Zhan zhuang / chi kung

Please complete the attached " Health and Fitness Questionnaire" and inform your tutor verbally if you have any health concerns.  Please bring the completed questionnaire to your first class. You are asked to complete this questionnaire once a year.

Zhan Zhuang/Chi Kung is a very powerful system of exercise dating back thousands of years.  The Chinese meaning of Zhan Zhuang is "standing like a stake".  Besides the standing discipline there are some moving exercises.  The Zhan Zhaung/Chi Kung system was developed by one of China's legendary martial artists, Wang Xiang Zhai who died in the 1960s.  It wasn't until the 1970s that people in the West discovered that Chi Kung, in itself, is not a martial art.  It is a very useful adjunct to all martial arts as it develops the qualities of stillness and calmness.  It is based on standing postures and helps one achieve alignment of mind and body.

Two thousand and seven hundred years ago "The Yellow Emperor's book of internal medicine", a treatise on health, put forward the theory that if the internal balance of the organs was properly aligned then this would lead to good health.  Zhan Zhuang/Chi Kung is a progression from this book enabling one to build physical strength, health and a feeling of well-being.  Tension causes stagnation of energy - Zhan Zhuang/Chi Kung dissipates this tension and stimulates clarity of mind and internal strength.

Learner & Entry Requirements: 

Suitable for all abilities.  No previous experience is necessary.

General & First Session: 

Loose, comfortable clothing.  Please avoid wearing hard leather, high or block heeled shoes.

KAE is unable to offer refunds for any materials, equipment or books if the course is subsequently closed.

Course Aim & Objective: 

Introduce Zhan Zhuang/Chi Kung in order to increase energy and concentration, promote relaxation and dissipate stress.

Learn various Zhan Zhuang/Chi Kung postures related to the health aspect of this ancient Chinese art; build energy; increase mental focus and internal strength.

Assessment: 

Observation.  Homework is recommended, as Zhan Zhuang involves a daily routine of practice.

Course Syllabus: 

Spend half an hour doing various exercises including warming up, internal stretching exercises and cooling down.  The heart of the practice is the "Wu Ji" posture, and "holding the tree" posture.  After a week or two, one begins to feel the benefits of this discipline.  Introduction to the Full Circle (a sequence of postures which build energy, promote relaxation, increase mental focus and internal strength, once you are able to relax in the standing positions).  There are great rewards in studying this discipline.