-
Ba Gua Seminar Summary
Ma Gui Ba Gua Seminar
with Andrea Falk, February 2&3rd, 213
Andrea Falk takes an individualized approach to seminars, grouping students of similar levels and providing personalized feedback to each participant. The following material was taught over the day and a half session.All participants practiced Ba Gua Techniques using straight line drills. Chuan Zhang (Spearing Palm) was practiced by itself and in combination with Tan Zhang (reaching Palm) and Gai Zhang (Covering Palm). Stealing Step footwork was also practiced - after the Chuan, the back foot steps in, allowing the front foot to move forward again. The stealing step allows for moving into an opponent in a hidden, sneaky way. When practicing the stealing step it is important to maintain the solid footwork gained from Bear Circle-walking and avoid speeding up unnecessarily.Beginners focused on Bear Circle Walking fundamentals and the first Dragon Change - Single Palm Change. These form the foundation of Ma Gui Ba Gua. The Bear posture opens the Kidneys and allows Qi to collect. The circle walking is done slowly and deliberately to help connect the whole body.Andrea emphasized gripping with each step and using the lower calf and ankle. The foot is lifted flat with each step and stays close to the ground. The body remains upright and the shoulders should be set down into the body.The Single Palm Change forms the basis of all the other Changes. It trains clean and stable stepping, and full body power.Intermediate students learnt the Dragon Changes four to eight. The Dragon Changes form the basis for all of the other animal changes in the system.For all of the Dragon Changes, correct alignment, form and stepping was emphasized. Dragon circle walking develops tendon change in the upper back, while raising the Qi upwards. The Changes train connected movements that allow attack and defense to integrate seamlessly - coiling like a Dragon.Advanced Students learnt Snake Circle walking and the Snake Changes 1 to 6. The Snake posture develops the chest and upper back - building tendon changes across the front of the shoulder, connecting the upper arms with the body and opening the shoulder. The eight animals are grouped into ‘xing’ and ‘shi’ models. Xing models train body structure more, while Shi models emphasize different types of movement. The Snake is a Shi animal while Bear and Dragon are Xing animals.The following Snake (Single Hook) Changes were taught:Andrea Falk’s next visit to Guelph will be June, 2013.Posted on February 20, 2013 with 2 notes
-
Posted on January 9, 2013 with 2 notes
-
Contrary to custom
There is a tendency for people to think of joints being immobile when we stand and muscle tension as the means of moving. This over time leads to stiffness and muscle imbalance.
Instead, try finding stability through the muscles and mobility in the joints.
Posted on December 9, 2012 with 1 note
-
Andrea Falk Seminars in Bagua, Xingyi & Chinese Spear
February 2nd & 3rd, 2013
Guelph, Ontario
(click link for details)
Posted on November 19, 2012 with 2 notes
-
New Location!
The finishing touches are almost complete to Stone Lantern’s new home - 42 Quebec Street, 2nd floor. Across from The Bookshelf, the new studio is right downtown, and shared with Jack Yan’s Tai Chi club.
Check the class schedule for evening classes. And watch for upcoming events once we have settled in.
Posted on September 20, 2012 with 2 notes
-
Fall Session Wednesdays, Sept 5th to Dec 12th
See club schedule for details.
Posted on August 31, 2012
-
Cure For Boredom
Learning an internal art means never experiencing boredom ever again. There is always a drill to practice, a routine to review, a theory to think over.
(photo by Allison - AliceNWondrlnd. Click photo to see her Flickr page.)
Posted on August 10, 2012 with 7 notes
-
Peng strength and Tensegrity
Posted on July 22, 2012 with 2 notes
Discover the Internal Arts
Classes in Qigong (Qi Gong), Taiji (Tai Chi), Xingyi (Hsin i) and Bagua (Pa Kua) in Guelph, Ontario. Learn these
traditions in an open, non-competitive environment.
Information on the club, class schedules and resources for students can be found in the navigation bar above.
I hope the blog entries below provide interesting reading and food for thought for everyone interested in the internal arts.
Modified Field Notes Theme. Original design by Manasto Jones. Powered by Tumblr.
