Saskatoon Nine Dragon Baguazhang
Quote
Location
Albert Community Centre
610 Clarence Ave S.
Saskatoon, SK
Click here for map
Quick Links
Qigong in the Practice of Li Jia Dao Qi Quan
Qigong is a relatively recent designation for various physical movements, breathing methods and visualization skills. The word “qigong” came to the fore in the 1950’s after western medical doctors began to investigate these intriguing Oriental exercises and required something by which to call them. “Qi” is a modifier that is not, typically, a word that stands alone in Mandarin. It is a nebulous word to define, because “air,” “atmosphere,” and “energy” do not do it justice.
The implied meaning of “Qi,” derived from analysis of the pictograph depicting the word, is that mysterious and unseen process by which one thing acts upon another. Consider these relatively invisible processes: fire heating water to steam and steam rattling the pot lid; wind moving through the trees; the manner in which we derive sustenance by transforming food into our body. Anything that cannot be explained can be attributed to “qi,” an unseen and mysterious force. This has led many practitioners to posit a quasi-magical, supernatural force is active in the universe. As we learn how the world works, however, we are able to reduce the number of processes that we can find no cause for. At this time, science has been able to identify four fundamental forces operating throughout the known universe. Not all natural phenomena have been explained, but the ones that have, have been explained through the use of these four forces. If we do not have to postulate a new force to explain things, our explanations remain simpler and more viable.
Despite scientists’ views on the matter, many teachers, practitioners, books and DVDs discuss “feeling the Qi.” We can usually all agree that each practitioner feels some sensation when practicing “qigong” exercises. Many of these sensations can be explained without recourse to New Age magic. Many are commonplace sensations that the practitioner notices with more intensity than normal. Some are regular bodily sensations that the practitioner has never paid attention to before. Often they are the result of increased blood flow, muscular relaxation, enhanced attention, and reduced tension. If these occur in combination, they can be difficult to separate and identify.
In the Daoqiquan qigong theory, we define “Qi” as the vital energy that sustains our health and longevity. We can also define “Qi” as the myriad processes and transformations necessary to optimize our health, bring us vitality, and enhance our longevity.
The word “Gong” in “qigong” means skill. However, “gong” is clearly associated with the short phrase “gongfu” or, as we know it in the West, “kung fu.” In the western world, this term came to be associated with Chinese martial arts primarily due to the popularity of the television show called “Kung Fu” and starring the late David Carridine. The term “gong fu” actually means skill derived through hard work performed over a long time. So the word “gong” in “qigong” implies this skill requires time and effort to master.
So, for Daoqiquan students, “qigong” means the skill of systematically developing and maintaining vitality, health and longevity over time.
Types of Qigong
The Li family trained two specific types of qigong. One was used for health, longevity and spiritual development (Jiankang Qigong) while the other was designed to enhance combat effectiveness (Zhandouli Qigong). Both methods of training are heavily reliant upon the power of the Yi (conscious, rational mind of intent) to mold and direct the growth and activation of the physical body and the psyche. In both types, Quiet Sitting (Jing Zuo) is an essential practice used to clear the mind and improve neurohormonal mind-body integration and coordination and is the foundation upon which all the other skills rest.
After Quiet Sitting, both types incorporate Standing Meditation forms (Zhan Zhuang) and moving exercises to fully develop the sought-after skills. Many of the postures and some of the methodologies, at first glance, seem to be quite similar, but closer examination bears out that they are two very different animals. The mental attitudes and subtleties of the postures differ vastly. Please bear in mind the goals of the method you are studying and practicing at all times; your results will be significantly more satisfying if you stay on course rather than permit yourself to become confused and mix up the methods.
Zhandouli Qigong
Zhandouli (Combat-Effective) Qigong is the qigong category responsible for developing martial prowess. The purpose of these methods is to strengthen the mind and body for combat. This is done via the sophisticated use of visualizations, breathing techniques, stretches, and synchronistic movements that activate and balance the cerebral hemispheres, enhance cerebellar function, increase tendon strength, and train the nervous system to build awareness, flexibility, speed, acceleration and power.
Yi Zhang/ Yi Xin Gong
This is the Jiulong Baguazhang method of Zhandouli Qigong training. It begins with Jing Zuo (Quiet Sitting), Dao Yin (Daoist Yoga) and Three Powers Standing (San Ba Xing Zhan Zhuang). The Li family called this training method Yi Zhang, or Intention Palm, when relating it to Jiulong Baguazhang. Shifu Painter has compared the principles of the Li Jia Yi Zhang to those of Wang, Xiang Zhai’s Yi Quan (Intention Boxing) and feels that his teacher’s father, Li, Zhang Lai, or his teacher, Li, Long Dao, likely exchanged ideas with Wang or some of his students before the family moved, in 1945, to the U.S.A. from China. Shifu Painter has since refined and improved these methods. He now calls these training concepts Yi Xin Gong, or Intention-Attitude Skill. Yi Xin Gong has been integrated into the curriculum of all of the Daoqiquan arts and is able to stand alone as a complete martial art, Yi Xin Quan.
