Nei Kung
Nei Kung is an internal
system of Chi Kung, employing slow, deep breathing and requiring a relaxed
physical stance and mental attitude. (The external approach to cultivating
chi is characterized by heavy breathing and rapid diaphragmatic exercises.)
Nei Kung practice charges up the body's energy. The effects in the initial
Workshop are dramatic, and the profound extent of the training often becomes
apparent as early as the first two weeks of regular practice.
Nei Kung has been refined, and handed down from Master
to Master since the time of Yellow Emperor (2696--2598 b.c.e.). It evolved
from the Taoists' search for a way to rejuvenate and heal the body, to increase
internal strength and energy.
There is a saying in China that if you pursue the Ch'uan
(fighting technqiue) without practicing (Nei) Kung, when you reach old age
you will not have anything to show for your efforts. Great importance is
traditionally placed on the study of Nei Kung in conjunction with Tai
Chi Chuan. In order to attain a high level of ability in Tai Chi, one
must know and practice Nei Kung diligently.
Master Chu's The Book
of Nei Kung is helfpul for home study and reference. Read student James Borrelli's "My Story with Sifu" for more about the making of the book.
Also informative is an interview with
Master Chu published in Qi Magazine. Click
to read the 10-page article in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). (If you have
trouble opening the file, you may also need to
download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
Nei Kung Classes
Hour-long workout, beginning with calm breathing and approximately
twenty minutes of Horse Stance, then progressing through the nine remaining
exercises. Pre-requisite: Nei Kung Workshop. Classes, offered four
days a week, are on-going and can be joined at any time.
Nei Kung Workshop
An introduction to--and a pre-requisite for--the regular Nei Kung
classes. A short lecture leads to instruction in the ten exercises, from
Horse Stance to Owl Turns Head. Pre-requisite: none. Required for
Nei Kung classes. Workshops are held approximately once every other month on Sunday
afternoons, from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Enrollment is limited, with discount
pricing for advance registration (one-week) and for those who have previously
taken the Workshop.
| 2008
Nei Kung Workshops: |
| Jan 27 |
Nov 16 |
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| Mar 30 |
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| June 29 |
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| Sep 21 |
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