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George Xu & Friends
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Drills, Qigong and Forms Part One Demonstration of part of Chen style by George Xu. Part Two Yu Xiao Lin goes into major detail on the Four Energies of Tai Chi. This is one of the most mysterious aspects of Tai Chi to non-Chinese. He doesn't concentrate so much on the endless circling of the Four Hand exercise as breaking down all opportunities to actually use the Four Energies and then showing numerous variations of them. Then he starts on the Four Secondary Energies and shows many demonstrations of ways in which to apply, Pluck, Split, Elbow and Shoulder. Also a rare treat to to see Vincent Lynch practicing and helping out. Yu shows quite a number of energy issuing exercises as sequential marching patterns. Very nice, loose and insructive. He following with a "Qi Rolling" exercise where his fingers are entwined for the entire experience, a la Swimming Dragon Body Qigong. About 1 1/2 to 2 hours $49.95 |
This is a nice, informative lecture by Wang Tong, a student of Li Zi Ming, on the history, nick names, styles and principles of Ba gua. A charming background it is without demonstration and suffers a bit from the difficulties of simultaneous translation. This one could be called the "Lineage and Developement of Bagua". For those not interested this might become tedious. At the fifteen minute mark Wang Tong Sifu thanks everyone then continues to talk for six more minutes. But if you want to hear someone who has "been there" this is a nice piece. Length - 20 min. $14.95 |
 DVD#25130 Li Tian Wei on Xing Yi LiuHeLi Tian Wei walks through a lecture demonstration which combines his feelings and thoughts on practicing Chinese martial arts with a sort of walking demonstration . He showsw a number of Xing Yi animals and tries to have us understand their shapes and spirits. Overall a nice lecture, with translation, and particular emphasis on the correct shape and its relation to the meaning of the movement. Translated by Liping Zhu. Length-18:30 min. $14.95 see clip |
Over 40 Minutes $19.95 |
Susan Matthews, head of the Shanti School of Tai Ji, demonstrates one of the most famous of Qigong forms: The Eight Pieces of Brocade. She does this standing in front of a mirror so we get the benefit of a double view of each action. Her instruction is detailed but also has the informality of personal observations, how she felt a certain move, how she solves a problem in exection. Her instruction is clear and detailed. This is a very good approach to learning this 800 year old, treasured set even if you are trying for the first time. About 27 Minutes $19.95 see clip |
Yun Yen Sin Teaches Liu He Ba Fa, Primordial Qigong, and Push Hands at this week-long Summer Camp with George Xu in the beautiful coastal redwoods near San Francisco (La Honda). This DVD has a lot of material especially if you already know LiuHeBaFa or Taiji. Yun performs the Water Boxing LHBF set with continuous commentary by George Xu who speaks intelligently on the issue of CMA as "quiet" martial arts. This is followed by a very distilled discussion and demonstration of Primordial Qigong which concentrates on bringing Qi outward more than Dan Tian driven styles. Over 50 Minutes $29.95 see clip |
DVD #25116 Daily Breast Massage There is a sense of self-sufficiency imparted by martial practice. One real key, long understood in martial circles, is your monitoring and sensitive maintenance of your own body. This is where responsibility begins. This DVD is a well-paced, open-hearted teaching session on breast self-examination. This can be an issue fraught with trepidation and Matthews approaches it gently but thoroughly. Discussions on the method are highlighted by woman telling of their experiences. The more you know about problems with mammograms, benign and other growths and the still rather primitive conditions in women's health (There was a time not too much in the past where all medical mastectomy studies used for reference were solely focused on men!) the more you will see that this is an essential extension of self-massage. We have heard too many stories of our sisters, mothers and daughters afraid to touch their own bodies ... If you need context, this is also an ancient and well established Daoist practice. But the real point is that it works and it makes everyone feel better and healthier. About 45 Minutes $19.95 |
"Part One includes: demonstration of the cao quan section of the Lan Shou form; basic move drills; walking drills; application demonstrations; and a few standing qigong exercises with Grandmaster Qin. Part Two: Lan Shou Muscle-Tendon Stretching Exercises. This 35-minute DVD is a review of stretching exercises that Master Wu Ji's taught as part of the Lan Shou system training during China Camp '07. The exercises are grouped together for easy follow-along learning." Brrr. Put on your jacket before you watch this two hour presentation of Barring Arm style. We are working out in the mists of early morning Colorado. This pair of DVDs explore that fine fighting system Lan Shou. The first shows the Chow Quan form then breaks it down with marching sections to master in phrases. Next we get to see applications by teacher Qin Zhong Bao AND grand-teacher Wu Ji. There is also a section on Lan Shou standing Qigong. The 2nd DVD is a real time review of the Muscle-Tendon exercises for Lan Shou. All real CMA styles have some tendon stretching but some, like Pigua and Tong Bei, used this method extensively. This is a very good, complete and slightly challenging series of movements combining stretching and issuance of energy. Not a generic series of "Qigong callisthenics". #1: 69 minutes, #2: 35 minutes $39.95 for both or $25.95 each |
