Cloud Hands: Mind/Body Movement Arts

Walking with the Druids

2008-08-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

"Many of the Anglican meditation manuals used by Druids in the early years of the Revival gave special instructions for meditating while walking in a garden or some other quiet area. To meditate while walking, choose a route over level ground where you won't have to bend, climb stairs, duck around trees, or do anything else that will interrupt your thoughts. A paved or gravel path in a garden is ideal. It should lead in a circle, so that you can keep walking as long as necessary. Walk slowly and smoothly, taking relatively small steps at a steady rhythm. As with the seated posture, you spine should be straight without being stiff, the crown of your head level, and your eyes lowered. Let your arms move easily and naturally at your sides."

- John Michael Greer. "The Gruidry Handbook: Spiritual Practice Rooted in the Living Earth."

The Ways of Walking: Quotes, Poems

Sword Taijiquuan, 32 Standard, Yang Style

2008-08-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

32 Sword Form, Simplified, Yang Style, Taijiquan Jian. By Michael P. Garofalo. This popular webpage includes a comprehensive bibliography, scores of links to webpages; an extensive listing of the names and name variations for each movement in English, Chinese, French, German, and Spanish; a detailed analysis of each posture and movement sequence with explanations and numbered illustrations and detailed instructions; selected quotations; comments on 20 Taijiquan sword techniques; a comprehensive media bibliography; a chart of performance times; and, a comparison of the 32 and 55 sword forms in the Yang style. This is the standard, simplified, orthodox, 1957, 32 Taiji Sword Form, in the Yang Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. © Michael P. Garofalo, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California, January 2008. 245Kb+.

32 Taijiquan Simplified Sword Form

Tai Chi Chuan 24 Standard Simplified Form

2008-08-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

Taijiquan Standard Simplified 24 Movement Form in the Yang Style

Research by Michael P. Garofalo

- Bibliography, Links, Online Videos, Resources

- List of 24 Movement Names in English, Chinese characters, Chinese Pinyin, French, German and Spanish. Source references for movement names.

- Descriptions of each of the 24 movements with B&W line illustrations.

- Performance times, sections, quotations, notes on learning.

- Standard, simplified, Chinese National, Orthodox, 24 Movement Form in the Yang Style of Taijiquan.

- List of Movements

Updated in March 2008

300Kb, HTML

http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/short.htm

This webpage was served to over 48,000 persons in 2007. It is one of the more popular webpages on the Cloud Hands Website

Positive Mindset

2008-08-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

"What are the qualities that make one's mindset positive?
They include being able to:

Think in a calm, pacified, and reflective manner instead of being disturbed, agitated, and impulsive in one's reactions.

Put ideas together rationally and arrive at the right judgment even in the absence of obvious evidence or proof.

Decide, plan, and execute a course of action in a patient, persistent, and disciplined manner.

Recognize the changes and be flexible in adapting to them.

Observe and perceive things with a sense of humor instead of outrage, indignation, and anger.

Let go of useless and counterproductive thoughts, desires, and ambitions instead of being preoccupied with them.

Relax and meditate or rest.

Resist temptation and coercion."

- Michael Fekete, Strength Training for Seniors, Hunter House, 2006, p. 36

Livestyle Advice for Wise Persons

Share K. Lew Workshop

2008-08-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

"Sifu Lew Cloud Hands Qi Gong Workshop taught by Master Share K. Lew
Sunday, August 24, 2008 in Redding, CA

The exercises that Master Lew teaches are part of the "internal system" of the martial arts, known as Nui Kung or energy cultivation. These exercises strengthen the circulation of the Chi (vital energy), which increases vitality, health, and sensory perception. All of these exercises have traditionally been kept secret. Daily practice of the exercises will give the student a tangible experience of Chi energy.
The Cloud Hands set is the beginning set of Nui Kung (internal energy cultivation) which builds a foundation for both better health and further Nui Kung. The Cloud Hands consist of five relatively non-strenuous movements along with quiet seated meditation. These Taoist exercises help the body maintain good health and increase vitality. The time required for practice will fit into anyone’s schedule.
****

