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School Video Classes

Paul Underhill

Paul Underhill

Space – the (first and) final frontier.  We seem to feel that the space we occupy and the space around us are, somehow, different from each other.  Clearly this is not so – when we move we are simply moving space within space.  If this is done as a natural process, such as in the Taiji Form, then we commune with the Wuji and come closer to that inner stillness that we all seek

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Paul Underhill

Paul focusses on the Qi flow through the Channels, in particular the Extraordinary pre-natal Channels.  By linking the Microcosmic Orbit of Qi flow round the Du and Ren Channels, via the breath, to the Grasp Sparrow’s Tail move from the Form and Tian Xiao, we aim to achieve a degree of ‘returning to the source’: into the Formless.

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Paul Underhill

Paul takes us through the Intention (Yi) – Potential power (Qi) – Expression process.  By reminding us of the ‘five bows’ we can realise the common ‘central’ position from which all our Taiji moves are derived.  Then Paul takes us through a Daoist Relaxation Meditation such that we can approach the Form in a prepared manner keeping the Centre calm and subtle.

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Paul Underhill

Paul concentrates on nourishing ‘the Centre’, first with a different version of the Ba Duan Jin (Silk Exercises), then using Zhan Zhuang (Standing Pile)to nourish the Central Channel (Chong Mai) and, lastly, centring and grounding the Qi using the ‘Cafetière’ Qigong.

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Paul Underhill

Following the 18-move shibashi sequence, Paul introduces a punch and kick combination from the Wu tradition, and then demonstrates how this can be practiced as a qi gong exercise.

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Paul Underhill

Paul revisits the 18-move shabashi sequence and then takes us through a Cloud Hands Qigong (from Bruce Frantzis’s stable) which addresses the legs, the kwa and the spine – all essential components to maintain mobility both in our Tai Chi practice and in our day-to-day living.

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Paul Underhill

Paul revisits the 18-move shibashi sequence and then introduces the powerful practice of breathing through the skin – a means of absorbing Undifferentiated Qi from the Wu .  His article on the practice can be found in the ‘Articles Section’ of the Members’ Resource Centre. It is entitled, ‘What’s in a Breath?’

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Paul Underhill

 

Paul describes and demonstrates two Qi Gongs practiced in preparation for undertaking Tai Chi as a martial art: Shibashi – comprising a set of 18 distinct sequences, and  a Qi Gong focussing specifically on the 5 elements.

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