Tu Na Si Ba - The "Secret" Breathing Methods of Xing Yi Quan. Chinese-English Edition with link to online video of Tu Na Si Ba performed by Master Song Zhi Yong. In Northern China and in Shanxi Province, the purported birthplace of Xing Yi Quan, Master Li Gui Chang is a legendary figure in the world of martial arts. Few practitioners have approached Master Li's achievements in Tai Ji Quan and Xing Yi Quan. Li studied Xing Yi Quan and Ba Gua Zhang with the great Dong Xiu Sheng and Tai Ji Quan with Liu Dong Han. Li Gui Chang's expression of Xing Yi Quan is sometimes referred to as the Xing Yi "Body Method," because of its emphasis on subtle internal body actions and internally sensing Qi and Jin. Hence, it is completely congruent with Daoist Yang Sheng (nourishing life) practices. In this unique book, Song Zhi Yong, a senior disciple of Li Gui Chang, reveals the formerly "secret" foundational training which is the key to Master Li's Xing Yi Quan: Tu Na Si Ba (Four Essential Breathing Forms) San Ti Shi (Three Body Posture Training). Tu Na Si Ba was traditionally only taught to senior disciples, and has never before been written about in English or Chinese. Tu Na literally means "spit out" (Tu) and "receive" or "accept" (Na). In both martial and Daoist practices, Tu Na refers to breathing exercises associated with self-cultivation. When practicing the gentle, slow movements of Tu Na Si Ba, one effectively "breathes out the old and takes in the new" (Tu Gu Na Xing). This combination of inner-directed movement and breathing builds up Qi in the body, while simultaneously strengthening the tendons and bones. Every aspect of Tu Na Si Ba directly connects to the spirit, internal mechanics and martial techniques of Xing Yi Quan. The practice of Tu Na Si Ba is particularly critical to understanding and developing skill in San Ti Shi and Pi Quan (Splitting Fist), the core practices of Xing Yi Quan. The final section of this book presents San Ti Shi, the fixed standing (Zhan Zhu

Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic, (Nei Gong Zhen Chuan) is an obscure text of unknown origin, yet it stands alone as the definitive text on internal energy and the generation of internal power. Hand copied, and passed from teacher to student, it is one of the "secret transmissions" of Chinese martial arts. Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic, is a practical manual on internal energy development and its fundamental importance in the martial arts and fa jin (emitting force). It draws heavily on Daoist meditation and alchemical practices which are said to promote health and longevity. The text is divided into four sections: 1. Nei Gong Jing (Internal Energy Classic); 2. Na Gua Jing (Received Trigram Classic); 3. Shen Yun Jing (Transported Spirit Classic); 4. Di Long Jing (Earth Dragon Classic), which are meant to be read in order. In this way the reader is guided step by step through the details of Nei Gong practice, and in the Di Long Jing, its application to self-defense. Translated by a team of experts, the text is accompanied by extensive footnotes and diagrams that clarify the more obscure passages which otherwise pre-suppose a knowledge of Daoist texts and imagery from the I-Ching (Book of Changes). The appendices further explicate the relationship of Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic to the internal martial art Xing Yi Quan.

Discover your Animal archetype to transform your martial arts practice and improve your physical, emotional, and sexual health A cognitive psychologist and respected martial art instructor brings to life the Animals of Ch'ien-lung, and how to live the martial art philosophy--on and off the mat! This martial art belongs to everyone, not just for self-defense but as a force for healing. Keen on detail, big in scope, Unleash the Dragon Within shows how to tap into the Cat and Snake aspects of your mind and body. When you combine the movement, breath and meditation of a Cat with a Snake you create the Dragon, bringing all you are to your athletic performance, spiritual practices and even your sexual relationships.

Literally translated as "Form-Intention Boxing," Xing Yi Quan emphasizes internal movement within external stillness. Practicing Xing Yi trains the practitioner to actualize the instinctive, hair-trigger reactions of the human body in direct, powerful movements. Xing Yi training focuses on natural, integrated movement, whole body breathing, and the movement of Qi (vital energy), rather than external technique. Rooted in Daoist meditation and longevity practices, and Chinese medical and martial art traditions dating back into antiquity, Xing Yi Quan training draws upon ancient Daoist meditation and inner alchemical practices that transform the body's internal structure, while confronting and dispelling extraneous thoughts to actualize true Intention, thereby providing the practitioner with a comprehensive method of actualizing his or her own inherent potential. Xing Yi Quan: Art of Inner Transformation is not a how-to book. In this fascinating meditation on the art of Xing Yi Quan and its many applications to life and living, author Tom Bisio discusses the many facets of this ancient art: - What is Xing Yi Quan? - The Relationship of Xing Yi Quan to Daoism - Xing Yi Quan and the Five Elements - The Health Benefits of Xing Yi Quan - Xing Yi Quan Training - Suitability of Xing Yi Quan for Different Ages & Lifestyles - Xing Yi Quan as a Martial Art - Xing Yi Quan as a Psycho-Spiritual Path Xing Yi Quan has five key movements, known as The Five Elements, or The Five Fists. Each of the Five Fists has a specific internal action and intention that is simultaneously energy enhancing, combative, and strengthens and harmonizes the internal organs. Practicing the Five Fists cultivates Qi and develops practical fighting skills. In Xing Yi Quan: Art of Inner Transformation Tom Bisio explains how the postures and movements of Xing Yi Quan open the body's energy pathways (meridians), promoting health and well-being, while simultaneously arousing and enlivening the Qi, so that there is no gap between intention and action.

In Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong: The Meridian Opening Palms of Ba Gua Zhang, author Tom Bisio details the practice method and theory of this powerful system of internal exercise. The postures, alignments and practice methods are clearly explained and correlated with practical discussions of meridian pathways and pathologies from the perspective of internal Nei Gong practice. These discussions are accompanied by extensive illustrations, including drawings rendered from photographs of famous Ba Gua masters holding the Nei Gong postures. Also included are medical applications of Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong and an introduction to the rarely taught Ba Gua Energy Accepting Palm, in which vital force (qi) is absorbed from the natural environment.

A renowned expert in Chinese sports medicine and martial arts reveals ancient Eastern secrets for healing common injuries, including sprains, bruises, deep cuts, and much more. For centuries, Chinese martial arts masters have kept their highly prized remedies as carefully guarded secrets, calling such precious and powerful knowledge "a tooth from the tiger's mouth." Now, for the first time, these deeply effective methods are revealed to Westerners who want alternative ways to treat the acute and chronic injuries experienced by any active person. While many books outline the popular teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, only this one offers step-by-step instructions for treating injuries. Expert practitioner and martial artist Tom Bisio explains the complete range of healing strategies and provides a Chinese first-aid kit to help the reader fully recover from every mishap: cuts, sprains, breaks, dislocations, bruises, muscle tears, tendonitis, and much more. He teaches readers how to: Examine and diagnose injuries Prepare and apply herbal formulas Assemble a portable kit for emergencies Fully recuperate with strengthening exercises and healing dietary advice Comprehensive and easy to follow, with drawings to illustrate both the treatment strategies and the strengthening exercises, this unique guidebook will give readers complete access to the powerful healing secrets of the great Chinese warriors.