The Instructor
Share K. Lew, now in his nineties, is a Taoist priest with over 70 years experience in the traditional Taoist arts. Master Lew received part of his education at Wong Lung Kwan, a Taoist monastery on the Luo Fo mountains near Canton, China.
Master Lew studied at Wong Lung Kwan monastery for 13 years. During that time he trained in the full range of Taoist healing and martial arts. At the core of his training was the secret system of cultivation known as Qigong (Chi kung). Master Lew was the first person to openly teach authentic Taoist Qigong to non-Chinese, beginning in Los Angeles in 1970. Master Lew’s monastery style, the Tao Ahn Pai (Taoist Elixir Style), dates back over 1300 years to Lu Dung Bin, who was born during the Tang Dynasty, and became one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism.
For information and reservations call (530) 223-4849 or email: eetw@eastearthtrade.com
*****
Date: Sunday, August 24, 2008
Time: 10:00 to 4:00 pm, with lunch break from 12-2:00 pm
Location: Redding Ju Jitsu Academy
3092 Bechelli Lane
Redding 96002 (behind Village Cycle)
Fee: $100

Reservations: Pre-registration is recommended. A deposit of $100 will reserve your space. Class size is limited.
• Bring a small pillow to sit on
• Make checks payable to Share K. Lew.
• You can sign up in advance at:
East Earth Trade Winds
144 Hartnell Avenue, Redding (in the Raley’s shopping center)"

From the Riverlands Blog

New Yoga and Tai Chi Chuan Teaching Schedule

2008-08-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

Starting on August 9, 2008, I will begin the following new teaching schedule at the Tehama Family Fitness Center in Red Bluff, California:

Yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, Qigong), Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:45 pm

Tai Chi Chuan (Yang Style - 24, 108, sword), Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 pm.

Yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, Qigong), Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:45 pm

Tai Chi Chuan (Yang Style - 24, 108, sword), Saturdays, 9:30 - 11 am

Yoga (Hatha, Vinyasa, Qigong), Saturdays, 11 - 12:15 am

The Human Body and the Chinese Mind

2008-08-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

I will be given three lectures at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park and Museum in Redding, California. This is coordinated with The Bodies Revealed Exhibit at Turtle Bay.

Tai Chi
Sundays, August 3, 10 & 17, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Michael Garofalo, M.S., Taijquan, Qigong and Yoga teacher, will lead three Tai Chi sessions. Sessions cover The Human Body and the Chinese Mind, Fitness Concepts in the Chinese Mind, and The Body and Mind Connection in the Chinese Mind. Includes take-home information.
Cost per session: members $10, nonmembers $15. Children are half price. Guarantee your place by prepaying for all three. To register, call 242-3108.
Turtle Bay Museum Classroom

Here is an outline of my first talk:

The Human Body and Chinese Mind

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Practices

Presented by Michael Garofalo, M.S.
Cloud Hands Website: http://www.egreenway.com/qigong/index.htm

August 3^rd(Body), 10^th(Mind) and 17^th(Spirit), 2008, 10 – 11:30 am
Turtle Bay Exploration Park and Museum, Redding, California
Coordinated with the Bodies Revealed Exhibit

Qi or Chi, pronounced “Chee,” is a general term in Chinese referring to “energy,” and, more specifically, the energy that sustains life, keeps us alive, and provides us with strength and vitality. The Qi in our bodies moves or flows along meridians or channels inside of the body. Qi can be discovered, gathered, circulated, purified, directed, conserved, stored, transformed, dissolved, and transmitted. The Qi energy system is comparable to our vascular system moving blood (which carries glucose and oxygenated red blood cells) through arteries and veins; and, the bio-electrical impulses of our central nervous system which move in nerve fiber pathways to all parts of our bodies.

Traditional Chinese medicine used medical Qi theory, herbal and other natural medicines, massage, therapeutic exercise, rest, acupuncture, diet, Five Elements (Air, Earth, Fire, Water, and Metal) theory and Yin/Yang theory, and mental/social health practices to help people stay healthy and recover from illness and disease.

In addition to the internal organs of the body such as heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, stomach, etc., the traditional Chinese view included Qi storage areas (lower, middle and upper Dan Tien - Field of Elixir), Qi channels, and energy gates or Qi focal points (e.g, Bubbling Well on bottom of foot).

Qi Gong or Chi Kung is a method for training the body to improve and increase our Qi, which results in good health, well being, vitality, and long life. Gong means work, practice, routine, mastery, and skills. There are many styles of Qi Gong, and there is considerable writing and clear archeological evidence of Qi Gong practices in China before 250 BCE. Qi Gong has much in common with mind-body arts like yoga and tai chi chuan.

