Baguazhang & Xingyiquan have a variety of specialized ancient weapons, both long and short, that support flexibility, precision, and strength in training. Featured in the linked videos are the Bagua Deer Hooks & the Xingyi Sun and Moon Blades. Interestingly enough, while they are "small"; in size, there are those who consider them "long" in as much as the knowledge needed to utilize them. It's essential to know how the spear, staff, or other longer weapons work or you will very likely not be able to mount an effective defense with ultra-short weapons such as blades, hooks, double daggers, etc. In application, it is best to learn how to adjust with them rather than an endless glossary of techniques. Additionally, it is optimal to not shy away from opponents, and think something miraculous will come from simply holding them in your hands. Advancing with circular stepping with the hooks or angular stepping with the blades will help you to connect with an opponent's weapon. Once you connect, you cannot allow "unhooking" to happen. Staying coupled is absolutely necessary, if you want to deliver an attack or a counter-attack that combines Slashing, Blocking, Catching, Cutting, Lifting, Ripping, Stabbing, or Rubbing. Similarly to the intricacies of other forms of Nei Jia Kung Fu (T'ai Chi, Hsing I, and Pa Kua) which fosters adjusting with lightness and sensitivity over external force and speed, when neutralizing or countering opponents, the Bagua Deer Hooks & the Xingyi Sun and Moon Blades are better employed with following the opponent's force; in order to expose weaknesses in their movement, shape, or structure.
The T'ai Chi Power Combo! Our T'ai Chi Power Combo combines Two Complete Video Series in One: The Power Push Hands Video Series (Single Hands, Double Hands, Moving Push Hands, and Self-Defense Concepts) with The Wu T'ai Chi Power Training Video Series (Includes 3 Wu Style T'ai Chi Inner Door Sets, Hand and Spear Power Cultivation, Deriving Power from Form's Practice, and Integrating Power in Push Hands.)
We have combined two of our best stand alone Chi Kung instructional videos to create the Chi Kung Duo (Ancient vs. Modern).The Swimming Dragon Chi Kung, is thought to have originated with the Yellow Emperor, and, with one look at its shapes and simplicity of movements (based on the Five Elemental Phases) it's easy to conclude that this may very likely be something special that has survived the ages-not to mention the fact that some people swear by the wonders it does for their spine and posture. The Soaring Crane Chi Kung was created by Zhao Jin Xiang in the 1970s, and is one of the most popular forms of Chi Kung the world over. With its specific focus on therapeutic points, patience, and stillness in movement, it rivals the chi cultivation sets of the ancients. The unique "sixth section" (or, Advanced Meditation) is a marvel amongst any and all Chi Kung practices. NEW to this series is the "seventh section" or Walking Methods. This completes the series and supports comprehensive instruction for students and viewers. While we don't advocate practicing two types of Chi Kung at the same time, these two popular and useful forms of Chi Kung practice, that we have combined in the "Chi Kung Duo" are certainly worth utilizing to compare, contrast, and ultimately cultivate.
