CURRICULUM If you are a beginning student you would start with T'ai Chi Basics and Principles 1, 2, and 3. It will take a minimum of five sessions to complete these classes. The actual length of time will depend on your learning ability and how regularly you practice. Classes beyond this beginning level will indicate the prerequisites. T'AI CHI CH'UAN BASICS AND PRINCIPLES 1 (FORMERLY "BEGINNER") (You may attend the first class of a Basics and Principles 1 session, without commitment, in order to feel confident that you wish to continue to study T'ai Chi Ch'uan) Mr. Shaver believes that beginners should be started separately from other students so that they can have the complete focus of the teacher in order for them to receive a good grounding in T'ai Chi Ch'uan basics, principles and philosophy. We begin the study of the Forty-eight Posture Yang Style Form as a tool to understand and apply the basic principles. Beginning Qigong and Chansijin, the traditional forms of energy work that are part of T'ai Chi Ch'uan training, are introduced. T'AI CHI CH'UAN BASICS AND PRINCIPLES 2 (Formerly INTERMEDIATE 1) This class of students, at different levels, focuses on completing the learning of the first half of the Forty-eight Posture Yang Style Form begun in the Basics 1 class. This takes two or three sessions depending on how quickly you learn and how regularly you practice While we will have some Qigong warm-ups the focus will be on Chansijin and the T'ai Chi Form. As the student begins understand the application of basic principles he/she will also begin to feel and understand the movement of qi in the body. Prerequisite: Basics 1 T'AI CHI CH'UAN BASICS AND PRINCIPLES 3 (Formerly INTERMEDIATE 2) The focus of Basics 2 will continue in this class as we learn the second half of the Forty-eight Posture Yang Style Form. Two or three sessions are required to complete this class. We will focus on a more detailed understanding of whole body movement and how that affects the movement and application of the energy. NOTE: During the period of time that you are taking the Basics and Principles classes you must also take a separate Qigong class and a Classics class. These further prepare you to go on to more advanced training in T'ai Chi and Neigong (Internal Energy work). See listings of Qigong and Classics Classes. Prerequisite: Basics 2 YANG STYLE LONG FORM (108 POSTURE FORM) This class will focus solely on learning this form. We will then progress to studying the flow of Yin and Yang and how that energy change is creating the movement of the body. Some attention will be paid to martial application, kwa action and the flow of chansijin in these movements. David learned this form from Master Jou, Tsung Hwa. Prerequisite: Basics and Principles 1, 2, 3 and Neigong 1 (This may be taken simultaneously) ADVANCED YANG STYLE LONG FORM (108 POSTURE FORM) In this class will focus on the internal aspects. In particular, will will look at how Yin and Yang and substantial and insubstantial function in this form. While the work in the Basics classes was intended to train physical whole body movement our focus now becomes more internal. It is for this reason that the Neigong training should be taken before or with this class so you will have a better understanding of those concepts. Some Neigong practices will be incorporated into this form. Prerequisite: Yang Style Long Form and Neigong (This may be taken simultaneously) WU, YU XIANG STYLE LONG FORM - Also known as Hao or Li Style This Class will focus solely on learning this form. Wu, Yu Xiang studied Chen Style with Chen, Qingping in Zhaobao Village and Yang Style with Yang Luchan. After studying the Taiji Classics found in the Salt Shop in Wuyang in Henan Province and practicing diligently he developed his own style which our Grand teacher Master Jou felt was so highly developed "that the only possible evolution beyond it was formlessness". He felt this form offered the greatest opportunity for spiritual growth. Eventually we focus on that aspect. This practice was taught to David by Dr. Jay Dunbar, Master Jou's senior student. Prerequisite: Basics and Principles 1, 2, 3 and Neigong 1. Preferably also Yang Style Long Form Back to Top CLASSICS THE