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Li Kui-Yuan Discusses Xing Yi Quan
We are pleased to be able to share one of the most succinct and cogent discussions of the correct practice of Xing Yi Quan by Master Li Kui-Yuan, a student of the famous Guo Yun-Shen.
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Ba Gua’s Eight Hands: Form 1 – The Uplifting Palm
In this series we present Ba Gua’s Eight Hands, or Eight Linear Forms, as taught by Guo Gu Min. The pictures and text are excerpted from Compendium of Ba Gua Zhang Art by Guo Gu
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Thoughts on Daoist Physiology Fundamental to Inner Alchemy: Dantian and the Curious Meridians: Part 1
Catherine Despeux is one France’s great Daoist scholars. Unfortunately many of her translations and essays are only available in French. In her introduction to a a Treatise on Daoist Alchemy and Physiology by Zhao Bichen
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Ba Gua Lian Huan Zhang 八卦连环掌 (Ba Gua Chain Linking Palm)
The names of the movements in the Ba Gua Lian Huan (Ba Gua Chain Linking Form) of Master Gao Ji Wu.
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八要 Eight Necessities & Eight Words: Xing Yi, Ba Gua And Tai Ji
Each of the internal arts, Tai Ji, Ba Gua and Xing Yi have there own eight word mnemonic containing the key principles and actions inherent in the movements. Traditionally students memorized these eight words so
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Ba Gua Zhang Thirteen Elbows 八卦掌十三肘
The names of the movements of the Ba Gua Zhang Thirteen Elbows form as taught by Zhang Hua Sen, disciple of Li Zi Ming.
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Xing Yi Quan’s Twelve Animals: Excerpted From ‘A Detailed Collection of the Xing Yi Quan Skills’ by Liu Wen Hua (Part 1)
Liu Wen Hua was the son of the famous Xing Yi Boxer, Liu Qi Lan. Liu Wen Hua’s book, A Detailed Collection of Xing Yi Quan Skills, is a gem. More than a mere how-to
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A Medical & Physiological Study of the Health-Giving Effects of Ba Gua Zhang Practice
This important health study shows the profound effects of Ba Gua Zhang practice in preserving health in the elderly. Conducted by the Beijing Ba Gua Zhang Association in 1990, the study reviewed the effects of
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Longevity Tonic for Martial Arts Practitioners
Martial arts practitioners often use Longevity Tonics, or training formulas and herbal tonics, that help replenish vital energies often over-taxed through hard training. These kinds of tonics aid the body in replenishing qi, blood and
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Weapons Training in Ba Gua Zhang: Part 2
A discussion of the purpose of training with traditional weapons in Ba Gua Zhang and description of the characteristics of each weapon and its benefits. In Part 2: The Ba Gua Cane (Zhang), Spear (Qiang),
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Weapons Training in Ba Gua Zhang: Part 1
A discussion of the purpose of training with traditional weapons in Ba Gua Zhang and description of the characteristics of each weapon and its benefits. In Part 1: The Saber (Dao), Sword (Jian), Staff (Gan)
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12 Animal Poems of Xing Yi Quan
The poems relating to the Twelve Animals of Xing Yi Quan give the practitioner insight into the internal dynamic and Jin (energy, strength and spirit) of each animal. These insights ai correct performance and application.
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Die Da Wan (Trauma Pills or “Hit” Pills)
Die Da Wan (“Trauma Pills” or “Hit Pills”) are an important tool in treating traumatic injury. The application of Trauma Pills as a treatment modality is very specific, yet like many tools in Chinese medicine
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Essence of Boxing Science Interview with Mr. Wang Xiang Zhai – Part 2
In the early 1940’s Wang Xiang Zhai was interviewed several times by reporters from Beijing newspapers. Those interviews have been collected and reproduced in various books on Xing Yi Quan and Da Cheng Quan under
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Free Video: Ba Gua Seize and Pull Drills
Seizing-Pulling Partner Exercises are part of the Foundational Training in Ba Gua Zhang. These important drills develop basic skills in leading and pulling the opponent, while simultaneously teaching one how to escape being led and
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Essence of Boxing Science Interview with Mr. Wang Xiang Zhai – Part 1
In the early 1940’s Wang Xiang Zhai was interviewed several times by reporters from Beijing newspapers. Those interviews have been collected and reproduced in various books on Xing Yi Quan and Da Cheng Quan under
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Free Video: 12 Standing Postures of Ba Gua Zhang Linked
The Twelve Standing Postures of Ba Gua Zhang are a method of dynamic stance training which strengthens the entire body and stabilizes the joints. These twelve postures open and close the cavities which enclose the
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Jiao Guo Rui’s 15 Points on Nei Gong and Five Animal Play: Part 2
This post is the second part Jiao Guo Rui’s 15 Points on Nei Gong and Five Animal Play of excerpted from the book, Les Jeu Des Cinq Animaux (Five Animal Play) by Jiao Guo Rui,
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Jiao Guo Rui’s 15 Points on Nei Gong and Five Animal Play: Part 1