The Eight Section Brocade, Ba Duan Gin
Qi Gong Exercise Set

1. Pressing the Heavens with Two Hands
Many Chinese healers believe that this exercise helps regulate and improve the heart, lungs, stomach, and spleen. It stimulates the internal organs in the upper trunk area. The Triple Warmer or Triple Burner (Sanjiao) refers to the heart, lungs, and stomach.

2. Wise Owl Gazes Backward
This exercise benefits the Qi in the lungs, large intestine, eyes and neck; as well as being a tonic for the entire immune system. It exercises the neck and eyes.

3. Draw the Bow and Let the Arrow Fly.
This exercise benefits the Qi in the kidneys and spleen. It exercises the arms, shoulders, waist, eyes, and legs.

4. Separating Heaven and Earth

This exercise benefits the Qi in the spleen and stomach. It exercises the shoulders and upper back.

5. Big Bear Turns from Side to Side

Most of the qigong and traditional Chinese medical literature says that this exercise benefits the heart, and gets rid of "heart fire." Exercising the lungs (metal) helps absorb the heat and control the fire, the heart fire - heartburn (Hsin For - heart fire). It exercises the waist, back, and legs.

6. Expel the Stale Chi, Punching with Angry Eyes

This exercise benefits the Qi in the liver and gallbladder. It exercises the legs, back, shoulders and arms.

7. Bouncing and Shaking the Body; Cure the 100 Ailments.
This exercise benefits the Qi in the entire body and is a tonic for the entire immune system. It exercises the legs and calves.

8. Bowing to Our Honorable Ancestors; Touching Toes and Bending Backwards.

This exercise benefits the Qi in the kidneys. It exercises the lower back, hips and legs.

Green Wizard Returns

2008-07-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

"I first met Chang San-Feng above the forest,
near the clear spring,
when gathering clouds darkened the day,
and Mt. Shasta was silent.

His long beard was black as emptiness,
ear lobes to his shoulders,
holding obsidian in his hand,
pointing to the sun,
eyes staring into infinity,
his long body clothed in silence.

We exchanged "hellos"
smiled and bowed,
a barbarian and an Immortal,
both panting from the climb,
laughing,
ten-thousand echoes
between our rocky minds.

After billions upon billions of heartbeats past
(for he must have been 888 years old),
I was so bold
as to ask the ancient one
for the sacred mantra of yore.
He lifted his whisk,
and brushed my face,
I could not speak,
my lips were stone,
ideas stopped -
I was alone."
- Michael P. Garofalo, Meetings with Master Chang San-Feng

Mike Garofalo sometimes writes under the pen names of "The Green Wizard" or "Gushen Moon"

Is Mike really a wizard? Hah! Come, come, my dear friends. He, like like his lanky and legendary mentor, Grand Master Chang San Feng, just likes to keep on walking, gardening, dancing at dawn, playing taijiquan, creating, enjoying scholarly pursuits, Internetting, encouraging peaceful productivity, standing under the Gushen Moon, and letting others bang his brass wizard's hat.

"Standing at the Mysterious Pass
Centered in the Eternal Now,
Balanced in Body and Open in Mind,
Rooted into the Sacred Space,
Motionless as the Golden Mountain,
Fingers around the Primeval Sphere.
Dragons and Tigers are still dreaming -
Ready for Rebirth.

I breathe in, the World Breathes Out.
The Gate of Space opens;
Heaven moves and Yang is born.
The hands move out, embracing the One.
The mind settles and is clear.
The Dragon Howls,
Ravens fill the Vast Cauldron,
Mind forms melt like mercury,
Spirit rises in the Clouds of Eternity.
Yin appears like the moon at dusk.

I breathe out, the World Breathes In.
The Doors of Emptiness close;
Earth quiets and Yin is born.
The hands move in, entering the One.
The body settles and becomes whole.
The Tiger Roars,
The Great Ox is nourished by the Valley Spirit,
Substances spark from flaming furnaces,
Essence roots in the Watery Flesh.
Yang appears like the sun at dawn.

Dragons and Tigers
Transformed within the Mysterious Pass -
Chanting and Purring.
Awakened,
Peaceful,
Free."

