Dragon Spring Taiji

FIVE ELEMENT FORM
This is a simple sequence of movement based on the Five Element Theory of Chinese medicine and the relaxed, flowing principles of Taiji. The Five Elements are: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Each element is represented by a different movement which flows from one to another, exploring the qualities of each element in turn. The conscious practice of this sequence can help to bring about the balance and harmonisation of these qualities/ energies, within the body.


EIGHT STRANDS OF BROCADE
Brocade is made from strands of brightly coloured silk which are woven into intricate patterns and designs. It is highly valued, not only for the superior quality of the silk, but for the skill and time put into creating it. One's health should be as highly treasured as silk Brocade, hence The Eight Strands of Brocade (Ba Duan Jin) QiGong exercises, which are also known as The Eight Treasures. When practising, each exercise is repeated up to eight times before moving onto the next one. They promote suppleness and strength while releasing unnecessary tension.


SHIBASHI
Shibashi, which means Eighteen Movements, is a simple set of exercises which allows the student to explore and expand their own range of suppleness through relaxation in movement. Shibashi, also known as Taijiqigong, works with the smooth flowing qualities of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) but is much less complex and therefore takes less time to learn. There are two Shibashi Sets taught in Dragon Spring Taiji School, the first set focuses more on the upper body, the second set more on the lower body.


VANCOUVER SET
The Vancouver Set contains movements that release, move and enhance the Qi (Ch'i). Some of the movements gently stretch the meridians, some use visualisation and others open the joints to allow a free flow of the circulation. When practicing this sequence we work to the limitations of the body and mind using relaxation, releasing of tension and conscious attention. This way there is no struggle or strain so increased flexibility and inner strength naturally occur.


YI JIN JING
Yi Jin Jing translates as Tendon Strengthening Method. Tendons connect muscles to bone. It's the condition of these that give muscles the ability to move the bones. Yi Jin Jing is 1500 years old and said to be the first exercises taught to the monks in the Shaolin Temple. The movements themselves involve gentle stretching which also has a beneficial effect on the energy (meridian) system, also opening the joints to improve circulation. There are twelve movements in this set.


ZHAN ZHUANG
Zhan Zhuang (Standing Qigong, or literally "Post Standing") is a sequence of "static" postures. The purpose of these is to focus totally on relaxation and body alignment. Standing still causes muscles to begin to slowly tense up and the practice is to soften and release this tension without collapsing the structure. When watching a practitioner it may look as though they are standing still, but they are continually moving very subtly as the muscles begin to pull the structure out of alignment and the practitioner releases and re-adjusts. Zhan Zhuang relaxes the physical and strengthens the energetic body. We use Zhan Zhuang as part of each Qigong class.


SINGLE MOVEMENTS
There are also many individual Qigong movements and exercises that we work with in this school depending on the focus or need of a particular group.

Click here for start dates of Qigong Sets.