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January & February 2010Class Schedule |
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| Monday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Zhan Zhuang: Standing Concentration Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Spinning Hands Cycles 1 & 5 Pre-requisite: None |
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| Wednesday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Taiji Ball Qigong Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Spinning Hands Cycles 1 & 5 Pre-requisite: None |
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| Register | Classes begin Jan 4 & Jan 6. Email us to register. | |||
| Holidays | Classes canceled January 18, 2010. | |||
| Location | The Construction Company 10 East 18th Street 3rd Floor, buzzer # 3 (between 5th & Broadway) |
Subways Union Square: N, R, Q, W L, 4, 5, 6 14th Street: F, V, 2, 3 18th Street: 1 |
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| Tuition | Paid Daily $20 = 1 class, $30 = 2 classes Paid Monthly $120 (any or all Monday & Wednesday classes) |
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March & April 2010Class Schedule |
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| Monday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Taiji Ball Qigong Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Spinning Hands Cycles 2 & 6 Pre-requisite: None |
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| Wednesday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Zhan Zhuang: Mindful Standing Exercise Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Spinning Hands Cycles 2 & 6 Pre-requisite: None |
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| Register | Classes begin Mar 1 & Mar 3. Email us to register. | |||
| Location | The Construction Company 10 East 18th Street 3rd Floor, buzzer # 3 (between 5th & Broadway) |
Subways Union Square: N, R, Q, W L, 4, 5, 6 14th Street: F, V, 2, 3 18th Street: 1 |
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| Tuition | Paid Daily $20 = 1 class, $30 = 2 classes Paid Monthly $120 (any or all Monday & Wednesday classes) |
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May & June 2010Class Schedule |
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| Monday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Conditioning for the Internal Arts Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Spinning Hands Cycles 3 & 4 Pre-requisite: None |
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| Wednesday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Conditioning for the Internal Arts Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Spinning Hands Cycles 3 & 4 Pre-requisite: None |
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| Register | Classes begin May 3 & May 5. Email us to register. | |||
| Holidays | Classes canceled May 31, 2010 (Memorial Day). | |||
| Location | The Construction Company 10 East 18th Street 3rd Floor, buzzer # 3 (between 5th & Broadway) |
Subways Union Square: N, R, Q, W L, 4, 5, 6 14th Street: F, V, 2, 3 18th Street: 1 |
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| Tuition | Paid Daily $20 = 1 class, $30 = 2 classes Paid Monthly $120 (any or all Monday & Wednesday classes) |
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July 2010Class Schedule |
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| Monday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Flexible Weapons Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Kicking Methods Pre-requisite: Minimum of 4 months of cycles. |
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| Wednesday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Flexible Weapons Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Kicking Methods Pre-requisite: Minimum of 4 months of cycles. |
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| Register | Classes begin Jul 7 & Jul 12. Email us to register. | |||
| Holidays | Classes canceled July 5, 2009 (Independence Day). | |||
| Location | The Construction Company 10 East 18th Street 3rd Floor, buzzer # 3 (between 5th & Broadway) |
Subways Union Square: N, R, Q, W L, 4, 5, 6 14th Street: F, V, 2, 3 18th Street: 1 |
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| Tuition | Paid Daily $20 = 1 class, $30 = 2 classes Paid Monthly $120 (any or all Monday & Wednesday classes) |
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August 2010We are closed for the month of August,
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September & October 2010Class Schedule |
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| Monday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Taiji Ball Qigong Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Spinning Hands Cycles 7 & 8 Pre-requisite: None |
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| Wednesday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Taiji Ball Qigong Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Spinning Hands Cycles 7 & 8 Pre-requisite: None |
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| Register | Classes begin Sep 8 & Sep 13. Email us to register. | |||
| Holidays | Classes canceled September 6 & October 11, 2009. | |||
| Location | The Construction Company 10 East 18th Street 3rd Floor, buzzer # 3 (between 5th & Broadway) |
