Berkeley Xingyi and Chen Taiji Neigong and Applications

This class is focused on basics, line drills and applications with some short forms training. Instead of the usual forms based training, this class will work on detailed and functional neigong (internal strength) exercises that develop the ability to use the dantian to power movement and train how they are used in partner drills and then in combative applications. This class is based on Master Li Tai-Liang's Xinyi Dao system, which blends the secretive and high effective dantian training methods of Xingyi's predecessor, Dai Xinyi, with the more agile, tighter techniques of Xingyi and Bagua with a modern Sanda (Chinese MMA) training mindset.

Bringing modern engineering values, Buddhist meditation and experience as a Chen Taiji instructor to Xinyi Dao, this class will focus is on using mindfulness of the body to cultivate reproducible, testable skills that also serve to strengthen the body, settle the mind and improve long term quality of life.

Classes rotate around 3 different topics:

1. Xinyi/Xingyi power generation and drills. This class focuses on developing powerful body skills from Dai Xinyi and Che Xingyi, used for devastating striking and kicking combined with agile footwork. Drills are mostly cooperative to develop insight into proper body usage.
2. Chen Taiji/Bagua power generation and drills. This class focuses on drills that develop Chen Taiji and basic Bagua body methods that emphasize using soft power in standup grappling situations to throw, sweep or joint lock opponents. Drills are mostly cooperative to develop insight into proper body usage such as fixed and moving step push-hands.
3. Applications - this class takes the body methods trained in #1 and #2 above, and works on applications with partners that provide increasing levels of non-cooperation. This class is where we incrementally "pressure test" techniques to understand how to protect oneself, and subdue a non-cooperative adversary.

Classes rotate through the 3 topics, with each topics getting one entire practice session. This allows time to focus on investigation and insight, while also addressing the need for breadth.