Tai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan, translated as Supreme Ultimate Fist, and popularly called Tai Chi, is a Chinese system
of self defense and health promotion. Although the underlying philosophy of Tai Chi is based primarily on the health cultivation
and cosmological principles of Taoism, Tai Chi is an exercise form practiced throughout the world by people of all religions
and denominations.
In keeping true to its Taoist philosophical basis, the most
important principle of Tai Chi is for the practitioner to try and maintain correct "Structure and Alignment" while moving.
This postural principle is called Wuji. Wuji is first practiced within special practices which include standing meditation,
silk reeling exercises, and the form, but eventually this principle is extended into other aspects of training, including
push hands, sparring, and self defense. The high level practitioner will incorporate Wuji into everyday life. The Tai Chi
practitioner strives to align his or her body correctly, perpendicular to the force of gravity, by relaxing and letting go
of all excess tension. This process of striving to attain Wuji, often refered to as Sinking, is what facilitates and
strengthens the flow of blood and Chi (The Internal Energy) throughout the body. Through correct Tai Chi practice, old or damaged joints are gradually
healed, and healthy joints are preserved, as the body learns to move in a much more efficient and health inducing fashion.
Click here to see the systems we teach.
Qigong
Qigong
(or Chi Kung) is a practice that teaches how to recognize and work with one's own inner energy (life force) by collecting
the external life force (chi) from nature and circulating it throughout one’s body to replenish and strengthen one’s
internal human energy system. This is done through very slow dynamic intentional
movements or standing postures held for a period of time while calmly breathing. The
cultivation of chi offers valuable health nurturing benefits. Qigong is an essential
foundation to the practice of Tai Chi.
Northern Shaolin
- Lan Shou long fist system.
Northern Shaolin is part of the Shaolin
Long Fist (Chang Chuan) family. Chang Chuan is considered to be the original Kung Fu system dating back thousands of years,
and the most widely practiced system in China today.
Northern Shaolin utilizes all conceivable
ways of using one’s hands, feet and body movement. This system, known for its high kicks and swift footwork, specializes
in long-range fighting techniques. The hand techniques are executed with quick tension and short focusing time that allows
for fast, flowing movement and quick changes. More than other systems, emphasis is placed on agility, general flexibility,
stamina, speed and aesthetics. TheClassical form is very important to the Northern Shaolin system, arising form the belief
that perfection of form will give you greater coordination and a freer execution of techniques.
Xin Yi Liu He Quan
-
10 animals/ 6 harmonies.
Xing Yi Quan is the oldest of the orthodox internal styles of chinese martial
art (predating the creation of both Taiji Quan and Bagua Zhang) .
Xing refers to form or shape and Yi commonly refers to the mind or intent.
Quan (fist) denotes a method of unarmed combat.
Xing Yi Quan is commonly referred to as Form & Mind or Form & Will boxing.
The name illustrate the strong emphasis placed on the motion of the body being subordinate to conscious control.
Push Hands
Uechi Ryu Okinawan Karate
Meditation
Meditation Sessions, as developed by Gailon, are an
effective tool to enter an objective state of awareness, whereby the discovery of our inner nature is facilitated, as well
as the nature of the mind is revealed. Our ability to increase our level of sensitivity
to our connection with life energy and consciousness is brought about, not with eyes closed and in silence, as is done
in regular meditation, but with eyes open and by making contact with one another, and listening to the words that are spoken
by Gailon or anyone in the group. This truly is a way of learning how to enter
consciousness and how to operate from that space, while remaining connected with others and aware of everything around and
within oneself. Group sessions with Gailon are available twice each day or can
be scheduled by appointment as a private one on one.