- Michael P. Garofalo, Opening at the Mysterious Pass

Blog Search Terms: Green Wizard, Taoism, Poetry, Qigong, Druids.

The Spirit of Gardening

Cloud Hands: Taijiquan and Qigong

The Green Wizard Opens the Door

One Taoist Druid's Journey - The Green Wizard's Notebooks

Emotions of Power

2008-06-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Ten Emotions of Power

1. Love and Warmth
2. Appreciation and Gratitude
3. Curiosity
4. Excitement and Passion
5. Determination
6. Flexibility
7. Confidence
8. Cheerfulness
9. Vitality
10. Contribution

- Anthony Robbins, Awaken the Giant Within, 1991, p. 264

Livestyle Advice for Wise Person

"There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotions."
- Carl Jung

Springtime Quotations, Poems and Sayings

2008-05-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Months and Seasons
Quotes, Poems, Sayings, Lore,
Myths, Holidays, Celebrations,
Links, Celebrations, Facts,
Resources, Gardening Chores

Winter Spring Summer Autumn

January April July October

February May August November

March June September December

Time for Resting

2008-05-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

After months of discomfort and tenderness in my abdomen, I decided to have surgery to repair the problem. On May 8th, Dr. Robert Taylor repaired my umbilical hernia at St. Elizabeth's Out-Patient Surgery Center in Red Bluff.

So, for the next few weeks, I'm on the mend ... lots of reading, writing, resting, listening to music, and gentle indoor activities. No lifting. No teaching yoga. No serious gardening. No vigorous martial arts. No CUESD work.

Hopefully, by this Thursday, I will be watering the garden, walking, and doing easy Taijiquan.

I've been working lately on The Ways of Walking website, the Sun Tajiquan 73 Competition Form, and the webpages on May and June.

The Practice of Walking

2008-05-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

"Gongfu is an ancient Chinese term describing work, devotion, and effort that has been successfully applied over a substantial period of time, resulting in a degree of mastery in a specific field. Although the term is synonymous in the West with martial arts (though it is most often rendered as Kung Fu), it is equally applicable to calligraphy, painting, music, or other areas of endeavor."
- Andy James

There is a difference between "a practice" and "to practice." Those of us who played competitive sports sometimes were not enthused about a going "to a practice." Practice meant repeating fitness and skills drills, listening to yelling coaches, pushing ourselves to new physical limits, competing with others, doing extra pushups for inattention, etc. Having a practice, a long-term fitness avocation, a mind-body engagement, a spiritual gong-fu, a ritual for well-being, an engaging and enriching pastime, a self-determined commitment to good healthy activites, a non-competitive and non-judgmental path to inner and outward growth ... now this kind of practice enriches both body, mind and spirit for a lifetime.

"Allow walking to occupy a place of stature equal with all the other important activities in your life. As difficult as that might seem, here's how to do it. Make it a practice. That's right. Turn your walking into a vehicle for personal growth as well as for fitness. This will add a higher level of integrity and intention to your approach because you will find that it is a way to deepen and upgrade your relationship to your body. Instead of merely giving your legs a good workout, you'll be practicing to relax more, to breathe better, to expand your vision, to open up your range of motion, to increase your energy, to feel and sense your body. The list is exciting - and endless. With all of this to look forward to, your walking program will take its place alongside everything in your life you value most, and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to schedule time for something you really love to do."
- Katherine Dreyer, Chi Walking, p. 56

Chi Walking: The Find Mindful Steps for Lifelong Health and Energy. By Danny Dreyer and Katherine Dreyer. New York, Simon and Shuster, Fireside Books, 2006. Index, 258 pages. ISBN: 0743267206.

Sun Style Taijiquan Traditional Sword Form

2008-04-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Sun Lu Tang's Internal Martial Arts: Xingyiquan, Baguaquan, and Taijiquan.

Here are two works in progress:

Sun Style Taijiquan Sword Form. Being developmed now. It will include an introduction, information on the history of the traditional Sun Taijiquan Sword form, a detailed bibliography, extensive links, references to video resources, a large collection of quotations about Sun Taijiquan, recommendations on the best media resources on the topic, and suggestions for learning the Sun Taijiquan Sword Form. A detailed list of the names of each of the movements will be provided, with source references, and the movement names will be given in English, Chinese, Chinese characters, French, German, and Spanish. This webpage will include detailed descriptions for each of the movements with black and white photographs illustrating each movement sequence along with commentary and comparisons. Many additional nomenclature lists and section study charts in the PDF format, photographs and graphics will be provided. This webpage will be the most detailed and complete document on the subject of the traditional Sun Taijiquan Sword Form available on the WWW. Expected completion date: September 20, 2008.

