| Taoist Kungfu |
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There are two simple descriptions used nowadays, Shaolin Kungfu and Wudang Kungfu. These used to be known as 'Hard Style' and 'Soft Style', but these descriptions were inadequate and misleading. In reality there are many "shades of grey" inbetween Hard and Soft, or Shaolin and Wudang styles. Shaolin (Young Forest), refers to the famous monestary situated in Honan Province, once a Taoist and Confucian retreat, now Buddhist, but under control of the government. Wudang refers to the (Wu Tang) Mountain range which is said to be the home of Taoism. Many of its temples and retreats have remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. The name of Shaolin is generally used to describe a style which uses muscle driven punches and more physically apparent training; e.g. endurance training, muscle strengthening and hard conditioning (breaking wood or pig-iron with the body, for example). This we call "external" training, or Weigong. Wudang generally uses development of waist techniques (mostly core muscles), breathing, or Qigong as we call it, plus other techniques which build strength from the inside outwards. This we call "internal" training, or Neigong. Tiandidao (T'ien Ti Tao) falls into this latter category. In Tiandidao we have a rich syllabus with a holistic range of Taoist Arts. Mostly these are based around Neigong, but we do not neglect Weigong, for to do so would be an imbalance of Tao. The recommended path for students would be to start with the "Wide Frame" Boxing (Quanshu) and progress to Taijiquan, Specialised Qigong, Daoist Yoga and then healing skills. It would be rare to find a student nowadays, especially in the west, who was willing to dedicate so much time to training. Therefore we offer modules of training, a practical approach. |
| Taijiquan |
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Taijiquan, or "Tai Chi", as it is commonly known, is a style of Chinese Kungfu. The original methods were said to be developed by Daoist (Taoist) Priests in the Wudang Mountains of central China; hence it is classified as Wudang Kungfu. Taijiquan means "Supreme Ultimate Boxing". Supreme Ultimate (or varied translations) refers to the Universe and its workings; what we call Nature, the Chinese call it Tao. So the name refers to "Chinese Boxing following the principles of Nature". We know that around 618-905 Ad in the Tang Dynasty, a man called Xuxuangping developed a style called Sanshiqi (37 Forms). History is sketchy as many records have been lost or destroyed, or falsified. From the lineage of Sanshiqi came many other variations on the theme and it was said to be Zhangsanfeng (born 1245 AD) who formalised Daoist Boxing by incorporating the full philosophical principles and making the Form (Set) comply after witnessing a fight between a Snake and a Crane, says one likely theory. We do not know the name of this Form, so it is called Wudang Boxing, as Zhang was said to be living as a Hermit in the foothills of the Wudang mountains when he developed it. From this "root" sprung many other variations, like Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao and Li styles, all with their own unique interpretations. In Tiandidao we have Jingquanshitaijiquan (Wellspring Style Tao Boxing). This is a "pure" style yet has some cross-over points familiar to other styles mentioned above. There was a "base" of around six or so Li/Wu movements, but these have been translated purely and not directly copied. Pure refers to studying the essential elements until understood, then allowing Daoist influence to take over and become natural, thus creating a "pure" Form with no other styles added. Students report an amazing result with their Qi development and the applications are heralded. |
| Baduanjin |
| Baduanjin (Pa Tuan Chin), or The Eight Strands of Silk Brocade, first came about some 800 years ago. Since then it has been made subject to many variations, some quite dangerous to perform (could cause injury). The new, safer 'Standardised Set' taught as part of Tiandidao has three levels: 1- suitable for beginners and the ill or weak, 2- suitable for general health and maintenance, 3- advanced. Courses are arranged for this so instructors outside of Tiandidao can become qualified to teach this aspect and so help many more people back to better health. |
| Daoist Yoga |
| Man people are familiar with Hatha Yoga or even other, higher methods (as Hatha is "base"). The Chinese call Hatha Yoga and many of its higher forms, external or Weigong. Daoist Yoga consists of a well planned series of exercises which involve breathing and movement. Many of the movements are stretches, but not quite in the same way as most people think of a stretch. The exercises are designed to open up the energy channels, Meridians. A correctly taught series of exercises will induce qi flow, reduce stress, help digestive processes and much, much more. Many people who have studied other forms of yoga feel different after a session of "Kaimen" (Open gates) Yoga, or "Taoist Yoga". There is a trend in the west to copy bits-and-pieces of other exercise systems. This has resulted in unstructured and incomplete exercise classes, often lead by people who have had little real instruction themselves. Daoist Yoga is and should remain a pure system; only minor postural changes have been made to exercises which could cause spinal damage in the forms we teach. |
| Specialised Qigong |
| Qigong, or Ch'i Kung, literally translates as "Energy Training". However, it is a misleading translation and like most Chinese things understated. The depth of qigong is quite phenomenal. It is not uncommon to find "Healers" among the Chinese who treat all sorts of complaints from asthma to cancer, using qigong. There are basically two ways this can be done: 1- teach the patient to practice appropriate qigong exercise, or 2- use one's own qi to heal the patient. The former may contain a fairly wide base of exercises which can be prescribed. The latter is something which takes a talent, some medical knowledge (like acupuncture points) and of course a good "bedside manner"! In Tiandidao we have a basic system which is suitable for many minor problems like headaches, period pains, colds and even general massage using manipulation of acu-points. |
| Zhangmin Diet |
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Taoist "Long Life" Diet. This is a specialist subject like the above. The wrong food can cause illness. The right food can make you healthier. This principle applied to diet is called Macrobiotic. Food, like herbs, is a natural source, some of which can poison our systems whilst others can heal or strengthen. Zhangmin may be difficult to follow due to the availability of decent food (usually not found in supermarkets), but even followed in a simple manner it can add years to your life, reduce illness, improve vitality and even "cure" common problems like migraines, heavy periods, irritable bowels, etc. Many major illnesses could be avoided if people followed a Zhangmin regime and our western society would not be riddled with cancer and other illnesses. (see also 'What's on Offer' page written by Shirfu) |
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