TEN IMPORTANT POINTS OF YANG, CHENG FU These ten essential points were dictated by Yang, Cheng Fu, the grandson of Yang Style founder Yang, Luchan, to Chen, Wei Ming, a senior student. They have been referred to, quoted and commented upon by many masters over the last 100 years. TAIJIQUAN LUN - THE TAIJIQUAN TREATISE BY ZHANG, SAN FENG This classic Taiji writing is ascribed to Zhang, San Feng, the legendary founder of Taijiquan. While he may or may not have written this work, it remains one of the important statements of the basic principles of Taijiquan. It focuses on "self cultivation". One of the classics discovered in Wuyang in 1852. TAIJIQUAN JING - THE TAIJIQUAN CLASSIC BY WANG, ZHONG YUE Whether Wang, Zhong Yue is actually the author of this classic is also questionable. What is beyond doubt is its importance in helping us to understand the principles of our art. It focuses on philosophy and martial application. This classic was also found in Wuyang. AN INTERNAL EXPLANATION OF THE THIRTEEN POSTURES BY WU, YU XIANG This classic is considered one of the most important. Wu, Yu Xiang, after studying the other classics at great length, practicing Taijiquan for many years, and researching the principles at great length, wrote this classic which focuses even more deeply on the internal principles of Taijiquan. It was written between 1854 and 1880 when Master Wu died. It takes two sessions to complete this study. However, you may elect to take only one. Back to Top NEIGONG NEIGONG 1 - BASICS Neigong can be defined as work with the internal energy already present in the body. So this is different from Qigong which is focused on drawing energy into the body and using the breath to lead it to wherever it is needed. In Neigong we are principally using mind intent to guide the energy to where we want it to go in the body. This is the beginning of the internal practices which strengthen the power (jin) and lead to increased martial and healing ability and finally to Taoist spiritual practices. In this class we will begin wit learning to breathe. This Taoist method is called Longevity Breathing and is the basis of much work over the next two years in this series of classes. We will also learn Master Jou, Tsung Hwa's Ta'i Chi Qigong, a practice which falls into both the qigong and neigong categories. Prerequisite: Basics and Principles 1, 2, 3 and One Additional Qigong Class or permission of the teacher. NEIGONG 2 - Here we will continue developing Longevity Breathing and introduce Reverse Breathing and Breathing Without Breathing. We will work with a practice I learned from Abottess Zhang, Ming Xin from Qingchenshan focussed on strengthening the Jing, Balancing Kan (water) and Li (fire) and opening the heart. We may also work with Marrow Breathing and Skin Breathing. Prerequisite: Neigong 1 NEIGONG 3 - Macrocosmic Circuit We continue work with breathing, the Taiji Qigong and add Sinking the Qi. Prerequisite: Neigong 1 and 2. NEIGONG 4 - In this session we will introduce the practice of The Shining Heart, learned from Master Yu, Yuan Hui at Hua Shan. We also begin External Dissolving at three levels. Prerequisite: Neigong 1, 2, and 3. NEIGONG 5 - In this session The Shining Heart continues and we complete External Dissolving. Prerequisite: Neigong 1 through 4. NEIGONG 6 - The Shining Heart continues for a while and we begin Internal Dissolving at the Energy Gates of the body. External Disolving continues. Prerequisite: Neigong 1 through 5. NEIGONG 7 - This session primarily focusses on dissolving at the Energy Gates and continuing the External Disolving. Prerequisite: Neigong 1 through 6. NEIGONG 8 - Complete Internal Dissolving at the Energy Gates of the body and begin Taoist Moving Meditation focussed on moving the qi. We will also learn or relearn the Primordial Qigong of Zhang, San Feng. Prerequisite: Neigong 1 through 7. NOTE: This is only an outline and may change as the needs and abilities of the students become apparent. Back to Top QIGONG (Ch'i Kung) BEGINNING YIN YANG MEDICAL QIGONG This basic qigong is often taught in Basics and Principles 1. It was developed by Master Jiang, Jian-ye drawing on four schools of qigong practice. This is a relatively simple qigong which