Sun Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Standard Competition 73 Movements Form. Research by Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.. Webpage: 450Kb, July 2008. This webpage includes an introduction, information on the history of the Sun Taijiquan forms, a detailed bibliography, extensive links, references to video resources, a large collection of quotations about Sun Taijiquan, recommendations on the best media resources on the topic, and suggestions for learning the 73 competition Sun Taijiquan form. A detailed comparative list of the names of each of the 73 movements is provided, with source references, and the movement names are given in English, Chinese, Chinese characters, French, German, and Spanish. This webpage includes detailed descriptions of each of the 73 movements with black and white illustrations for each movement sequence along with commentary and comparisons. Many additional nomenclature lists and section study charts in the PDF format, photographs and graphics are also provided - over 1 MB of information. This webpage is the most detailed and complete document on the subject of the Sun Taijiquan Competition 73 Form available on the Internet. This document was published by Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California, 2008. URL: http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/sun73.htm.

Rhythm of Thinking

2008-04-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

"The rhythm of walking generates a kind of rhythm of thinking, and the passage through a landscape echoes or stimulates the passage through a series of thoughts. The creates an odd consonance between internal and external passage, one that suggests that the mind is also a landscape of sorts and that walking is one way to traverse it. A new thought often seems like a feature of the landscape that was there all along, as though thinking were traveling rather than making."
- Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking

"Thoughts come clearly while one walks."
- Thomas Mann

Ways of Walking

Walking Quotations

Memory Improvement Techniques

2008-04-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Tamin Ansary gives us 12 Memory Tricks:

1. Pay Attention

2. Understand

3. Repeat and Apply

4. Group Items Together

5. Create Meaningfulness

6. Look for Patterns

7. Visualize

8. Connect with Humor

9. Connect it with Song, Melody, Rhymes

10. Associate with Something You Know Well

11. Link Learning to Environment

12. Relax

Five Animal Frolics

2008-04-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

"The Bear is a great winter exercise. Slow, ponderous, but very strong, it warms the body, strengthens the spleen, and builds vitality. The Bear's twisting waist movements massage and invigorate the kidneys. The Bear is an excellent preventive against osteoporosis, as it is known to fortify the bones."
- John Du Cane, Power Qigong

The Five Animal Frolics Qigong: Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Resources, Lessons. By Mike Garofalo. This is a very old Chinese exercise system for fitness, good health, and longevity supposedly developed by the Chinese physician Hua Tuo (110-207 CE). In the Wu Qin Xi, the Five Animal Frolics, the five animals are the bear, tiger, monkey, deer, and crane.

Making beneficial exercises interesting and enjoyable has always been a challenge to creative people. Hua Tuois one of the famous physicians of the Han Dynasty. In The History of the Later Han, Hua Tuo wrote:

"Man's body must have exercise, but it should never be done to the point of exhaustion. By moving about briskly, digestion is improved, the blood vessels are opened, and illnesses are prevented. It is like a used doorstep which never rots. As far as Tao Yin (bending and stretching exercises) is concerned, we have the bear's neck, the crane's twist, and swaying the waist and moving the joints to promote long life. Now I have created the art called the Frolics of the Five Animals: the Tiger, the Deer, the Bear, the Monkey, and the Crane. It eliminates sickness, benefits the legs, and is also a form of Tao Yin. If you feel out of sorts, just practice one of my Frolics. A gentle sweat will exude, the complexion will become rosy; the body will feel light and you will want to eat."
- From: Drawing Silk: A Training Manual for T'ai Chi, p. 6.

