Brief Notes On a Qigong Practice by Terence Nicholson
Sifu Nicholson's Masters:
Pei Xirong & Liu Xiaoling
Pei Xirong & Liu Xiaoling
I learned Wudang Qigong from Grandmaster Liu Xiaoling (18th Gen Wudang Longmen). He learned from Grandmaster Pei Xi Rong (17th Gen.), who was a Disciple of Xu Benshan. Xu Benshan was the head Instructor of the Wudang Longmen School on Wudang Mountain in China. I have trained in Qigong, Internal (Neijia) and external martial arts. In considering the similarities and differences in Qigong (specifically Wudang) and Taiji, I believe it is best to paint as simple a picture as possible.
Qigong as a practice, is meant to exercise the internal body. It’s focus is on the 14 acupuncture meridians. It can be divided into two categories: “sitting” or still Qigong, and moving Qigong. Wudang does both. The breathing method associated with Sitting Qigong is called Natural breathing (expanding stomach when inhaling), and Reverse breathing when doing Moving Qigong (expanding stomach on the exhale). Qigong exercises the internal organs, and the benefits of the practice manifest in the external appearance. It is like building a house with a strong foundation and internal structure. Then the house can withstand the elements. The body is the house. The “elements” are, sickness, disease, etc. Qigong helps to focus and relax the mind. When the mind is relaxed and focused, other actions in life can be carried out with efficiency. With respect to Martial arts, it will enhance the reflexes.
This is where the separation of Qigong Practice and Fists, such as Xingyi, Bagua and Taiji come into play. ,A practitioner of a fist, even if it is an internal fist, is primarily focused onapplication. In the case of Taiji, a practitioner may practice this fist and never formally train in Qigong. However, Qigong practice will greatly enhance the Taiji practioner’s focus, mind relaxation and intention. Personally, I try to practice Qigong before fist training so that I can get into a zone.
If I were to give an elevator pitch to explain the relationship between Qigong and Taiji, perhaps I could use the quote credited to Lincoln- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."
Master Xu benshan
Sifu Terence teaches a Qigong class on Fridays at 7 P.M.
The Zoom link is here
You may pay as much as you like
$20 is the suggested donation
The Zoom link is here
You may pay as much as you like
$20 is the suggested donation
Sifu Terence Nicholson and Sigung Liu Xiaoling