Subways Union Square: N, R, Q, W L, 4, 5, 6 14th Street: F, V, 2, 3 18th Street: 1 |
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| Tuition | Paid Daily $20 = 1 class, $30 = 2 classes Paid Monthly $120 (any or all Monday & Wednesday classes) |
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November & December 2010Class Schedule |
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| Monday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Taiji Ball Qigong Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Sticking Hands Top Control Pre-requisite: Minimum 2 months of cycles. |
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| Wednesday | 6:30pm-7:50pm Taiji Ball Qigong Pre-requisite: None 8:00pm-9:20pm Iliqchuan: Sticking Hands Top Control Pre-requisite: Minimum 2 months of cycles. |
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| Register | Classes begin Nov 1 & Nov 3. Email us to register. | |||
| Holidays | Classes canceled December 27 & 29, 2009. | |||
| Location | The Construction Company 10 East 18th Street 3rd Floor, buzzer # 3 (between 5th & Broadway) |
Subways Union Square: N, R, Q, W L, 4, 5, 6 14th Street: F, V, 2, 3 18th Street: 1 |
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| Tuition | Paid Daily $20 = 1 class, $30 = 2 classes Paid Monthly $120 (any or all Monday & Wednesday classes) |
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Taiji Ball Qigong was once a common practice for both internal and external martial arts in China. Today, this little-know practice brings benefits to practitioners of all backgrounds. Beginners usually learn the patterns with a rubber ball, intermediate students utilize wooden spheres of varying weights, and advanced practitioners perform the patterns empty-handed. The Taiji Ball Qigong class is based on the teachings of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Applicable to all styles, Taiji Ball Qigong is a fundamental training used to develop whole-body movement, open and strengthen the body, deepen the breath, and issue power. It is an ideal solo practice that requires a minimum of space and, for those times when a partner is not available, Taiji Ball Qigong also provides you with a method to test and develop your ability to root, listen, follow and lead. Health: A primary function of Taiji Ball Qigong is the rejuvenation of the spine. It is a wonderful "wake up" exercise, gently easing the spinal compression that can occur during the night. Upper and lower back pain or discomfort is, through correct practice, relieved due to the gentle opening and closing movements. These movements, though simple in appearance, can have a powerful effect on the nervous system. All movements should be done without tension, and introduced a few minutes a day and gradually increasing the time. Conscious breathing and awareness of structural alignment and tension further deepens the effects of Taiji Ball Qigong practice. Internal: In Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), Taiji Ball Qigong training was once a major training tool for enhancing Pushing Hands ability. Today many are rediscovering this wonderful solo pushing hands training method. Practitioners of all internal arts use Taiji Ball training to enhance their sensitivity, sense of relaxation, root, and ability to coil. External: Taiji Ball Qigong can enhance ones ability to issue power, develop root, strengthen grip and train the muscles used to wield weapons. Some external styles progressively increase the weight of the sphere used, often moving on to stone spheres after having mastered the wooden ones. Here is what you will learn:
Taiji Ball Qigong is of particular interest to current practitioners of the internal arts. As a spinal qigong Taiji Ball practice isolates and develops the much sought after "Dragon Back". In addition the spinal benefits, Taijiquan players claim to to more fluid, to be better able to feel the ebb and flow of Yin and Yang. Those who study Xingyiquan find that through the practice of Taiji Ball Qigong they are better able to carry their mass forward. Practitioners of Baguazhang remark that the circle walking and parallel walking drills aid them to be more rooted, open and flexible on the circle. Regardless of your goals, Taiji Ball Qigong has something for you! |
| Instructor Joshua Craig studies Taiji Ball Qigong with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. In addition to Taiji Ball Qigong, Joshua has also studied and taught Taiji Symbol Qigong and Qinna with Dr. Yang, Yixingong and Jiulong Baguazhang with Dr. John Painter, and Internal Art principles and fundamentals with Mike Martello. Today Joshua specializes in the practice and teaching of classes and seminars on Taiji Ball Qigong and Internal Arts 101 while continuing his personal exploration of internal principles through the art of Iliqchuan with Instructor Steve Arboleda. |
Our training year is divided into six courses, each focusing on a specific topic. Over the course of one year you will be introduced to the essential practices of I Liq Chuan partner work - Eight Cycles of Spinning Hands, Kicking Methods and Sticking Hands. For Spinning Hands you may join at any time, while the Kicking Methods and Sticking Hands courses require a previous knowledge of Spinning Hands.