I have registered to attend a Five Animal Frolics weekend workshop by Kenneth Cohen on September 13 and 14, 2008, in Sacramento, California. I got an email from karonga which said,

"You will learn China's oldest healing exercise (qigong) system: The Five Animal Frolics, based on the movements of the Crane, Bear, Monkey, Deer, and Tiger. The Five Animal Frolics are a gentle and highly enjoyable way to improve energy and well-being. With regular practice, you develop a deep sense of harmony with nature.
In this intensive seminar, you will learn the Crane and Bear Frolics, approximately 20 postures and movement patterns. The Crane develops balance, relaxation, and inner stillness; complemented by the bear for strength, rootedness, and healing presence. You will also learn the basic movements of the monkey, for agility; Deer, for beauty & grace; and the Tiger, for strength.
Cost: $275 per person, to be paid by June 30, 2008. Make check payable to Fair Oaks Personal Power Center. Send payment to, Fair Oaks Personal Power center, P.O BOX 669, Fair Oaks, California 95628. We will mail you the detail information of location after June 30, 2008."

Mike Garofalo's Class Schedule Changes

2008-04-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Class Schedule
Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, and Qigong Indoor Classes
Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.

Class Schedule Changes for this week:
Major Changes!!!

Mike Garofalo will not be teaching any Yoga classes or any Taijiquan classes at the Tehama Family Fitness Center from April 22, 2008 until June 17, 2008. Mike needs to have some abdominal surgery in early May. He will return to TFFC to begin teaching again, assuming a speedy and full recovery, on June 17th, Tuesday.

Ginger Olds, Program Coordinator at TFFC, will try to find a substitute yoga and taijiquan teacher during the time that Mike is out for the surgery. Call TFFC with any questions: 530-528-8656.

Location: Tehama Family Fitness Center (TFFC)
2487 South Main Street
Red Bluff, California 96080
530-528-8656

Classes Taught by Mike Garofalo:

Yoga Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Yoga Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Tai Chi Chuan Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Yoga Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Tai Chi Chuan Saturdays, 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Yoga Saturdays, 11 - 12:15 a.m.

Instructions, Lessons, Information, and Resources for Mike's Classes:

Yoga: Hatha and Vinyasa Style of Yoga

Standard 24 Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) Form in the Yang Style

Yang Family Taijiquan Long 108 Form

Taijiquan Sword Standard 32 Sword Form

Cloud Hands Website

Kevin Weaver's Taijiquan Classes at TFFC

Blog Notes on my Class Schedule

Changes or Cancellations of Mike's Classes at TFFC

Other Taijiquan or Qigong Classes that Mike Teaches

Private Taijiquan or Qigong Lessons from Mike Garofalo

Ba Duan Jin Qigong

2008-04-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong:
Instructions, Bibliography, Links, Quotations, History
By Mike Garofalo
324Kb, 85 pages, April 22, 2008

This webpage provides information about the history and purpose of this popular Chi Kung practice. Detailed descriptions are provided for each of the eight movements; including information on movement variations, health benefits, qigong meaning, and cautions. The document includes the most extensive bibliography, link guide, and comments on Ba Duan Jin Qigong resources available anywhere. Some animated graphics are provided in linked files. This document is updated as new information is discovered. This qigong set is the most popular set practiced around the world, and is also known as: Baduanjin, Pa Tuan Jin, Eight Silken Treasures, Ba Duan Jin, Pal Dan Gum, Ba Duan Gin, Pa Tin Kam, Otto Pezzi di Tesoro, Acht Delen Brokaat, Les Huit Exercices del la Soie, Eight Silken Treasures, Brocade Qigong, Wudang Brocade Qigong, Brocade soft qigong (Rou Gong), Eight Treasures inner qigong (Nei Gong), Silk Treasures Qigong, and the first eight Buddha Lohan Hands.

Taijiquan - Sun Style

2008-04-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ocean Hou's Sun Style 73 Competition Taiji Form Demonstration.
UTube, 5:01 min, color. A Master level performance by Ocean Hou. A very nice soundtrack with renaissance style music. The performance in a beautiful titled patio of a public garden. This is the best online video of a performance of the Sun 73 form.

Sun Style Tai Chi Chuan, 73 Movements Competition Form, List of Movements: 1-73
(PDF, 133 Kb, 4 Pages) Each of the 73 movements are numbered and the name is given in English, Chinese, and the Chinese Characters for the name.

The Competition Routine of Sun Style Taijiquan.
Zhong Shan, Chief Editor. Wu Don, Executive Editor. Li Wei, Editor of English Version. Published in Beijing, China, 2003. 151 pages. ISBN: 7537720851. A detailed study of the Sun Taijiquan 73 standard competition form. Book comes with a VCD, color, 50 minutes. The accompanying VCD ISRC: CN-C20-02-0040-O/V-G8. I could not find identification of the performer or instructor on the VCD. There is no English narration on the VCD, just music.

