Good to see you again, hivers, this time for something completely different and important in my life. I'll give a brief introduction into a series of practices that combine several elements which I was drawn to since forever - martial art, physical flexibility, working with energy, practicing clearing the mind and growing spiritually. Coupled with my love for photography, you can see how I enjoy documenting the journey with these beautiful movements.
My goal is to share everything I learn in a video form so that everyone who is interested can follow along.
Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Kung Fu are three different but connected training techniques originated in ancient China. They all have different purposes and benefits so let's see what each brings to the table.
- Qi Gong is the most meditative practice of the three - It usually consists of slow movements, light body stretching and slow deep breathing. Depending on the type of Qi Gong, it can help with healing different organs of the body, realigning back and spine or stretching tendons (joints). It might look similar to yoga if I have to compare it. It is also used to build the Qi (life force energy) inside the body, usually stored in lower abdomen (dantian).
- Kung Fu - you've all seen the movies :), it's a martial art that has a specific stances designed carefully for the human anatomy. It is a great tool to build strength and endurance especially in lower body as a lot of it happens in very low postures. Different styles usually try to mimic movements of the animals like tiger, dragon or snake. It's the most physically demanding of the three practices.
- Tai Chi is in a way a bridge between these other two techniques. It is usually performed very slowly, like a dance, and the end positions are always in one of the combat postures. A student should first learn the basics of Qi Gong and Kung Fu before starting Tai Chi. On the deep level, it represents a way to connect with the nature and universe. For those who really want to go far, Tai Chi can be a road towards enlightenment. It combines three aspects of our being - body, mind and energy. It is practiced with full concentration and focus - that way we can direct energy, open up the blockages and increase our vitality.
Each method has many different forms that can be learned and practiced fluidly. Also, both Kung Fu and Tai Chi can be practiced with different tools and weapons like sword, spear or staff. It can take years to really master a form, especially for sophisticated movements of Tai Chi. That's when the real benefits kick in, but you'll notice positive changes even after the first training.
I've been practicing Wudang style Tai Chi which originated on the Wudang Mountain in China, a Taoist sacred land. My Shifu (teacher) had the privilege to train in this incredible place which I hope to visit as well at some point. I am still a newcomer to these techniques but eager to work hard and become proficient.
I instantly fell in love with these beautiful practices and already experienced many benefits. Stay tuned, I will share more about it in the future posts. For now leaving you with some captures from the training. As you can see, nature and woods are a perfect place to to it. :) Until next time.
