The Internal Arts

Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan)

One of the most popular forms of the internal arts, Taiji Quan has spread into many different styles throughout the world, such as the Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun styles. The basic forms consist of movements which follow the gentle, fluid, cyclical movement of the universe.

Taiji Quan is based upon Qigong and Taoist principles. This system is particularly effective for healing, strength, power, and disease prevention. Training is presented on several different levels, emphasizing structural integration as a foundation for energetic development and martial applications. Classes typically include exercises that stretch and tone the body through internal training. Morning Crane Healing Arts Center Taiji classes include activities such as:

• Qigong
• Silk-reeling
• Neigong Exercises
• Energy Enhancing Exercises

Bagua Zhang

Bagua Zhang is similar to Tai Chi, but the energy flow is quite different. This art consists of a special kind of circle-walking along with hand postures, that circulate the energy in a spiral-like manner. Some styles might include walking in a large circle over an open ground with the image of a flying bird or a swimming fish.

Silk Reeling

Silk-Reeling Exercises is translated as "Chan Si Gong" in Chinese. "Gong" in Chinese means work or skill or exercises (drills). Silk-Reeling Exercises (SRE) in Taiji is a set of repetitive spiral movement exercises with emphasis on the ground connection, waist connection, knee alignment, kua sinking, opening and closing of joints, and dantian rotation. These continuous spiral movements are the basic components and foundation of Taijiquan. This series of spiral movement exercises are for the development of the basic strengths and coordination of Chen Taijiquan. These exercises will increase the mobility of body joints and relax the muscles and tendons of the practitioner. The spiral movements will open up and exercise the 18 major joints (in sequence from the head to the ankles) of the body, promote muscle relaxation and flexibility, and reduce physical tension and strain.

Dao-In

Dao-In, the ancient Taoist predecessor to Tai Chi Chuan, is a complete system of movement and meditation performed in sitting and lying positions, that strengthen the muscles and tendons, balance internal energy, and enhance longevity. Dao-In is of ancient origin and has some striking similarities to hatha yoga.

I Chuan

I Chuan internal arts consists of four to six levels, depending on the instructor. The first level begins with a set of eight to ten static, standing postures, which build and enhance our energy. The other levels advance from the foundational first level by including movement and mind intent.

Eight Treasures

The Eight Treasures is a unique style of exercises which has been preserved through a long line of Taoist physicians in the Ni family. It consists of a set of thirty-two short standing exercises that facilitate energy flow and strengthen vitality. The exercises are named for various aspects of nature such as Great Bird Spreads its Wings and The Weeping Willow Shivers in the Early Morning Breeze