Baguazhang Basics

🌱 Discover the Foundations of Baguazhang with Kelly Whelan-Enns

Course Headline: Basic and Advanced Foundation Concepts of Baguazhang

Course Description:

Baguazhang, a martial art that is both sister to Taichiquan and Xingyiquan, is renowned for its compact, structural movements that sculpt the body, enhancing awareness of your fascia and tendons. This art is deeply rooted in Qigong principles, focusing on intricate body conditioning and training that goes beyond most initial black belt levels in other martial arts. Baguazhang's unique body flow training refines your movements through Mud Stepping, Circle Walking, and progressing to Moving Forms, all of which are essential elements of the art.

• Baguazhang Fundamentals: Learn the basic methods, including Mud Stepping and Circle Walking, which are foundational to mastering Baguazhang.
• Qigong Integration: Discover how Baguazhang incorporates Qigong concepts for a holistic approach to health, coordination, and martial arts conditioning.
• Advanced Movement Training: Progress through drills that refine your movements and deepen your connection with the art.

Why Study Baguazhang?

Baguazhang is not only a form of self-defense but also a profound practice for improving your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It's a unique system that conditions your body in ways that foster a deep connection between mind, breath, and movement. This course will guide you through the initial steps to understanding and performing Baguazhang with proper alignment and awareness.

Qigong: The Art of Harmony and Health

Qigong is an ancient health practice that harmonizes body and breath to enhance vitality, improve circulation, and strengthen your constitution. With its roots in Daoist philosophy, Qigong is a practical toolbox that helps you reconnect with the ability to become still amidst our busy lives.

• Immediate Body Impact: Learn how Qigong influences both blood and lymphatic flow simultaneously, offering immediate health benefits.
• Neuro-differentiation: Experience how Qigong can help rewire your nervous system, promoting calmness and resilience in the face of stress.
• Mindful Movement: Practice exercises like the 8 Pieces of Brocade or Standing Stake to enhance your awareness and presence in the moment.

Six Harmonies & The Three Treasures

This course emphasizes the importance of balancing the Six Harmonies and nurturing the Three Treasures within Baguazhang:

• External Harmonies: Align your feet, hands, elbows, knees, hips, and shoulders for optimal movement and defense.
• Internal Harmonies: Cultivate Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy/blood), and Shen (spirit/soul) to achieve a harmonious flow of energy and awareness throughout your body.
• Jing 精 - Refine your tissues and structural alignment to feel the Qi.
• Qi 氣 - Feel the blood move and open/close your body to be physically present.
• Shen 神 - Develop refined intention and presence as you align and move, deepening your awareness.

Embark on a journey to understand and practice Baguazhang and Qigong with Kelly Whelan-Enns. This course is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in exploring the depths of these ancient arts and their transformative effects on mind, body, and spirit. 🍃