Tai Chi

The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently and measurably increases, opens the internal circulation. It primarily involves learning solo routines, known as postures or forms (taolu) and most often characterized by exceedingly slow movements.

Tai chi’s health training concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. Focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form purportedly helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity.

The focus and calmness cultivated by the meditative aspect of tai chi is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum health (in the sense of relieving stress) and in application of the form as a soft style martial art.

The ability to use tai chi as a form of self-defense in combat is the test of a student’s understanding of the art also in our academy. Martially speaking, Tai chi lessons is the study of appropriate change in response to outside forces; the study of yielding and “sticking” to an incoming attack rather than attempting to meet it with opposing force.

Qi Gong – “Qi” (“breathing”, “air”, “gas” and “vapor” and also be used in the context of describing the relationship between matter, energy and spirit) and “Gong” is that of achievement or results. Together, these two words combine to describe systems and methods of “energy cultivation” and the manipulation of intrinsic energy within living organisms.

In Eagle Martial Art, it is considered an important component in enhancing martial abilities. Both Taoist and Buddhist use Qi Gong as part of their meditative practice. Basic training requires the practitioner to hold the body in a particular posture visualisation or focus on specific ideas, sounds, images, concepts or breathing patterns.

In our academy, meditation Qi Gong is a popular method of mind and body training found in many different cultures. The meditation is focused on humanity and virtue with the aim of self-enlightenment. The aim is to still the mind either through a focus outward such as place, inwards such as the breath, or the idea of the eternal as represented by Lord Buddha.