COURSES
COURSES ARE OFFERED AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE.

BASIC PRINCIPLES 6 week Introductory Level Courses provide the necessary foundation for all Qi Gong practice. There are literally hundreds of different Qi Gong styles and forms which range from very gentle movement and breathing to more challenging stretching and strengthening practices. The range of styles may look different superficially but all have the same fundamental underlying principles: a strong "Earth" connection (grounded in legs and pelvis) lengthened, upright, relaxed spine increased awareness of energetic "belly" centre (dan tian) flexible, open joints natural deep breathing relaxed, yet focussed mental awareness increased awareness of internal body sensations and qi flow Once you have a grasp of basic principles you can go on to explore the richness of various Qi Gong styles. It is a good idea to try a number of different styles of Qi Gong until you discover what suits you best. Your preference will depend on such variables as your health needs, fitness levels, time constraints and personality...there is something for every individual. Ultimately Qi Gong practice is not about "collecting" a great number of different practices but rather, deepening one or two forms which really engage you. This can be a life-long journey into greater self-awareness at all levels of being. A Statement of Attainment is presented once students have displayed a thorough grasp of fundamental principles.

Once the fundamentals of Qi Gong have been learnt, the student can progress to a variety of forms. These are offered on a rotating schedule. Brief Course descriptions are provided below WILD GOOSE GREETS the MORNING SUN This Course presents a set of practices which may be performed as individual exercises or as a connected series which will give you a complete workout involving gentle stretching, breathing and mental awareness. The set is also an excellent foundation for those who wish to progress on to the more technical and physically challenging Wild Goose Qi Gong (below). DRAGON PEARL QI GONG This beautiful, deeply energising Qi Gong set contains both flowing and stretching movements inspired by the undulating movements of the mystical dragon. builds a strong and supple back and spine loosens the joints improves circulation of blood and lymph increases lung capacity and deepens the breathing stretches and strengthens the legs calms the heart and soothes the nervous system deeply integrates mind and body SPECIALIST COURSE in MEDICAL QI GONG This Course is based on the Traditional Chinese Five Element Theory. It includes theory and practices associated with each of the organ/meridian systems. Acupressure and the use of resonating sound and colour for healing are also covered in the Course. QI GONG ROLLER (TAI CHI RULER QI GONG) This is a set of easy, energising movement/breathing practices using a traditional wooden roller as an integral part of the exercise. Movements are both stretching and flowing as well as physically strengthening. The wooden roller is also a traditional tarining tool in Tai Chi practice.

SHIBASHI QI GONG   (Literally "18 Breathing Exercise Practices") The power of this slow style of Qi Gong is in the alert, yet relaxed mental focus together with a steady, centred body awareness and lengthened, upright spine. The practice may be accompanied by appropriate slow, non-invasive music to calm the nervous system. Two levels of Shibashi Qi Gong are offered: EAGLE SET This is a very gentle, rhythmic Qi Gong, which involves no forced physical exertion. Excellent as a "moving meditation" self-healing practice. PEACOCK SET This set of beautiful movements is slightly more physically demanding but can still be performed by most people at their own level of health and fitness.

MICROCOSMIC CIRCULATION QI GONG This is a specialist course, especially suitable for martial artists. Microcosmic Circulation is fundamental to all Daoist Qi Gong and the internal Martial Arts. The course incorporates theory with practice and includes training in Xia Dan Tian empowerment and reversed abdominal breathing. Techniques to develop mental focus are also included.

QI GONG - FIVE ANIMAL PLAY This Qi Gong is derived from 5 animal forms traditional to Chinese healing exercise and martial arts. It is the most ancient Qi Gong system still practised today with its origins in prehistoric shamanic rituals and dances dating back before 2000 BC. The movements based on Crane, Monkey, Tiger, Bear and Deer are fun and easy to learn. The practices, which synchonise slow, relaxed breathing with movement develop strength, grace, flexibility, balance and an abundance of healing qi (life-force energy)

SUN and MOON QI GONG This is a powerful, yet gentle set of 6 rhythmic movements in the Daoist tradition with focus on building power in the Dan Tian and encouraging a strong flow of qi in the Microcosmic Circuit. The emphasis of this form is on the Eight Extraordinary Vessels system. The last of the 6 movements connects the individual internal energy system (microcosm) with the universal qi field (macrocosm) of "heaven" and "earth". The set is usually taught at the more advanced levels of practice and involves a high degree of internal concentration. Sun and Moon is excellent for martial artists of all traditions who wish to deepen the Nei Gong component of their practice and improve their mental focus (Yi)

