Every style seems to have an exercise that appears meaningless but is teaching a fundamental skill. It appears to be simple drugery or a test of character, but it simply the most efficient way to re-train the body according to the meeds of the style. 

In Bagua it is circle walking, in Xingyi it is Santishi standing, in Taiji it is silk reeling. 

(photo by Dimitri dF. Click on photo to see more.)

Too often, when moving, people place the movement in the muscles and when standing, stand on top of the joints. Over time, this can lead to chronic tension in the tissues and limited range of motion.

In internal arts, the two need to be reversed. Motion is centred in the joints and stability is created by balanced use of the muscles.

(photo by Tonio Vega. click on image to see more.)

Winter Session Begins January 9th

Andrea Falk Seminars in Bagua, Xingyi & Chinese Spear

February 2nd & 3rd, 2013

Guelph, Ontario

(click link for details)

The five fundamental strikes build the structure, alignment and speed essential to Xingyi.

A video reference of all five fundamental strikes can be found on Vimeo. Stone Lantern sudents can contact me for the password.

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.

Recently in Taiji class, Yan Laoshi mentioned how the body and the limbs need to be coordinated. Each segment should be connected and move together, but also be independent from each other. This maintains sensitivity.
If the coordination is done through alignment it risks being stiff. If the coordination is done with the mind it risks being tense. If instead the movements are connected and responsive, clear but not fixed then they are coordinated by Qi.

(Video 100,000 starlings fill the skies in Poole - 1 Minute: a Vimeo Project from Mark Rigler on Vimeo).

Chen Zheng-lei certified as 9th Duan Grandmaster.

(click image for article)