When practicing Chi Kung breathing, remember to touch the roof of your mouth with your tongue while touching the lips together very lightly. Breathe in the nose and out the nose, in general. There are some breaths that require you to exhale through the mouth, though. In that case, breathe in the nose (tongue to…
How Often Should I Train?
Often, I am asked “how much should I train at home”? “Should I train at home everyday or just the days I don’t attend class at the school”? “Should I train an hour or two”? “What should I train”? My suggestion is this: make as many of the scheduled classes that you can, first and…
Kung Fu: Points Of Posture
One of the primary subjects of traditional martial arts is posture. Most often, though, in modern martial art schools, the topic is nearly ignored. Yet, proper posture is essential to power; and, it is essential for excellent health. The following is a list generally studied in traditional kung fu schools: head as though suspended from…
Kung Fu: The Art Of Mastering One’s Self
‘Train only to master yourself” is our long-standing school motto. We developed it over 30 years ago from a phrase that Mr. Suh frequently used. We all come to martial arts (kung fu) for varying reasons. Some come for self -defense: others come for self-esteem, better health, greater confidence and/or to align themselves with themselves….
Looking to the future . . .
Each year that we have our annual Promotion Dinner, I’m reminded of how important it is for the students to understand that the school isn’t simply a business I own, but in many ways, it is theirs as well. While they might not own it in a legal sense, they are absolutely (individually and collectively)…
Adding Power To Your Kung Fu
I often teach a subject in class or seminars called the “Three Elbows”. It’s a way to describe the proper use of the elbow and how it leads and/or supports power. There are three moves that exemplify my theory: 1) ridge-hand; 2) hammer-fist; 3) and the reverse punch (straight punch). The ridge hand is a…
Kung Fu: Anti-Aging
Through softness, life can continue. Through stiffness, life will end. These thoughts are simple but far reaching. When you look at a baby you see such suppleness and pliability. Yet, each year that goes by the baby becomes less so. If you take a moment and suddenly picture the baby in her 90s, you will…
The Martial Art Zone
There are three zones to be aware of in basic self-defense. The first zone is what we call “safe zone” or a distance that makes it very difficult for the opponent to successfully attack you without you having time to react. We don’t always have the luxury to be at that distance when a perpetrator…
Chi Kung Helps Fight Migraines
Migraine headaches can be quite a pain in your life. Symptoms often include blurred vision, stomach nausea and headache. Some folks become slightly dizzy as well. Also, there’s a version that’s called a “silent migraine” where it has all of the regular symptoms but without the actual headache (painless migraine). Often, medication doesn’t help and…
Impact Training Of The Shins Is Important To Do
Impact training the shins is an important thing to do. Shins are very sensitive. They react to the slightest impact with the greatest pain. And, they bruise easily too. Of course, conditioning the entire body for impact is a given but paying special attention to training the shins is a must for the serious and/or…