effectively increases the movement of the qi in the body and focuses it to each of the energetic organ systems in the body. It encourages the free and continuous flow of qi in the body and balances Yin and Yang. INTERMEDIATE YIN YANG MEDICAL QIGONG This intermediate level of Master Jiang's qigong is a more complex and powerful practice than the beginning level but you will find many of the postures related to ones in the Beginning Qigong. This practice very effectively moves the qi through all of the meridians encouraging maximum health. LIFE PROLONGING QIGONG This is a very old set of qigong exercises restored to its original form by Dr. Wang, Ziping. It will regulate and purify the breath and blood, stretch and realign the body, calm the mind and nerves, strengthen the heart, and unify the inner and outer bodies. It is effective for many ailments. MU LAN CH'UAN QIGONG Mu Lan Ch'uan comes from the martial art style created by the Chinese heroine Hua, Mu Lan. It has many health benefits as well as being an excellent practice to increase flexibility. This qigong was learned from Sheng, Ken Yun. BA DUAN JIN - EIGHT PIECES OF BROCADE (PLUS THREE) The Ba Duan Jin is one of the classic qigong practices probably dating from the 5th century. This version is the interpretation of those practices taught be Master Henry Wang in which he has added three postures to the original eight. Master Wang is the most highly developed energy master I have had the pleasure of working with. SIX HEALING SOUNDS AND BONE MARROW CLEANSING Bone Marrow Cleansing includes healing postures, gentle movements, and concentration techniques to cleanse the marrow of toxins, increase strength and density of the bones, and strengthen the immune system. The Six Healing Sounds is a classical System attributed to a Buddhist hermit of the sixth century. Adopted by the Taoists, it uses breath and sound to purge the major internal organs of noxious and stagnant qi and replace it with fresh qi. WUJI QIGONG OF MASTER DUAN, ZHI LIANG This lovely and very powerful qigong practice was taught to us in 2001 by Master (Professor) Duan, Zhi Liang, who is designated a National Treasure in China. He was 97 at the time and exhibited enormous energy and power. This qigong has been the core of his family's practice since the ninth century. During that period his family were the herbalists and bodyguards of the Emperors and Empresses of China. This is a qigong with enormous benefit if you practice it regularly. Master Duan describes it as being based on the concept of wuji, the ultimate nothingness. Prerequisite: At least one Qigong class in addition to the Beginning Yin Yang Medical Qigong. PRIMORDIAL QIGONG OF ZHANG, SAN FENG The creation of the Primordial Qigong is attributed to Zhang, San Feng, the legendary founder of Taijiquan. This qigong has been passed down through a series of Taoist masters in the Wudang mountains and finally to Dr. Zu, Hui in the 20th century. Dr. Zu taught Michael Winn who taught it on our 2004 trip to China. This qigong can also be used as a neigong practice. Its simplicity contains great depth. Prerequisite: At least the Beginning Yin Yang Medical Qigong WUQIN QIGONG - THE FIVE ANIMAL FROLICS This very important qigong practice was developed by Hua To (? - 203CE), known as the father of Chinese surgery. Wuqin Qigong was expanded from earlier Taoist animal energy practices based on the movements, features and postures of the Crane, Bear, Monkey, Deer, and Tiger. Its purpose is to enhance the functions of the internal organs, nerves, muscles and bones and to prevent and cure diseases and to improve health and prolong life through strengthening the flow of the qi. We were taught this set by Dr. Jay Dunbar, Master Jou's senior student, who said that if he had to choose only one practice to do it would be the Wuqin Qigong. Prerequisite: At least the Beginning Yin Yang Medical Qigong SHIBA LUOHAN GONG - EIGHTEEN LUOHAN QIGONG The Shiba (18) Luohan Gong is a 1500 year old set attributed to Bodhidharma, 28th patriarch of Buddhism, who traveled from India to China in the 6th century. It was the first system he taught to the monks of the Shaolin Temple, to assist them in maintaining their health for long periods