This post is excerpted from the book, Les Jeu Des Cinq Animaux (Five Animal Play) by Jiao Guo Rui, De Ye Tao and Hu Yao Zhen, translated by Grégory Mardaga. The book presents three different
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Thoughts About Ingredients in Chinese Die Da Formulas
A number of readers of A Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth, have commented on the unusual ingredients in herbal formulas or the difficulty in obtaining key herbs. While substitutions are sometimes possible in herbal formulae, key
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An Interview with Ba Gua Master Zhao Da Yuan – Part 2
Part Two of a very informative interview with Ba Gua Zhang Master Zhao Da Yuan, a fourth generation inheritor of Liang Style Ba Gua Zhang. In this section of the interview he talks about training
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The concept of Jin Li in Qin Na and the Martial Arts
This article is excerpted from the book Practical Qin Na Part 1: Explanation of the Qin Na Nine Heaven Secret Text by Zhao Da Yuan. A concise explanation of the concepts of Jin and Li
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Use of Guide Herbs in Trauma (Die Da) Formulas
One way of modifying Chinese formulas is to add guide herbs (envoy herbs) which convey the action of the herbal ingredients to the desired area. In this article we will discuss the use of guide
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Hu Yao Zhen Important Points on Nei Gong and Five Animal Play (Wu Qin Shu): Part 2
This post is excerpted from the book, Les Jeu Des Cinq Animaux (Five Animal Play) by Jiao Guo Rui, De Ye Tao and Hu Yao Zhen, translated by Grégory Mardaga. The book presents three different
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Hu Yao Zhen Important Points on Nei Gong and Five Animal Play (Wu Qin Shu): Part I
This post is excerpted from the book, Les Jeu Des Cinq Animaux (Five Animal Play) by Jiao Guo Rui, De Ye Tao and Hu Yao Zhen, translated by Grégory Mardaga. The book presents three different
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Gao Zi Ying Annotation on the Sixty Four Hands of Ba Gua Zhang
八卦六十四手直趟 Ba Gua Zhang Liu Shi Si Zhi Tang Annotation and Commentary by Gao Zi Ying. Starting Position: Old Monk Upholding the Alms Bowl Start with old monk upholding the alms pattern in training every
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21 Things Every Internal Martial Artist Should Know about Chinese Medicine – Part 4
This is Part 4 of a series of articles detailing the 21 Things Every Internal Martial Artist Should Know about Chinese Medicine, by Tom Bisio. Virtually everything in the Chinese internal martial arts is congruent with
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21 Things Every Internal Martial Artist Should Know about Chinese Medicine – Part 3
This is Part 3 of a series of articles detailing the 21 Things Every Internal Martial Artist Should Know about Chinese Medicine, by Tom Bisio. Virtually everything in the Chinese internal martial arts is congruent with
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21 Things Every Internal Martial Artist Should Know about Chinese Medicine – Part 2
This is Part 2 of a series of articles detailing the 21 Things Every Internal Martial Artist Should Know about Chinese Medicine, by Tom Bisio. More than one senior master in Beijing has told me:
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Ba Gua Zhang Eight Animal Form: The Snake Palm
The Ba Gua Zhang Eight Animal Form of Master Gao Ji Wu is an important aspect of advanced Ba Gua Zhang training. This important form develops a multitude of body skills and strategic attitudes, but
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21 Things Every Internal Martial Artist Should Know About Chinese Medicine – Part 1
This is Part 1 of a series of articles detailing the 21 Things Every Internal Martial Artist Should Know about Chinese Medicine, by Tom Bisio. Virtually everything in the Chinese internal martial arts is congruent
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Li Guo Rui’s Twisting Dragon Exercise – Video
Li Guo Rui (李国瑞) is a disciple of Master Li Gui Chang. I met Li Guo Rui in 1994 in Beijing. Years later, I visited with him at his office at the Jinci temple on
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20 Acupuncture Points Every Martial Artist Should Know: Part 2
A basic knowledge of acupuncture points (acu-points) is an invaluable tool for the martial artist. If you are interested in learning about acupuncture points start with the 20 Acu-points every practitioner of the internal martial
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20 Acupuncture Points Every Martial Artist Should Know: Part 1
A basic knowledge of acupuncture points (acu-points) is an invaluable tool for the martial artist. If you are interested in learning about acupuncture points, start with the 20 acu-points every practitioner of the internal martial
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Wooden Dummy Arm Conditioning Liniment
Many styles of Chinese martial arts contain Wooden Dummy exercises, in which blocks and strikes are practiced using a dummy with wooden arms, and Seven Star exercises, in which two practitioners bang forearms together, in
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Eagle Claw Hand Strengthening Liniment
Eagle Claw Hand Strengthening Liniment is a traditional formula for training the seizing power of the hands in Eagle Claw Gong Fu and Qin Na (capturing and seizing techniques). This description might lead one to
