Retreat Objectives:
The purpose of this retreat was to expose participants to ancient and traditional methods of self cultivation.
Outline Of Martial Stystems Taught At The Retreat
Tamo's Muscle Change Classic
Pa Kua Chang
Chaan Meditation
Kali / Escrima Stick Fighting
Group photo of everyone who participated in the retreat.
Tamo's Muscle Change Classics became one of his three contributions to Chinese Martial Arts. The Muscle Change Classics focus on blood flow and rejuvenation. By combining the breath with beautifully designed postures, one can reach a new current of energy. Posture after posture, benefits of training one's body present themselves as a way to get warmed up, or a way to wake up. Even one's mind becomes more active from an improved flow of oxygen. Fatigue and laziness are overcome with the hidden energy in one's blood.
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Pa Kua Chang training.
 
Pa kua chang is observed in the flow of ones movement. Using the fundamental symbol of an octagon, this deadly fighting style originates from a stance of balance and stability. Requiring very little energy, one's opponent feels his weaknesses being exploited and manipulated. While on the retreat, students paired up and practiced Pa Kua fighting applications and the fundamental steps of the Pa Kua movements (as shown in the pictures above and below).
Chaan Meditation is the key to a successful kung-fu practitioner. Aiming to calm one's mind, and spirit, Chaan meditation allows an environment where someone can sit and contemplate one's hardships or problems. The meditation slows down an overly active mind to permit clarity and understanding. Flexibility of one's mind also emerges from the practice of Chaan meditation. Chaan meditation directly educates one in the practice of balance and the middle-path.
The Kali/ Escrima stick fighting style uses two seemingly harmless bamboo sticks to devastate your opponent. Once the techniques are mastered, the student is effective with any stick like weapons. When done properly, the sticks and footwork become a flowing collection of precise strikes aimed at sensitive pressure points. The diversity of the Kali/ Escrima style comes from its basic use of circular motion and multiple strikes. The two foot long kali sticks allow a practitioner to block or strike at any time.
Jeff Lewis practice's shaolin tiger form. | Levi performing northern Chum Sam Ku'en.
 
Tal-ha performing scorpion fighting technique.
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