08/11/2021
5 Week Introduction to 5 Element Neigong
Neigong is a Chinese word meaning “inner work” or “internal skill” and refers to health exercises, meditations and internal strength training used by martial artists, Taoist adepts and Traditional Chinese Doctors. It includes such practices as qigong (breath work), zhang zhuang (standing post meditations) and dingshi bagua (meditating while walking a circle and holding specific postures), among others.
This 5 week course is designed to teach fundamental neigong principles, giving a window into the meditations and body wisdom of generations of Chinese Martial Artists. Leading up to the winter solstice, a time of year to focus inward, we will develop a “tool kit” for continuing our “inner work”.
Using posture, alignment and internal connections as the object of meditation, we will strengthen our mind-body connection, nurture our health and become increasingly grounded in reality experienced in the present, rather than being lost in mental abstractions or conditioned stories. We will explore stillness in movement and movement in stillness as you receive a collection of exercises that will enable you to establish your own neigong practice. You will learn and experience fundamentals of Chinese anatomy and how this relates to disciplines such as martial arts, Taoist self cultivation and acupuncture. You will become familiar with terms such as Xing (form/shape), Qi (breath/energy), Yi (intent), Song (relaxation) and Li (power), and understand their relationship in our practice.
Specifically the course will cover:
Zhan Zhuang – 8 posture standing meditation. Develops postural alignment, deep relaxation and presence of mind.
Wuxing Neigong – 5 Element Neigong from Xingyiquan (Form-Intent Boxing a.k.a Body-Mind Boxing). Embodying the 5 Elements through movement and breath; exploring how they relate to martial arts, zhan zhuang meditation and holistic health by promoting balanced organ function and emotional intelligence.
Experiencing the 8 Extraordinary Meridians through the 9 Circulations meditation of the Zuo Lai Feng lineage of Taoism. This will be related back to zhan zhuang and wuxing practice, giving the basis for a completely integrated training system.
Who is this course for?
No prior experience necessary
All exercises are gentle and non-injurious to health. They are easily adjusted to suit different fitness levels and can be made easier or more challenging.
This material may be of particular interest to practitioners of: yoga, meditation, movement disciplines, martial arts, somatics (Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Pilates etc), chi-gong and taichi.
Who is the teacher?
Liam Grange has been training martial arts for over 30 years. He has university degrees in Asian Philosophy and Education. He has studied, taught and competed in England, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. He is a senior instructor with Zhong Ding International School of Martial Arts. Insured and DBS checked.
When, where and how much is it?
Five successive Mondays starting November 22nd, ending December 20th. 9:30 – 10:30 am
Meadow Brook Community Centre, Dartington (the Studio above New Lion Brewery)
£55. Book before 15th on November for Early Bird Discount - (£45). £10 deposit to book.
Email [email protected] to book. Hand outs will be given at each session.
