Qigong for Health & Martial Arts: Exercises and Meditation

The book starts by teaching you some basic Qigong history and influence, nothing extensive but just there to inform you. It then starts to teach you two Wai Dan exercises, these are exercises where you learn to direct your Qi into your hands, either a fist or open palm hand. If you are new to Qi-based arts, the open palm sequence is easiest to start with. These are primarily mind-exercises, not muscle exercises, although holding your arms up for 20 minutes is very hard work, you'll definitely feel in your shoulders. These exercises are well suited for martial artists training in styles where Qi plays a central role - such as Tai Chi Chuan and Aikido. Then Dr.Yang teaches you a moving Qigong form, this sequence of exercises are quite gentle on you and coordinates deep breathing with body-exercises that resemble Tai Chi. I always feel refreshed after I've done these, and my mind feels clear. This form is especially good for building up lower-back and joint strength. Next up is the Eight Pieces Brocade, which is similar to the previous form, with exercises that resemble Tai Chi. There are some stretching-based exercises, some joint-based, some mind-based (Qi). Throughout all of them coordinated deep breathing plays a big part. This form is abit more strenuous than the previous one. Next comes still Wai Dan forms, which according to Dr.Yang himself are very similar to Yoga. These are exercises where you hold a certain body-position for x-amount of minutes, for example in one of them you hold a push-up position for 1-3 minutes. These are perhaps the most strenuous of all the physical exercises. All of this is just half the book. Next up is Nei Dan Qigong, this is purely internal or meditative Qigong. First it covers some historical and theoretical information. Then it starts to teach you how to meditate Qigong-style, it gives you some practical pointers on how to best meditate: food, posture, time of meditation etc. The first meditative techniques taught are what most of us associate with meditation, they focus on building up a core of Qi inside yourself. It takes a very long time to learn any of this, to control your mind in this way. After these are some even more difficult meditation or Qi-techniques, I'm not sure how to describe them well because I have not been able to reach this stage. But from what I understand you start to direct the Qi, that you have now learned to build up, and channel it around your body in various ways. To reach this stage would require years of training I reckon. The next part of the book discusses the relation between Qigong and health, this contains alot of theory on Chinese medicine or Qi-diagnosis, for lack of a better word. It also talks about acupuncture and massage. It even shows you how to do some basic massage. The final part of the book has a brief mention on martial applications of Qigong, it shows you important 'cavity presses' - places on your opponent/attacker where the Qi is concentrated and where y

This book was my intro into QiGong and after 10 years I can see how the standing form has helped me become the successful person I am today. I know this is going to sound a bit silly but, who needs viagra if youve got QiGong. Every time i see a commercial on TV or hear one on the radio Im thinking what a waste of money. The Da Mo style has provided for me. ;^) Its also is great for weight lifting and working out or just getting out of bed in the morning. And it works wonders for evening out your temper, assuming you have one. Sorry to be so basic about it but Ive gotta give credit where credits due. Thanks qigong, thank you all things and thank you Dr. jwing Ming.

Many years ago, when I was sweating and groaning my way through a daily karate class, I was exposed to chi kung. This book was my first text. The instruction, both text and photo, is exceptionally clear. You will find the Eight Piece Brocade and the Twelve Moving Forms, each of which make a wonderful physical work-out, even if you aren't particularly interested in all that chi-stuff. There is also a set of standing chi kung forms which are very good for learning to notice and direct your chi. The martial section was fun to read as was the section on Chinese yoga.I used to get pretty banged-up in that karate program, because I was a middle-aged mom in there with a bunch of teens and young men. Every night, I would do these chi kung exercises to get rid of the pain and bruises so I could get back to class the next day. Yes...it works! I am not doing karate any more, but have pursued chi kung through the years. This book is a magnificent introduction to the subject. It's all business; no new-age drivel anywhere.

George Lucas' idea of the force is most certainly real in the asian martial arts. It is your chi or qi, and this book shows you how to develop it. These exercises combine breathing techniques to build up your chi and increase overall health. They are effective and draining, i was exhausted after my first few forms even though they invole little outward movement. The focus is inward and you can feel the results, as your blood and tendons tingle and heat up. The photos didn't really confuse me at all and i have no prior experience. They seem fairly straightforward and along with the descriptions of the form it is easy for a novice to begin building up their 'force'. Good thorough book.