Sun Taijiquan: Standard Competition 73 Movements Form.
Research by Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.. Webpage: 350Kb, May 2008. This webpage includes an introduction, information on the Sun Taijiquan form, a large collection of quotations about Sun Taijiquan, a detailed bibliography, extensive links, references to video resources, and suggestions for learning the 73 competition Sun form. A detailed comparative list of the names of each of the 73 movements is provided, with source references, and the movement names are given in English, Pinyin Chinese, Chinese characters, French, German, and Spanish. A detailed description of each of the 73 movements with black and white illustrations for each movement sequence is provided along with instructions, commentary and general comments. This is the most detailed and complete webpage on the subject available on the Internet.

Sun Lu Tang's Tai Chi Chuan

2008-04-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Sun Taijiquan: Standard Competition 73 Movements Form
Research by Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.
Webpage: 350Kb, April, 2008

This webpage includes an introduction, information on the Sun Taijiquan form, a large collection of quotations about Sun Tai Chi Chuan, a detailed bibliography, extensive links, references to video resources, and suggestions for learning the 73 competition Sun form.

A detailed comparative list of the names of each of the 73 movements is provided, with source references, and the movement names are given in English, Pinyin Chinese, Chinese characters, French, German, and Spanish.

A detailed description of each of the 73 movements with black and white illustrations for each movement sequence is provided along with instructions, commentary and general comments.

This is the most detailed and complete webpage on the subject available on the Internet.

All my research and writing efforts in the Internal Martial Arts (Taijiquan and Baguazhang) are now focused on developing the Sun Tai Chi Chuan 73 Competition Form webpage. I am refining my practice of this form every day. I welcome any suggestions regarding Sun Taijiquan or Sun Baguazhang.

Eight Section Brocade

2008-04-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

Eight Section Brocade Qigong
Research by Michael P. Garofalo.
This webpage provides information about the history and purpose of this popular Chi Kung practice. Detailed descriptions are provided for each of the eight movements; including information on movement variations, health benefits, qigong meaning, and cautions. The document includes the most extensive bibliography, link guide, and comments on Ba Duan Jin Qigong resources available anywhere. Some animated graphics are provided in linked files. This document is updated as new information is discovered.
This qigong set is the most popular qigong set practiced around the world, and is also known as: Baduanjin, Pa Tuan Jin, Eight Silken Treasures, Ba Duan Jin, Pal Dan Gum, Ba Duan Gin, Pa Tin Kam, Otto Pezzi di Tesoro, Acht Delen Brokaat, Les Huit Exercices del la Soie, Eight Silken Treasures, Brocade Qigong, Wudang Brocade Qigong, Brocade soft qigong (Rou Gong), Eight Treasures inner qigong (Nei Gong), Silk Treasures Qigong, and the first eight Buddha Lohan Hands.
This wepage document is about 110 pages, 26,000 words, and with a filesize of 340Kb. It was last updated and reformatted on April 15, 2008. Web File Location: http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/esb.htm.

Tai Chi Chuan Classes of Mike Garofalo

2008-04-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classes
Yang Style Taijiquan

Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo

Indoor Classes
Tehama Family Fitness Center
2498 South Main St., Red Bluff, CA
530-528-8656

Wednesday, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Saturday, 9:30 am - 11 am

Indoor Class Descriptions

Outdoor Classes
Valley Spirit Center
23005 Kilkenny Lane, Red Bluff, CA
530-200-3546

Monday, 8:00 am - 9:30 am, Yang Style Taijiquan
Friday, 8:00 am - 9:30 am, Yang Style Taijiquan
Sunday, 8:00 am - 9:30 am, Sun Style Taijiquan

Outdoor Class Descriptions

Cloud Hands Website

Sun Taijiquan 73 Form

2008-04-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

I have been practicing the Sun Taijiquan 73 Form each day, along with the Yang 24, Yang 108, and Sword 32 forms.

I continue to work on the webpage for the Sun Taiijiquan 73 Competition Form.