Spinning Hands is a two-person partner practice designed to train efficient movement while learning to feel the gaps in your opponent's structure and intent, as well as your own. Spinning Hands resembles Push Hands (Tuishou) but differs in that it begins with heavy pressure and, over time, is refined to light. Heavy spinning allows you to feel where your alignment is off and to feel the flow of force from the ground to the contact point. If practiced over time, Spinning Hands will help you to develop relaxation, structure, root, connection, intent & flow while under pressure. Students begin training by spinning their hands and forearms around each other, in a series of specific patterns, while using physical sensitivity and mental awareness of the reactions of both their opponent/partner and their own bodies to build the qualities the internal arts are known for. Through this practice you will begin to feel and act spontaneously, rather than thinking and anticipating. Initially the patterns are large, gradually becoming smaller as the principles are integrated. Power is generated from the ground through the feet and legs, transmitted through the waist, through the contact point(s) to affect the opponent's center of mass. You will learn to control your opponent's center while protecting your own through the sophisticated use of angles and structure to dissipate incoming force while issuing your own. Over time you will learn to produce power with less effort, move in the three planes (see below), recognize the uses and limitations of movements in each plane and smoothly change from one to another. Lessons learned in Spinning Hands will inform the rest of your practice, regardless of style. The Three Planes:
The Six Directions:
The Eight Patterns:
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| Instructor Steve Arboleda has been studying I Liq Chuan with founder Sam Chin since 1999. In addition to I Liq Chuan, Steve Arboleda also teaches Xingyiquan and has extensive experience in Aikijujutsu, Wing Chun & Baguazhang. Steve is a Licensed Massage Therapist and a recent graduate of Touro College's School of Oriental Medicine. He practices Acupuncture and Tuina (Chinese Acupressure and Manipulative Therapy) in New York City. |
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Zhan Zhuang ("post standing" or "stake standing") forms an integral part of traditional Chinese Internal Martial Arts and Qigong. Zhan Zhuang encompasses ways to locate blockages within the body, developing awareness of different energy layers, as well as relaxation exercises to open those blockages and dynamic tension exercises to develop whole body power for combat purposes. Commonly described and practiced as "standing meditation", we refer to it as "Standing Concentration" - due to the active mix of attention and intent that is necessary to get the most from the practice. Standing Concentration is an important step in reclaiming our energy that is bound with any unnecessary tension in our bodies. Whether our goal is peace of mind, health, or martial arts, recognizing and releasing our accumulated tension is essential. Here is what you will learn:
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| Instructor Joshua Craig studies Taiji Ball Qigong with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. In addition to Taiji Ball Qigong, Joshua has also studied and taught Taiji Symbol Qigong and Qinna with Dr. Yang, Yixingong and Jiulong Baguazhang with Dr. John Painter, and Internal Art principles and fundamentals with Mike Martello. Today Joshua specializes in the practice and teaching of classes and seminars on Taiji Ball Qigong and Internal Arts 101 while continuing his personal exploration of internal principles through the art of Iliqchuan with Instructor Steve Arboleda. |
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Qinna, or "Seize & Control", is know for its effectiveness in controlling opponents. Also spelled "Chin Na", this art is great for everyone, and especially useful to parents, teachers, hospital workers, prison guards and police officers. You will learn to defend against grabs, holds and chokes, and to immobilize assailants with effective subduing and controlling techniques. Minimum force is used, relying instead on a superior feeling of leverage, momentum, angulation, redirection, pressure points and joint-lock methods. Qinna has almost been lost to the world. This treasure of Chinese Gongfu is being restored through the work and teaching of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Joshua Craig has been given permission by Dr. Yang to lead seminars and classes in this method. Other sanctioned instructors may include Richard Gibson and/or Richard Shields.   