of meditation, and by tradition, it forms the basis of Shaolin Gongfu. This is a very powerful qigong exhibiting Buddhist and Taoist influences. It is particularly grounding in effect as it stretches and opens the body. There is a powerful pumping of the qi throughout the energetic system which creates the continuous flow leading to good health. This practice was taught to us by Dr. Jay Dunbar, Master Jou's senior student. WEI QIGONG OF MASTER DUAN, ZHI LIANG This is a simple yet profound "special technique" taught to us by the Professor in 2001. It comes from his family's 800 year old tradition in Qigong. This is not something you do to your self but something you do for someone else. This is a treatment qigong with a very simple method but profound results. This practice draws excess energy out of the head and then balances the energy flow throughout the entire body. One often experiences exceptional awareness while in a deep meditative state while receiving this treatment. After receiving the Wei Qigong one is left in a very calm, grounded and balanced state. THE RISING LOTUS QIGONG We learned this marvelous medical qigong from Lisa O'Shea as part of teh Qigong Healers Training. It is very effective at moving the qi and balancing Yin and Yang. The "waving" motion of this practice works to open teh spine and increase flexibility as well.. Back to Top WEAPONS - Learning to extend our energy beyond our hands. YANG STYLE TAIJIJIAN (SWORD) This form was originally learned by Master Jou, Tsung Hwa from Xiong, Yanghe (who wrote the book on this form), a student of Yang, Zhaoxiong (1862-1930), the older brother of Yang, Cheng Fu. This is an older and more detailed version of the Yang Taijijian, the two-edged straight sword, than the one most commonly seen today. This was taught to us by Dr. Jay Dunbar, Master Jou's senior student. MIAO DAO - SPROUT SABER This weapon, also called "Chang Dao" (Long Saber) during the Ming Dynasty, was used by the famous Chinese General Qi, Jiguang (1528-1588) against the Mongol invaders raiding the northern borders of China. The techniques are simple and effective, indicative of their use on the battlefield. This short form is also a two-person form in which the second part can be matched against the first half. This was taught to us by Jonas Sanchez. WU, YU XIANG STYLE STAFF FORM This staff form comes from Gao, LiangCheng, fourth generation inheritor of the Wu, Yu Xiang (Hao) Style Taijiquan. He is from ZhengZhou in China. This form contains a wide range of movements with an unusual emphasis on one handed techniques, yet is very functional. TAIJI HEAVY BALL This Ball Set was taught to us by Dr. Jay Dunbar. It is based on Chen, Qing Zhou's 18 posture set. We practice with the Taiji Sphere until the [internal] "qi" drives the [external] form, then training in revolving of the Taiji sphere, means the dantian will move the revolving of the Taiji sphere. Back to Top TWO  PERSON  PRACTICE TUI SHOU From time to time a class in TUI SHOU (Push or Sensing Hands) will be taught. Using the basic peng, lu, ji, and an form and Da Liu we explore the eight basic energies and chansijin in developing our energetic skills in working with a partner. This may be taught by Jonas Sanchez or David Shaver. Prerequisite: Taijiquan Basics and Principles 1, 2, and 3. SAN SHOU - Two Person Form San Shou, a crown jewel of Taijiquan, teaches listening, yielding, sticking, neutralizing, controlling and returning energies in the context of conversation rather than competition. This form permits players, with the gentlest of intentions, to study fighting dynamics in slow motion; to make a moment last a minute, so as to learn the difference between internal (energy-based) and external (force-based) responses. Master Jou, Tsung Hwa said that, "To learn Taijiquan and not learn San Shou is like buying a pair of shoes and only bringing home the box." indicating the importance of learning and practicing this form. San Shou is usually taught each August by Dr. Jay Dunbar and Kathleen Cusick. There are ongoing group practices throughout the rest of the year. Prerequisite: Taijiquan Basics and Principles 1, 2, and 3. or approval of Mr. Shaver. Back to Top And this is just the beginning!