Breathwork Class

A breathwork class focusing on methods from the Taoist tradition will be taught here in Memphis. The seminar will be four weeks long. Homework will be assigned each week. The class will focus on using the breath as a tool for self transformation and healing. We will discover methods of breathing that calm the mind, massage the internal organs, and free up the spine. Meditative breathing will be discussed in depth as well as the mechanical aspects. Exercises, self massage and stretches that free up the rib cage and spine will be covered extensively. Class will be held this March 2010. Tentative location is Pema Karpo Meditation center. Cost will be $75.00. Contact Chuck at memphistcm@gmail.com or 901.338.1635 for more information or to register.

Future classes include intermediate meditation, Tibetan Yoga, advanced "savasana", qigong, cupping (CEU's for Massage Therapists) and zen shiatsu,

Chinese State Committee Yang 24 Simplified and Missing Traditional Components

Here is a very good example of the "Official" 24 tai chi form. This is about as good as this form can be performed.



There were some traditional elements deliberately left out such as Fajin. Fajin is the discharging force of tai chi chuan. Here is an example of Ping. Take note of the intricate torso and spinal movements.



Many Western practitioners of this art don't even realize that this type of training is available in Tai Chi. Other components of Tai Chi Chuan training are certain types of meditation, awareness of specific acupuncture points, meridian "visualizations", developing and harmonizing energy of the Zangfu, etc. One specific component of Sun style and the Wudang style from Master Ye is the concept of the Central Channel and the 5 pearls. Please call me if you are interested in learning these aspects of tai chi right here in Memphis and Bartlett.

Sullivan Acupuncture FAQ: What is Qi?

Qi is a difficult concept to talk about. Essentially, one can say that if you are eating properly, getting enough sleep, moderating the lifestyle and relatively healthy then it is possible to say that you have "good qi". Many authors have written that qi equates to life force energy. While this is true, it has much deeper meanings associated with the climate, atmosphere, seasons, structure of the body, etc. For more info go to this Wiki page.

Memphis Tai Chi Curriculum

Your acupuncture treatment is greatly enhanced by the practice of Tai Chi Chuan. It develops coordination, leg strength, balance, etc. You also develop enhanced sensitivity and awareness of your body and mind. Please read this post to find out more info regarding our Wudang Tai Chi Lineage.

The Sullivan Acupuncture/Memphis Internal Arts curriculum includes a 12 posture form in the style of Wudang Tai Chi Chuan. I have been working on this form with Ping for about 2 years now. The body mechanics are very intricate. I posted a previous clip of him performing some movements. Please view those for more in depth review. Here is a short article I found on the web tonight that talks about the Sun style connection to Wudang Tai Chi Chuan. The link (editors note: I can't find the authors link) to the original article can be found here.



Yeh Da-Mi, (1888-1973), also called Bai-Ling, was born in the city of Wen Cheng, ZheJiang province. His family had been famous for many generations for their knowledge and practice of medicine and martial arts. Master Yeh was intelligent and diligent. He excelled in Tui-Na (Traditional Chinese medical massage), Dao-Yin (Induction and channeling of life force), Qi-Gong, and Taiji Quan, but he was most drawn to Taiji Quan.
In 1917, he began to study Yang style Taiji in Hung-Zhou city with Tian, Zhao-Lin (田兆麟), becoming one of his “open door” students. Tian had studied with the Yang style masters Yang Jian-Hou (楊健侯) and Yang Shao-Hou (楊少侯) and had learned and mastered the essence of the Yang style Middle-Frame Taiji. The following year, Yeh met Sun, Cun-Zhou (孫存周) (Son of Grand Master Sun, Lu-Tang (孫祿堂)) who was the leading proponent of Sun style Taiji. They shared the same passion for Taiji and considered themselves blood brothers. They practiced together, shared and learned from each other’s arts. Master Yeh had gained insight into the method of applying internal energy from both Sun, Cun-Zhou and Grand Master Sun, Lu-Tang.
In 1926, Master Yeh founded the Wutang Taiji Quan School in ShangHai and began teaching Yang style Taiji. The following year, the Wutang Sword master Li, Jing-Lin came to Shanghai. Master Yeh and two of his friends, Chen, Wei-Ming and Chen, Zhi-Jing studied the Wutang Sword form with master Li in order to promote and popularize it.
In 1928, Grand Master Yang, Shao-Hou and Yang, Cheng-Fu settled in NanKing. Master Yeh followed them and learned the Large-Frame Taiji forms and the techniques of cultivating and applying internal energy. An open-minded Scholar, Yeh was able to incorporate the new techniques and greatly advanced his skills. In his later years, Yeh pointed out the three major sources of his own style of Taiji to his student Jin, Ren-Lin(金仁霖): Yang style Taiji Quan, Sun style internal energy system, and Wutang sword form. As Jin, Ren-Lin explained, “The art of Master Yeh’s Taiji Quan represent a harmonious blend of elements of Sun style energy system, Yang style Taiji, and Wutang Sword form. It is a style of its own.” Jin Ren-Lin also said, “Master Yeh considered Sun style’s internal energy system is the most powerful of all of the Chinese martial arts. The invisible energy penetrates your body without you being aware of it. Even though you feel nothing, you are injured by the tremendous power. Yang style incorporates a vast amount of martial application in their solo form; they also established the most systematic training methods in their push hand practices. Master Li’s Wutang sword techniques is a very practical sword form, the inner work of this soft sword style can be a great inspiration to the advancement of one’s Taiji skill.
Master Yeh not only taught traditional Taiji Quan and Wutang Sword technique, but also focused on inspiring the next generation...

Memphis Tai Chi Chuan

Here is a small sample of Tai Chi Chuan from my teacher Ping. This style is called Wudang style which is a combination of Sun style mechanics and Yang style tai chi chuan Please check back soon to find out times and dates that I will be teaching Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong in Memphis.