is, now, in China, should get a copy. It is a very (brutally, in places) honest account of her experiences in China and in the States. It is an open-hearted expression of her journey and how it has affected and challenged her emotionally, intellectually and physically. It is a personal book, and she shares the difficulties and insights experienced along the way while trying to integrate the human experience and the call to the spiritual life. I found the expression of Taoism described to be both as stark as stone and as warm as sunlight. Although much of what Lindsey writes about is not directly relevant to the shape of my own life there is much to ponder and I'm very glad to have this book on my shelf for repeat dipping! As Edward mentioned, this book is very much available and can be ordered from the publisher here: http://skydragoninstitute.webs.com/books.htm Cheers Rob

Hi, I am only a beginner with Bagua. However, like all of these things it is quite complicated and there is no real substitute for a teacher (and classmates to work with). I see that you are in the UK. If you can be more specific then some of the pople here might be able to recommend a local teacher. Cheers Rob

Hi, The needles don't puncture the skin completely. They can stay in place from one session to the next(my wife sees the acupuncturist once a week). I think one of the benefits is that the needles provide a presence 24hrs a day which effects the flows of the relevant channels. Specifically I think that the placement of one needle - on the most kyo (empty) point being treated has a 'gathering' action. This one is not to be massaged - very important. The other two needles left in place during the week are on the corresponding jysho (full, jammed) points - these are to be massaged (dispersed) three times a day. My wife is being treated for a potential long term issue (rheumatoid arthritis - although that diagnosis is up for question). This acupuncturist has a reputation for being very good with long term issues which may be related to hormonal imbalances. Cheers Rob

You might want to have a look at Acupressure for Common Ailments by Chris Jarmey. He was head of the European School of Shiatsu. It might be a good place to start for basic first aid etc. Cheers Rob

Hi K, My wife is being treated by an acupuncturist who uses intradermal needles (http://www.acupuncturedirect.co.uk/shop/press_needles/3_29_0_0/default.aspx). These are placed and then taped to the skin and massaged daily (on not, depending on the role of that particular needle). I think I've read of seeds or beads being taped to specific points for similar purposes. Not sure if this helps with what you are trying to achieve. It is a way of providing stimulation to more than one point simeltaneously. Whether the nature of that stimulation is appropriate is, I suppose, another question. Cheers Rob

Hi Gerard, Firstly, thanks for your many interesting posts. Secondly - I just wanted to point out that there are people who would disagree with the statement you made above. BKF clearly has a wealth of experience but he's not the only one out there. There are certainly westerners who have travelled further and studied as, if not more, deeply than he has. I would include names such as Paul Whitrod and Serge Augier on that list and they're just the ones I've heard of. But Bruces marketing-fu does certainly rule the roost! Cheers Rob

Nothing useful to add here - just wanted to say that I love the image of 'bursting at the seems' Cheers Rob

Suffering from rotten cold ATM so brewed up a few cupfuls of water with chopped ginger root. Used some and stuck the rest in the fridge. Easy to put a cupful into a pan and brew it up with some powdered reishi. Very nice! Cheers Rob Edit: realised post doesn't actually mention tea - sorry!