The Zhang Mén Tao Gong Fu Association
Method of Teaching |
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This system is taught in the traditional manner, from teacher to student, with a sense of mutual
respect. Customary interview with a Shi'fu is required before acceptance for study in our Training Hall. As has been aforementioned,
Zhang Mén Tao and the Zhang Mén Tao Gong Fu Association have as it's foundation a system of ethics known as the WuDe (martial morality).
It comes from the root terms of "Wu" or martial, and "De" or morality. During the probationary and student periods, the
practical understanding of the WuDe principles will always be taught along side the gongfu. At times, there are spontaneous discussions, seminars,
and lectures that can spring a from simple martial technique. All students are treated with respect and kindness. While we do teach
one how to effect harm upon another human being, this is 'tempered' with learning to control strong emotion, humility, and most importantly, the WuDe.
While we do teach compassion and goodwill to those you encounter daily, it should be made clear that these arts are not to be confused
with a watered down sport, filled with unrealistic techniques and dry theories. Due to their serious nature and the thorough teaching methods, the
training is for the serious practitioner seeking a true and effective Chinese martial system. A student will learn all traditional aspects of a
stable and detailed Gong Fu training regimen...including various herbal and physical healing methods. It is said that a Zhang Mén Tao adept
"should be able to take a person apart and nearly put them back together". This is our 'Tao' or Way...and is one foundation of our art.
This is a traditional Family system and a multi-level martial arts style. Each phase is more detailed than the last one.
A person has to contact the school and go for an interview with a Shi'fu. If accepted, they are on probationary study. After their first Rank
review, he/she is accepted as a student, a phase which can last two to five years or more. There is never any pressure to advance or any aggressive
'goals' outside those set by the student in their own development. Chinese Gongfu is about the 'personal' journey we all take individually to become
what we personally desire. After the student grades are passed, further advanced training goals are to be met and certain skills developed before
they are moved to the next phase of training.
It is most important to remember you can study Gongfu all your life and still not master it!
Most of the traditional schools of Kung-Fu or Gongfu (same word) that use a sash system for ranking, do so to show advancement upon the path
to skill and development. Our system begins with a black sash signifying ignorance and respect for the Qi Dao Quan that we also teach. 'Ignorance',
however, is not to be confused with stupidity; it simply means an area in which one is not familiar or proficient at. While at first, this training Path may
seem difficult, it is most rewarding in general health, wellness, and the overall betterment of oneself. It is well worth it. |
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The Zhang Mén Tao Gong Fu Association
'Flowing Well' Method |
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| The internal wellness method that we teach, involves balancing the healing aspects of both Qigong
(the Yang Set) and Neigong (the Yin Set). Our classes begin by the performing Standing Post exercises (Zhan Zhuang or pronounced 'Jam Joong') to
encourage 'whole body circulation' or blood flow. Then we begin the class training by moving through one of the traditional Qigong sets as
taught by the Zhang Family and/or the Zhang Mén Tao Gong Fu Association. These will be appropriate to the season and/or current weather conditions to
ensure the greatest benefit to the class members. After the conclusion of the Qigong exercise sets, we will then begin the basic Zhang Family
Medical Fist Set or a Tai Ji Quan Set from either the Simplified Yang or Chen styles. At the conclusion of the form set, the session will
conclude with supervised traditional breathing exercises to cap off the development from the class. This slow and repetitive work generates the
Qi gently and measurably increases and opens the internal circulation: (breath, body heat, blood, lymph, peristalsis, etc.). Over time, this
method creates a lasting effect, a direct reversal of the constricting physical effects of stress and fatigue on the human body. This reversal
allows much more of the students' internal energy to be available to them, which they may then apply more effectively to the rest of their lives, families,
careers, spiritual or creative pursuits, hobbies, etc. Classes meet every week for an hour or more, with additional time provided to assist class
members at no additional cost or fee beyond the low monthly rate. There are no special conditions, ranks, or requirements beyond loose fitting
clothing and your willingness to learn. |
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The study of the Flowing Well method involves developing two aspects of the
student:
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| Health |
| An unhealthy or otherwise uncomfortable person will find it difficult to meditate to a state of calmness or to use their
internal energy when necessary. Training therefore concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. |
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| Meditation |
| The focus, meditation, and subsequent calmness cultivated by the meditative aspect of Neigong/Qigong is seen as necessary
to maintain optimum health (in the sense of effectively maintaining stress relief or homeostasis) and in order to use it as a style of meditative control
in all aspects of one's life. |
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| Also experimental evidence suggests
the following healing effects of Tai Chi Ch'uan, qigong exercises, and meditations: |
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Cardiovascular
lower resting heart rate; normalized EKG, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels |
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Respiratory
slower respiratory rate, improves gaseous exchange, significant benefits for asthma & bronchitis |
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Immune System
better targeting of antigens, significant anti-cancer effect |
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Circulation
improves microcirculation, prevents vascular spasms, very helpful for angina, migraine, and
Reynaud's Syndrome (cold hands & feet) |
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Brain
improves cerebral blood flow, less incidence of stroke; reduction in frequency and intensity of
seizure disorders; slow, high amplitude brainwaves suggest relaxed and integrated state of
consciousness |
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Musculoskeletal
improves posture, balance, strength, stamina, flexibility |
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Chronic Pain
significant pain reduction from all causes, including injury, surgery, arthritis, fibromyalgia |
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Mental Health
decreases: stress response, Type A, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, depression. Improves memory and
interpersonal sensitivity |
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Longevity
improves: blood pressure, vital capacity, cholesterol and hormone levels, kidney function, mental
acuity, vision and hearing, skin elasticity, bone density, immune function, digestion, balance,
flexibility, strength, libido. Destroys free radicals (major cause of tissue
degeneration) by stimulating activity of superoxide dismutase |
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| ** A Necessary Clarification ** |
| While the Zhang Mén Tao Gong Fu Association teaches the various forms of health and wellness
techniques described herein, we in no way encourage practicing these techniques in lieu of seeking proper medical attention nor do we ourselves
forgo medical attention/testing when necessary. Zhang Shi'fu believed that there was a place for both Eastern and Western healing
techniques, working together to keep humanity healthy and well. Good training is never a replacement for common sense! |
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