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 six 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.
Nei Kung Improvement
Students at CK Chu Tai Chi are encouraged to seek correction of their nei kung postures on a regular basis. Corrections can be done during any tai chi class. A Special Class in Nei Kung Improvement is also taught by Master Chu as part of the advanced series of classes. This class meets once a week for 10 weeks. Each class is dedicated to one of the 10 Chu Nei Kung postures. A student volunteer will demonstrate the posture and the class will learn how to improve that persons posture, and in the process learn how to do the posture more correctly.
|
