Is Tai Chi really a martial art? Does what you learn really enable you to defend yourself? The short answer is yes, Tai Chi is a martial art. Progress in Tai Chi brings you crucial skills for self-defense. While Yang Chengfu more than a hundred years ago was teaching this martial art to selected soldiers…
The Secret of the Golden Flower,太乙金華宗旨- TàiyǐJīnhuáZōngzhǐ, translation by Richard Wilhelm, commentary by C.G Jung (first published 1931, constant re-prints) Highlight: One of the first works to explain Taoist concepts and Chinese meditation techniques to a Western audience, this book is a great read for those who would like to understand more about the philosophy…
Highlight: Qi represents the “vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe.” and Gong refers to any kind of physical or mental practice. What is Qigong? According to the National Qigong Association, “Qigong is an ancient Chinese healthcare system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention”. Qi, which is pronounced as “chee”…
Highlight: Taijiquan practice has gained worldwide popularity and has been compared to the “yoga of China”, in that many health benefits for both the mind and body are gained through the practice. Taijiquan is commonly referred to in the Western world as the practice of “tai chi”, which translates into “supreme ultimate boxing” in the martial…
Zen is becoming a hit nowadays as more and more people are paying attention to mental health and meditation. What is Zen? Zen is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese character “Chan (禅)“,which is interpreted in many different ways, such as living simply or habits. However, it is over-analyzed. Zen is a word that was…
The Birth of the Art The most ancient of martial arts, Kung Fu can be traced back to more than 4,000 years ago when it originated in China as a form of battlefield combat. The Yellow Emperor, who rose to power in 2698 BC, was passionate about writing about several fields, in particular medicine, astrology,…
Here is a list of several standing exercises within Kung Fu that will help improve balance, fitness, and mental tranquility. These stances also form the basis of other Kung Fu exercises and forms. The presenter is Master Wu Nanfang, as a part of his Shaolin Wugulun Kung Fu Youtube series. 1) Tranquil stance Stand…
“Do not fight with the strength, absorb it, and it flows, use it”. — Yip Man This issue’s Hall of Fame star is Yip Man, known widely as “Master of Wing Chun”. Ironically, despite his huge influence on the practice of Martial Arts, few westerners understand his life and legacy. “Wing Chun” is…
The Secret of the Golden Flower,太乙金華宗旨- TàiyǐJīnhuáZōngzhǐ, translation by Richard Wilhelm, commentary by C.G Jung (first published 1931, constant re-prints) Highlight: One of the first works to explain Taoist concepts and Chinese meditation techniques to a Western audience, this book is a great read for those who would like to understand more about the philosophy…
Quote: “Once you begin to practice Taiji, you delve into thousands of years of Chinese history, but rather than being about intellectual understanding, Taijiis about making an experience with your body and mind.” My practice of Taiji began in 2007 in a small school in Berlin. I recently met the editors of Interact KungFu…
Interact Kungfu 