DVD: Understanding Qigong DVD 6

Qigong Breathing for Martial Artists

In Understanding Qigong DVD 6, renowned Qigong (chi kung) expert and author Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming discusses the theory and practice of Martial Qigong Breathing.

Martial Qigong Breathing can be used for conditioning the joints to make them stronger and more flexible. Using these techniques, a martial artist can develop improved rooting and manifest significant martial power. Techniques include Dan Tian breathing, Yongquan breathing, Laogong breathing, Four Gates breathing, Spiritual breathing, and Martial Grand Circulation breathing.

Dr. Yang's systematic approach to teaching offers deep insight into the ancient art of Qigong with modern scientific data to support his theory from both an Eastern and Western perspective.

This program is a must for serious qigong students, teachers, and martial artists of all styles.

• Breathing techniques to increase your Qi (energy) & Shen (spirit)
• Understand the relationship between breath, Qi, & endurance.
• Seven steps of Qigong Breathing for martial power, including Martial Grand Circulation breathing.
• Candle Training for martial artists.
• DVD package includes 7 Matching Pairs acupuncture chart.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Dozens of Scene Selections • Narration: English • Multi –Language Menus & Subtitles: English, French, Spanish • Interactive YMAA Catalog with 50 Additional Minutes of Preview Trailers for All YMAA Videos

YMAA PRODUCTION • DR. YANG, JWING-MING • “UNDERSTANDING QIGONG DVD6” • WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY DR. YANG, JWING-MING • EDITING & DVD AUTHORING BY OCEAN SILVER • PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY DR. YANG, JWING-MING & DAVID SILVER

AUTHOR(S)

Yang, Jwing-Ming Ph.D., is a renowned author and teacher of Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Born in Taiwan, he has trained and taught Taijiquan, Qigong and Chinese martial arts for over forty-five years. He is the author of over thirty books, and was elected by Inside Kung Fu magazine as one of the 10 people who has "made the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 years." Dr. Yang lives in Newton, Massachusetts.

REVIEWS

5 of 5 stars, Consistently good instruction , Cynthia AD Shadish, October 2007

I've watched the entire DVD series, and the practice is explained in detail. I'm grateful for the plethora of information offered in this series. ...valuable addition to anyone's library.

5 of 5 stars, Taijiquan.com Patrick Dickson,
November 2007

I love the review of Qigong theory which is presented at the beginning of each of the Understanding Qigong series DVDs. No argument that some of the material is covered repeatedly in each of the DVDs. This approach in the presentation of the series is very convenient. I would hate to have to keep pulling out earlier DVDs in the series just to refresh my memory about the theories, principles and practices of Qigong. It is very reinforcing to have the material reviewed again.

Along with more familiar material is the inclusion of new material that relates to the chapter/subject at hand. This adds to the body of knowledge about Qigong that Master Yang so ably passes on to his viewers and students. Remember though, these DVDs are one of many parts of a student's bag of tricks.

The serious student should:

• Watch DVDs and videos of the style in which they are interested
• Read printed material on the subject
• Take lessons with a qualified teacher (Master Yang if one is so lucky)
• Visualize the movements, postures and applications
• Teach the material if qualified
• Carry over the principles and techniques into one's daily life
• PRACTICE/ANALYZE EVERYTHING (As Master Yang states often, "have an inquiring mind")

A student must be selective, in choice of a teacher, which books to read, DVDs to watch and students to teach. Time is finite in this existence, one must choose the way to spend one's time wisely. How many times have I heard from students that their life is so busy, they have no time to practice their Taijiquan, Qigong or whatever style they are studying. Even ten minutes a day seems to many people to be impossible, a waste of time, or just not doable for some reason that they can't seem to explain convincingly. The material presented in this series is worth taking the time each day to practice, analyze and absorb.

MARTIAL ARTS BREATHING
The seven types of martial arts breathing exercises are presented in a logical order, that being the progression from easiest to most complex martial arts breathing techniques. They should be studied and learned in the order presented. Students might notice the updated information on the location of the "real" Dan Tian. In the past many Qigong practitioners believed that the lower Dan Tian was located near the front of the body below the belly button. Master Yang explains the difference between the fake Dan Tian and real Dan Tian and the benefits and usage of each during Qigong practice. Master Yang's understanding over the years has obviously become greater, demonstrated by his corrections to newly published material.

Yongquan is located near the center of the bottom of the foot. Laogong is located near the center of the palm. Being aware of these points and learning to send Qi to them is an essential component of martial arts breathing. Besides the martial benefit of being able to project Qi through these points, one can also gain escape from the cold by warming one's hands and feet through these types of breathing practices. Many times while practicing the forms I will use these breathing practices to warm my extremities.

During one of the first postures of the Yang Style long form, my teacher suggested raising your two arms until the hands are shoulder height in front, similar to hugging a tree, with the arms slightly less bowed. Your palms can be towards each other or towards the ground, or any angle in between. There are numerous versions of this opening movement. At this point, you work off your feet, kind of like starting a vibration or wiggle movement that starts from the Yongquan points on your feet, letting this wiggling motion move up your body and end at the Laogong points on your palms. When done properly, the Yongquan and Laogong points warm up, feel tingly and slightly electric. This reminds the body/mind at the very beginning of the form to realize this connection to the Dan Tian. It also facilitates sending the Qi through the various gates as one practices the form.

However, I believe that one should first perform the breathing practices on their own. Once proficient, then add these same practices to your form. Where to use them in the form will be easier to understand if you have a solid foundation of practicing the breathing practices on their own prior to adding them to the form.

CANDLE TRAINING
I really enjoyed the candle training that is taught at the end of the DVD. This is a wonderful exercise. Many people might say, "Hey, what's the big deal. I could look at a candle for thirty minutes no problem, and be focused the whole time."

...The majority of persons who try the candle training will probably not last as long as they think they could. However, that's not the essential point. What is the point is that the effects of this training can provide a person with excellent focus and the ability to carry through on tasks while going about their daily lives.

As Master Yang explains, he most likely could never have published so many books, tapes, DVDs etcetera in such a short time if he had not developed a sense of focus such as that obtained from candle training. Try the training every night. Start with a minute, then two the next night, then three, etc..... What I have noticed is that the exercises that appear to be the simplest, like this one, sometimes offer the greatest lessons and benefits. Explanations are then given for looking at a candle that is moving and maintaining the focus and attention. Once proficient, the student is advised to begin moving around a candle that is also moving, while maintaining focus and attention.

Strikes are then suggested. Starting with strikes that end 5" from the candle, a student would practice until able to put out the candle four out of five times. Then move a few inches away, and on and on. Qi projection through a non-moving arm while maintaining a specific hand position is then explained. The goal is to cause the candle flame to flutter by projecting Qi through your hand. The position in which the hand is held is similar to the free hand posture of Taijiquan Sword practitioners.

BOTTOM LINE
My only criticism is that there should be more usage of animations to demonstrate the various techniques. In the past some of the DVDs published by YMAA have used animation to explain a point, which I found to be very effective in getting the message and lesson to the student. At times Master Yang will say give instructions in how to coordinate body movement and breathing. Unfortunately, without a corresponding animation it is sometimes not clear what he is trying to demonstrate.

However, that criticism aside, if you are serious about learning Qigong, watching this series is one excellent choice for anyone wanting to make efficient use of their time in the study and practice of Qigong. You will save yourself many hours of practicing Qigong in an inefficient or harmful manner by studying the sequence of lessons found in this series.