Sun Style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Standard Competition 73 Movements Form. Research by Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.. Webpage: 350Kb, May 2008. This webpage includes an introduction, information on the Sun Taijiquan form, a large collection of quotations about Sun Taijiquan, a detailed bibliography, extensive links, references to video resources, and suggestions for learning the 73 competition Sun form. A detailed comparative list of the names of each of the 73 movements is provided, with source references, and the movement names are given in English, Pinyin Chinese, Chinese characters, French, German, and Spanish. Additional section lists for study are provided. A detailed description of each of the 73 movements with black and white illustrations for each movement sequence is provided along with instructions, commentary and general comments. This is the most detailed and complete webpage on the subject of the Sun Taijiquan 73 Competition Form available on the Internet.

"The Four Characteristics of Sun Shi Tai Ji:

1. The natural position of the body. The position of the body is more natural than in other forms of Tai Ji. The basic position - San Ti Shi - comes from Xing Yi. It differs from the traditional basic position - Hun Yuan Zhuang. The position of the body is higher (angle with the knees of 135°), the axis head - centre of gravity falls on only one foot and not with equal distance of the two feet, the feet are positioned one compared to the other according to an angle of 45° and not in parallel or are aligned like usually used in other schools of Tai Ji. All these characteristics respect the natural positioning of the body with two consequences. Initially a practice more favorable to health, without excessive wear (of the knees in particular). Then, a good balance between stability and flexibility.

2. Flexible and fast movement. The movement of the feet is flexible and fast: as soon as a leg advances or moves back, the other leg follows immediately. One does not find in Sun Shi Tai a horse riding stance with feet equal distance apart or the bow and arrow posture of traditional Tai Ji. In Sun Shi, one uses the free steps coming from Xing Yi and of Bagua. The centre of gravity always falls on one leg; a foot supports all the weight of the body, the other follows, free. The steps forwards are the steps of Beng Quan, and backwards the steps of Pi Quan. The steps of rotation correspond to the steps of Ba Gua. Sun Shi is light, fluid and fast. It is compared with the water which runs and with the clouds which slip into a windy sky.

3. The specific figure of Kai He. Sun Shi Tai Ji has a very specific figure; Kai He (to open - to close) which is found neither in other forms of Tai Ji, nor in Ba Gua or Xing Yi. This Kai He appears with each connection and transition. It makes it possible to control and adjust breathing and to accumulate the Shi (energy potential) in order to prepare for the next change.

4. It is an art which aims at effectiveness in combat. Sun Shi Tai Ji is truly an art of combat. The amplitude of the gestures is limited, the course of the hands are direct, natural and aims to be effective. . It is not the force of the arms which strike, but the sum total of the elastic force of each movement carried out on a correct and uniform axis of gravity."
- Master Bob Melia, Sun Shi Tai Chi

Mike Garofalo's Class Schedule

2008-04-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Class Schedule
Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, and Qigong Indoor Classes
Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.

Class Schedule Changes for this week: None

Location: Tehama Family Fitness Center
2487 South Main Street
Red Bluff, California 96080
530-528-8656

Classes:

Yoga Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Yoga Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Tai Chi Chuan Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Yoga Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Tai Chi Chuan Saturdays, 9:30 - 11 a.m.

Yoga Saturdays, 11 - 12:15 a.m.

Instructions, Lessons, Information, and Resources for Mike's Classes:

Yoga: Hatha and Vinyasa Style of Yoga

Standard 24 Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) Form in the Yang Style

Yang Family Taijiquan Long 108 Form

Taijiquan Sword Standard 32 Sword Form

Cloud Hands Website

Kevin Weaver's Taijiquan Classes at TFFC

Blog Notes on my Class Schedule

Changes or Cancellations of Mike's Classes at TFFC

Other Taijiquan or Qigong Classes that Mike Teaches

Private Taijiquan or Qigong Lessons from Mike Garofalo

Sun Taijiquan 73 Competition Form

2008-04-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Most of my efforts lately have been devoted to improving the Sun Tai Chi Chuan International Competition 73 Movement Form webpage. I reorganized the structure of the webpage this week. Next week, I plan to prepare graphics and instructions for Movements 1 -5.

This webpage will eventually include a list of the movements of the 73 form, instructions for each of the movements with illustrations, a bibliography, comprehensive links, a chart of performance times for the 73 Form, selected quotations, general remarks, an introduction, and a brief history of the 73 Form. At present, the webpage is about 160 Kb in size.

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