Templestyle Taiji and Internal Martial Arts
The Internal Martial arts are considered "soft styles" of training, originating in China and influenced by Daoist philosophy. The three major internal systems are Taijiquan (great ultimate boxing), Xingyiquan (form/intention boxing), and Baguazhang (eight trigrams palm).
These ancient systems each draw upon specific aspects of Daoist philosophy - Taiji utilizes Yin and Yang theory, Xingyi focuses on the Five Elements, and Bagua the Eight Great Forces.
My teacher's teacher, Master Xu Hongji explained that the internal martial arts are a way of "learning the Dao through the body."
In the Lohan Tradition, of which Templestyle is a part, we cultivate internal martial arts for their healing, beauty, self-defense capacities, and to put us in touch with something greater than ourselves.
Join our FREE Taiji community!Curriculum
The training starts with Taijiquan (Tai Chi), and specifically "EASY" Taiji! "Easy Taiji" is a five movement form developed by Rev. Fa Jun based on the five organ qigong movements in the system of Dong Hai Quan. This form is easy to learn and so takes the intimidation out of beginning one's Taiji journey. The form works the meridians of the five main "Yin Organs" of Chinese energetic medicine and gives you a simple way to improve your health in minutes!
After learning the easy form, students move on to studying the 48 movement short form of the Yang Style - which contains every major movement of the Yang system, in a condensed version. The Yang Style curriculum continues with traditional push-hands exercises, taiji sword and saber forms.
Upon completing the Yang form, students may then decide to study the Chen style system, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang. Each of these arts contains a complete system of training including power development sets, meditation, weapons practices, self-defense applications, and empty hand movements.
For advanced students, the full internal martial arts curriculum includes sparing, grappling, and advanced jedi mind tricks! (but don't worry if you're just in it for health, you don't have to do any of these!)
How to get started
All students start out with the "Easy Taiji" curriculum, and these classes are offered on a weekly basis by donation.
This course of study gives students all the foundational principles of qigong for learning the Yang family system and gives them a simple form to begin practicing.
Currently, the live class is most Saturday mornings at 11 PST, and the recordings are archived on my Youtube page! When you sign up to be part of the "community" page, you'll receive zoom links and notifications about ongoing classes.
Start Learning Taiji Now!
There's never been a better time to begin your journey of inner healing and mastery!
Through the power of the internet, you can learn these sacred healing sciences in the comfort of your own home, and take the complexity out of gaining radiant health and inner peace!
Why not join our online Taiji practice community and begin learning the Easy form by donation now!
Join our EASY Taiji Community!