PRIMORDIAL (WUJI) QI GONG

Primordial (WuJi) Qi Gong has an 800 year old lineage in the Mt Wudang Daoist mystical tradition. This beautiful spiralling form combines all the fundamental aspects of Daoist philosophy, including the concepts of yin and yang; the 3 Treasures of body, mind and spirit; feng shui and alchemy. WuJi is literally translated as the Supreme Unknown or Unmanifest Emptiness. For hundreds of years WuJi was secret Qi Gong passed down through generations of Daoist spiritual adepts who practised this form as mystical, spiritual exercise which accumulated and refined their qi. Learn how to gather qi from all the four directions, heaven and earth. Regular practice can improve your health at all levels and attune you to the primordial qi (breath) of nature.

DAYAN (WILD GOOSE) QI GONG Julie teaches the authentic 64 movement Wild Goose form of connected stretching, flowing movements incorporating self-acupressure and qi cultivation. Level 1 covers the physical movements and an elementary grasp of the acupoints and meridians involved. Level 2 deepens understanding of the inner aspects of the form with focus on the power of mental intention (Yi) leading the qi. Dayan Qi Gong belongs to the ancient Daoist Kunlun (mountain) School. Dates go back over 1000 years to the Jin dynasties (starting around 200AD) In the past, the practices were passed down secretly within the Daoist temples. This form is based on observation of the movements and habits of wild geese, long revered as symbols of longevity, grace and high energy. In fact, the form could be called "A Day in the Life of a Wild Goose". Dayan Qi Gong is a very popular form in modern China and this set is actually part of a great repertoire of practices under this title. It has been made famous in modern times by a woman called Yang Meijun who taught the form to treat all kinds of diseases. Physically, the movements focus on stretching and opening the spine and joints. This is the first step to opening the meridian system and clearing stagnation in the channels, as well as improving blood flow and quality of qi and blood. A Certificate of Attainment is presented once students have displayed a thorough grasp of the intermediate principles. SHAMANIC TIGER QI GONG This very powerful and graceful form is inspired by Bai Laohu (White Tiger). Introduced to the West by Shamanic Master Zhongxian Wu, the form consists of 24 connected movements which stregtch and strengthen the physical and energy bodies. There is emphasis on clearing stagnation and invigorating the entire system, especially the lower Dan Tian and Central Channel. HUN YUAN QI GONG "Hun" means to "mix" or "blend". "Yuan" refers to the primordial or original qi of the universe. Hun Yuan Qi Gong is Daoist in origin and this 21 movement set is a complete energy building, self-healing system. It is an ideal internal practice for martial artists or for anyone who wants to work with the more subtle levels of Qi Gong.

It is recommended that students are proficient in Wild Goose Qi Gong and at least two other Qi Gong forms before progressing to this level. This level deepens the earlier forms, and introduces more advanced work. It is important to understand that practice at advanced levels of Qi Gong and Taiji is not about developing greater complexity and forceful effort. On the contrary, it is about increasing clarity, refinement and ease. Qi Gong practice should not been seen as a compartment separate from daily, moment-to-moment living, but as a way of life. Ultimately Practice involves deeply exploring the nature of "self" and the conditioned mind which drives us until we begin to see it for the construction that it is. This is the life-long journey towards "waking up" to our true nature and living a more richly present and compassionate life. Advanced Level Practice will provide the student with the opportunity for close individual supervision and feedback. There will also be guidance and support in developing a personal daily practice. COURSE CONTENT WILL INCLUDE EXPLORATION AND PRACTICE OF THE FOLLOWING: Wu Wei (as a concept and a way of being in everyday life) practices to cultivate the Song (pronounced "sung") state advanced Zhan Zhuang (standing qi gong) increased focus on the use of Yi (intent, volition) to lead the qi specialised breathing practices bone marrow cleansing practices collecting qi from nature qi gong healing (external qi healing) deepened understanding of the Three Treasures/Dan Tians meditation (mindfulness and open-awareness) push-hands

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