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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
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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.
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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.
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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..
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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.
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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.
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And this is just the beginning!
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