Human Architecture
Human architecture is based on a series of circles and triangles. These have the strength to carry considerable weight, yet keep your body flexible. You can think of your entire body as a pyramid, with a solid base and a much smaller apex. The three circles represent your head, torso and lower body. The tiny circles represent your neck and waist, supporting the structure while giving you the flexibility around which the larger spheres turn and roll. Within the principal pyramid structure, your...
Ice Step
Once you have learned the Zhan Zhuang standing positions in Parts One and Two of this book, you can begin to practice the specialized steps used in Da Cheng Chuan. The first movement is called the Ice Step because it evokes the feeling of someone slowly and carefully making their way across the surface of a frozen pond. It improves your kinesthetic control and develops your balance. Stand with your feet together, your knees slightly bent. Shift all your weight onto one foot. Imagine the floor...
Power Circles
The strength you develop in your training begins to express itself throughout your entire body. Not only do you experience an unshakable connection to the earth, but if you bump into something or someone hits you, the impact just seems to bounce naturally off you. In this model, the outer sphere represents your muscle. Its structure is like a powerful rubber ball it can support heavy weights, but also compress to accept pressure. The triangle is bone. Its structure is like that of a bamboo it...
Master Yun Hang Taichi
Master Lam Kam Chuen has devoted his life to the classical arts of Chinese culture. He has brought these to the West, introducing Chinese health care to millions through his books, videos and TV appearances. A living example of Chinese holistic culture, Master Lam is accomplished in the Five Arts studied by the advisers to the imperial court. The Five Arts - San, Yi, Ming, Bok and Shang -comprise the Taoist and Buddhist arts, systems for internal medicine and health exercise, Feng Shui,...
The Pump
Your training teaches you how to move and control the flow of Chi through the energetic geometry of your body. The first stage is to ensure the correct alignment of your body and to clear any obstacles you may have to the free flow of energy through your system. This is what you accomplish by the practice of Zhan Zhuang. When you have become stable in that practice, which also results in an overall increase in your energy levels, the focus of your training moves to your feet. Imagine the sole...
The Great Accomplishment Lineage
rTlhe practice of cultivating human energy has been passed from master to student in a lineage that stretches over some 27 centuries. The Chinese Philosopher Guan Tse perceived the fundamental nature of energy and saw it as the precondition for all else in the Silk scroll of Lao Tse, with 42 imperial seals. universe. In his writings on the Natural Way of Life, which he referred to as Tao, he brought together the natural sciences, agriculture, geography, economics, law and astrology. He stressed...
The Inner Depths
Calligraphy by Grand Master Wang Xiang Zhai, described in the Introduction to Part One. Inwardly alert, open, calm. Outwardly upright, extended, filled with spirit. This is the foundation of stillness. Add the hard and the soft, the powerful and the relaxed, Motion and stillness, contraction and extension In the instant these converge, there is power. The original calligraphy of this poem is reproduced on page 16. The poem is the work ofGrand Master Wang Xiang Zhai and takes its place at the...
Da Cheng Chuan Fighing Seqeunce
All fields of human activity - physical, mental and spiritual -depend on the power of our energy. Properly concentrated, it can generate tremendous creativity and dynamism. All human beings are capable of manifesting far higher levels of energy than is normally assumed. This book introduces you to the ait of awakening this extraordinary capacity already latent in your body and mind. The techniques for personal development in this book have traditionally been practiced in the martial arts. But...
On Guard
You have learned how to root your power in both feet. You now advance to develop the same strength on one leg. This improves your balance and increases your ability to control subtle adjustments in your muscles and tendons. It is the essential foundation for the movements you will learn later in this book. The preparation for working on one leg is to hold each of the foundation postures with your weight shifted first to one side, then the other. You need to be accomplished in this practice so...
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Your creativity is a natural expression of your energy. When you cultivate your inner power, you are opening up your ability to work with the tremendous energy that surrounds you. This is the secret of the living arts, from parenting and cooking to singing, dancing and all the other performing arts. Your daily practice gradually enables your Chi to flow smoothly through your system. It opens your mind and heart and develops your sensitivity. You begin to be more intuitive and perceptive. You...
The Bridge
If you look carefully at the point where the pillars of a bridge bear the structure's enormous weight, you will often find a small cylinder. This astonishing feature is known as a bridge bearing. The purpose of the bearing is to take the weight while giving the entire structure maximum flexibility. Bridge bearings transfer loads and movements from the deck of the bridge down to the substructure and foundations. They make it possible for the structure to withstand the vibrations of traffic and...
Shoulder Strike
Train in this position until you are able to rest without moving for several minutes. Then, with both feet on the ground, push yourself away from the wall using both your shoulder and the tips of your fingers and thumb. Breathe out as you make this move. This little push will move your whole body a short way off the wall. Repeat again and again until you are able to bounce back and forth off the wall. The instant your right shoulder and left hand make contact with the wall, relax into the...
Fire
Begin your training in Wu Chi. Sink your weight fully into your feet and feel the light upward suspension at the top of your head. Then slowly raise your arms into the position, Holding the Ball page 13 . The complete relaxation of your shoulders and upper body is essential. Make two loose fists, as if you were holding tiny eggs carefully in each hand. Do not clench your fingers. In each hand, connect the pad of your thumb to the first knuckle of your forefinger to make an arrowhead. Start to...
The Great Circle 1
Once you are thoroughly familiar with the fundamental postures presented in the Introduction pages 11-15 and are able to stand in each of them for at least 20 minutes, you can begin practicing The Great Circle. Start by standing in Wu Chi. Then imagine that you are lowering yourself to sit on a large ball. Sink down about 5 cm 2 in . Keep your weight evenly spread over your feet. Do not let your knees bend forwards over your toes. Slowly raise your arms into the posture, Holding the Ball page...