This class will introduce the Tian Gan exercises of Ba Gua Zhang and the Xing Yi’s special Tu Na (breathing) set. The Chinese Internal arts (Nei Jia) traditionally employ a variety of Nei Gong, “Internal Exercises” to improve health and develop body connection, alignment and power. These exercises can be useful to martial artists from any style as they elucidate principles that are common to many martial arts.
In Ba Gua Zhang torsional and spiral power, and the so-called “silk reeling energy” are developed through the Tian Gan (Heavenly Stem) exercises. These movements connect the legs, waist and arms, thereby developing whole body power. Because Tian Gan training literally “wrings out” the spine, it can help to dissolve restrictions that inhibit correct body alignment and internal connection. These exercises are useful to practitioners of any art which uses twisting and spiraling power.
Xing Yi Quan’s unique Tu Na (breathing exercises) combines deep breathing with simple movements, producing a spinal wave that over time creates a subtle, rippling power which can be generated both vertically and horizontally. This is one of the key exercises to develop the supple elastic force found in Xing Yi’s five fists.