JianKang Qigong
Jiankang (General Health) Qigong is the qigong category that develops health and longevity. This method is comprised of various internal physical conditioning exercises, breathing exercises, forms that stretch and move the internal organs, muscles and meridians, and many visualization exercises. These practices consistently improve energy levels, enhance neuroendocrine and cardiovascular function, increase mental acuity, and retard cellular aging. Baguazhang practitioners, in general, are among the healthiest of all martial artists.Â
Eight Trigram Dance of the Immortals
The Li family’s Jiulong Baguazhang complete Jiankang Qigong method is called Bagua Wu Xian (Eight Trigram Dance of the Immortals). It begins with Quiet Sitting (Jing Zuo) and Dao Yin (Daoist Guiding and Leading Yoga) and utilizes standing (Zhan Zhuang) and circling methods to remove restrictions to proper function and build connections within the practitioner, between the practitioner and environment, and between the practitioner and the Dao. The study of the Yi Jing is integral to the system. There are several distinct sections comprising Bagua Wu Xian.  These include Feixing Long (Flying Dragon) Qigong, Ji Haoma (Lucky Number) Qigong, Long Feng Shui (Dragon of Wind and Water) Qigong, and Jin Houli (Golden Vigour) Qigong. This body of knowledge, according to the Li family oral traditions, was developed by the famous Li, Ching Yuen and handed down to his cousin, Li, Zhang Lai, on Emei Mountain. Li, Zhang Lai subsequently integrated the Bagua Wu Xian with the Li family’s Daoqiquan arts.
Flying Dragon Qigong
Feixing Long Qigong is the foundation layer of the Jiulong Baguazhang Jiankang Qigong methods. It is a complex body of knowledge that has been broken down into various sections to make it easier to digest. The entire method does not need to be mastered before any benefit is to be expected, on the contrary, significant benefits are possible with diligent practice of each stage of Flying Dragon Qigong. These methods are not magic, however. They will provide little benefit to the arm-chair expert. But, to one who practices daily, they eagerly pour forth an inexhaustible bounty including mental clarity, glowing health, and emotional vibrancy! The stages taught at Saskatoon’s Xin Fu Gompa are: Discovering the Three Treasures, Clearing the Dragon’s Path, and Nine Healing Circles (Jiu Rao Jian) Qigong.
Lucky Number Qigong
Ji Haoma Qigong is a method of Human Feng Shui used by the Li family to help you uncover your inner world and cultivate your personal, hidden energy for harmonious living, longevity, and improved health by becoming aware of your own body’s reactions to the patterns of energy that exist in Nature. Lucky Number Qigong reveals the compass directions that correspond to your personal directions of power. The ancient Chinese believed they could orient themselves along Dragon Veins to tap into the Qi of the Earth.Â
Today, we can say these practices allow you to optimally orient yourself with the primal elements of Nature, such as the force of gravity and the earth’s electromagnetic energy, and to expose yourself to optimal amounts of the natural energy of oxygen and the light from the sun and moon. Daoist philosophy, the Ba Zi school of Feng Shui, Yi Jing interpretation, the Chinese lunar and solar calendars, science, and practical observations weave together to create the Ji Haoma Qigong tapestry upon which each of the jewels of the Li Jia Bagua Wu Xian sparkles all the more. Any style of qigong will be enhanced by this practice.
Dragon of Wind and Water Qigong
Feng Shui, the relationship of Wind and Water, is the Daoist art of living in harmony with environmental forces. Interpreting geography and perceiving the particular predilections of a locale is a common part of everyday living for Daoist Feng Shui masters. Often thought of as the art of choosing fortunate building locations, the Li family designed Long Feng Shui Qigong to harmonize people with the natural cycles of the Earth. Using ancient Daoist numerological calculations and the science of the geomantic compass, each day, week, month, season, and year is associated with a specific hexagram (Gua) from the Yi Jing. The Gua is transformed into a specific posture. You learn to imbue the posture with the philosophical mindset of the Gua. Holding this posture, while walking the circle, brings the Yi Jing philosophy to life within oneself in a manner that transcends mere cognitive understanding.
Golden Vigour Qigong
Jin Houli Qigong is a systematic approach to developing your inner spirituality. The process uses specific deep levels of visualization enhanced by meditation and circle walking to balance your desires, eliminate irrational fears, dissolve the ego and avoid negative influences. The Li family felt that, with a daily practice of their Four Virtues, one could control the fires of the heart, achieve emotional balance and, thus, increase and preserve the body’s natural energy, or Golden Vigour.