This is the most important part of learning Qinna. Here is what you will learn: • Principles of Qinna • Conditioning for Qinna • Joint Mobility • Finger Locks • Wrist Locks • Elbow Locks • Shoulder Locks • Basic Striking Tools Qinna is known as the Father of Jujutsu and the Grandfather of Aikido. The main difference between Qinna and its descendants is the way the body is used to generate power. Traditionally part of all Chinese styles, today knowledge of Qinna has become rare. Thanks to Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, Qinna is once again being trained and explored by practitioners of all styles of martial arts. Everyone begins from a mechanical standpoint, learning to recognize the principles in action. Understanding the principles is most important. Without understanding the how and the why, every technique will seem like a new one - and the you will never be able to use any of the techniques learned through your dedicated practice. As a student you will first learn how to escape from all types of grabbing attacks. Once you are proficient, you will next become familiar with a progressive series of locks - both to subdue and to escort. The next step is to learn how to integrate your locking with your striking and throwing skills.  Instructor Rich Shields demonstrates the finer points of a lock to Jessie. The Qinna method that has been developed by Dr. Yang is based mainly on Southern Shaolin White Crane. 70% of the technology comes from White Crane and another 20% from Northern Shaolin Long Fist. The remaining 10% consists of adaptations from the Northern Eagle Claw and Southern Tiger styles. Over the last 45 years, Dr. Yang has continued to experiment and refine his personal techniques and teaching methods. It is through this continuous research that the methods Dr. Yang learned now rely even less on the strength of the practitioner, and are becoming even more effective. We are the lucky recipients of this work.  Instructor Rich Gibson teaching "White Crane Twists Neck". |
We teach Qinna seminars in either a weekend or weeklong seminar format at schools around the country. These seminars present the techniques of Qinna to martial artists of all styles. However, Qinna is not a style in and of itself. It is a range of combat that cannot be mastered independently of the other ranges. It must be taught in the context of either a style of martial arts or a set of foundation principles and skills. In the seminars we teach, the participant goes back to their own practice and learns to integrate the new skills. Likewise, our local classes require some foundation training prior to learning Qinna. Any of the following foundation trainings are needed to join the local Qinna trainings:
Please note that there are no exceptions to the required experience. We have taught Qinna to a variety of experienced martial artists and all have expressed their frustration at not being able to use the techniques. After a long analysis we have found that the above trainings provide the skills needed to effectively learn to apply the locks. Qinna requires a different "engine" than that used in most martial arts. The whole body method of moving essential to Qinna must be natural before you undertake the learning of the locks themselves. |
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Conditioning is essential for any martial art. Oddly, many in the Chinese Internal Martial Arts (Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Yiquan, Liuhebafa and others) avoid all conditioning other than form work and a little (often very little!) standing practice. While the conditioning methods used by most internal arts do differ from those used by the external martial arts, conditioning is vital for all martial artists. In this class you will learn to open, strengthen, release and connect the body, breath and mind. Releasing unnecessary tension and while isolating specific actions to train the various coordinations unique to the internal arts is the goal of this class. While you will not be doing tons of push-ups, you will be moving through many solo and partner exercises, both with and without props. Expect to sweat - and be sure to bring your towel! While this class is aimed at the martial artist, all are welcome to come in for a great workout! |
| Instructor Joshua Craig studies Taiji Ball Qigong with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. In addition to Taiji Ball Qigong, Joshua has also studied and taught Taiji Symbol Qigong and Qinna with Dr. Yang, Yixingong and Jiulong Baguazhang with Dr. John Painter, and Internal Art principles and fundamentals with Mike Martello. Today Joshua specializes in the practice and teaching of classes and seminars on Taiji Ball Qigong and Internal Arts 101 while continuing his personal exploration of internal principles through the art of Iliqchuan with Instructor Steve Arboleda. |
