WELCOME TO
416 CHI KUNG
Energy Healing Power Through Simple Ancient Postures
Chi Kung is a three thousand year old Chinese art of 'energy cultivation'. Chi refers to 'essential life force', and kung or gong refers to 'work', or cultivation. In these classes you will develop mindfulness through standing postures that address the entire human condition in a simple and miraculous way people have practiced for thousands of years.
WHO DOES CHI KUNG?
The simple answer is everyone!
These exercises are very simple and gentle. Anyone can do them at any stage of life. If you are injured we start slow. If you are elderly we can start sitting. Chi Kung will improve balance, strengthen the legs and cardio vascular system in a peaceful and enjoyable way without the impact found in most western exercises. With the exception of small children and pregnant women, Chi Kung is for everyone!
INCREASE ENERGY STRENGTH AND LONGEVITY
Zhan Zhuang, (Jam Jong), has been practiced for centuries to align the body and mind through gentle but powerful standing postures. Modern science is intrigued and baffled by the undeniable effects this art has on practitioners, from increased stimulation of the central nervous system to reduction of ailments and even curing tumours and cancer.
MICHAEL BENNETT
MICHAEL BENNETT
The Journey From Force To Harmony
Michael has been a student of Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung for over twenty years. Having studied Aikido, his journey in non-aggressive internal arts led him to the discovery of Chi Kung and it's deeper focus on mindful energy and intent. His training began in Bristol and London with Sifu Tony Dove, and Master Lam Kam Chuen. It was Master Lam who introduced Zhan Zhuang to the west through his BBC series Stand Still Be Fit. After eighteen years in the UK Michael returned home to Toronto and continues to learn and teach this amazing health system. Zhan Zhuang will align the musculo-skeletal structure. Increase immunity, creativity, core strength, sexual vitality, balance, focus, longevity, mental clarity and so much more. All through gentle standing postures which will appear unusual at first, until you begin to experience almost immediate results.
HOW DO WE DO IT?
Relax Relax Relax
I do it the way I was taught. As Master Lam would say, "nothing special, just stand and be fit". The idea is Daoist in essence, to accomplish more by doing less. To replace force and tension with ease and intent. We usually stand together in a circle. Standing at first is very taxing but after a while becomes easier to stand for longer times. The more advanced sessions will stand for up to an hour, but beginners are best to keep it under ten minutes. It is always better to do less properly than to do more and risk injury. These postures are simple but very powerful and should be done with instruction until the principles are fully grasped.
WHERE DO WE DO IT?
Stand Like A Tree
Zhan Zhuang can be practiced anywhere you feel comfortable and safe. Outside among trees is best. Early morning is also best but you will find your own favourite place and time to practice. First we stand together, then we stand alone together as in all of life.