DVD #25101 What is Tai Chi, Really? In this DVD, S. Matthews acts as interviewer to draw from George Xu his observations on how to understand the true nature of Tai Chi. Thee are the questions more people should have asked. He covers many essential concepts demonstrating his ability to issue and some of the finer points on the requirements between external and internal training. His explanations have the ring, and are indeed indicative, of much hands on training for long periods of time. He is open and informative and drives so directly to the core of the practice that the educated viewer will realize that he or she had MORE work to do from having listened to Xu; but also more rewarding work. Xu also shows supplementary exercises to enhance the feeling of the internal movement. Note: Even though George comments on Susan's questions in English someone has wisely subtitled the entire DVD to increase clarity. About 45 Minutes $19.95 see clip |
DVD #25102 Lan Shou Form Here is the core form of the Lan Shou system. We refer to the name as "Barring Arm" Boxing but it can be thought of as blocking or obstructing arm. Particularly strong in TianJin area Lan Shou may appear at first glance as a combination of Baji Quan and Tan Tui. Tough to imagine, we know, but think of a Long Fist art that has retained it animal qualities although—as if often the case in high level Northern styles—the animal quality is on the inside, not in the poses. George Xu shows the set through a "follow me" type of instruction where he repeats it numerous times with almost no verbal instruction. The set is show in its entirety and also broken down but, once again, with only visual clues. George's point may be to say "concentrate" and you'll learn it. They say Northern stylist who fought Bruce Lee back in the day, Wong Jackman, also like to instruct without talking. Lan Shou Qigong is also shown. This also has a demonstration of the form by Ye Xiao Long. About 60 Minutes $49.95 see clip |
DVD #25103 Lan Shou Applications & Saber This is a combination of DVDs. The first is a breakdown of the movements in the key Lan Shou hand set. Xu Sifu demonstrates each section of the Lan Shou form along with numerous applications for the set. He explains in a mixture of Mandarin and English. There are also a number of partner drills with variations some as simple as Three Stars and others of more complexity. Next he shows Lan Shou's Saber form. This is a good form elegant in its mixture of real saber energies and precise movement. The only flaw in the film is that the time code was left on and, though annoying, it doesn't detract from any information . About 70 Minutes $24.95 applications: see clip broadsword see clip
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This is a pair of DVDs showing the famous ten animals of Xing Yi of, in this case, the Six Harmony (Liu He) branch.
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DVD #25106 On Being a Predator George Xu explains his theory of predator energy used in the practice of Chen Tai Chi but really in any Chinese martial arts. This is an extension of his concept expounded some years ago in print on "animal" qualities well distinguished from "animal imitation" boxing where you try to look like the animal.In this lecture, admittedly sometimes difficult to hear and with a little break up, George Xu lists his eight attributes for practice. His ideas are really important and worth a number of viewing. One of the best explanations of what is missing from so much contemporary practice. You'll go back to this one over and over. About 60 Minutes $19.95 |
DVD #25114 Lecture on LiuHeBaFa The "Six Harmony Eight Methods" style is becoming more popular by the minute. According to George Xu the only reason it wasn't better loved sooner was that rich people in Beijing adopted Tai Chi much more openly. There probably is some truth in this and LHBF, which has been around longer than TC, is making up for lost time. It shares many of the attributes such as soft and full body movement. This entire lecture focuses on the use of the wooden (or any) ball as a training device. The ball can be a great training aid because it forces you to act like you are an internal stylist. Whole body movement which, take it from us, is VERY hard to grasp becomes easy with a ball in front of you. Good for ANY Kung Fu stylist. Note: In Chinese with immediate translation. A big room for a seminar, informal setting, some application to push hands, leg circling also shown. About 60 Minutes $19.95 |
DVD #25120 & 21 Forty-six martial artists from several disciplines and locations in China, USA, Italy, Germany, Norway, and Denmark perform their forms in this prestigious event. Names and styles are provided in titles of each performance, so you get to know who these accomplished martial artists are. See the list below of demonstrators in this series #1 about 69 Minutes #2 about 61 Minutes $39.95 for both see clip |
DVD #25111/12 
DVD #25109/10 
