The Neijiaquan Podcast - An Internal Martial Arts Podcast

In this episode we discuss the creation of the "South Gate Ba Gua Zhang" school of Cheng You Lung. Cheng You Lung was the eldest son of Cheng Ting Hua, the founder of the Cheng Style of Bagua Zhang. We also discuss the Great Liu De Kuan, student of both Dong Hai Chuan and Cheng Ting Hua and his connection to the school as well. Check out our Patreon for exclusive content, interviews and bonus episodes. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we look a few different accounts of Cheng Ting Hua's tragic death and the we look at some of the characteristics of his Bagua Zhang. We finish up with some final thoughts from Sun Lu Tang's book. Our Patreon Episode this week concludes our discussion on the famous Buddhist master Tanxu Fa Shi with a look at the Buddhist text The Heart Sutra. Enjoy the episode. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we look at the life and times of Spectacles Cheng Ting Hua, the founder of the Cheng style of Bagua Zhang. First we look at a short article on Cheng Ting Hua by Liu Jing Ru from 1999 http://www.smilingtiger.net/cheng.html . Then we discuss the Pa Kua Journal article (Journal 3-2 Jan/Feb 1993) on Cheng's life and finally we look at some of Cheng's advice on Bagua Zhang from Sun Lu Tang's book. After the episode is a clip from our Patreon episode on Liu Hung Chieh's Buddhist teacher Tanxu Fa Shi, the full episode and much more is available on our Patreon page. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com Enjoy

In our final episode on Sun Lu Tang we discuss Sun's Bagua and its connection to Taoism and its use as a method of Taoist Cultivation. Enjoy Check out our Patreon for exclusive content and bonus episodes. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we continue our discussion on Sun Lu Tang's Bagua Zhang. We examine the concepts of using Taoist Nei Gong in Bagua Zhang. As well as the concepts of Wuji and Taiji and how they relate to Bagua practice. To hear extended Episode and more check out our Patreon. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com Thanks for listening.

We continue our discussion of Sun Lu Tang's Bagua book, first his brief description of the origins of ba gua zhang. Then we look some further connections between the I-Ching and Ba Gua Zhang then we wrap up by looking at Sun's 9 points for practice. In the Patreon only portion we discuss how to use and develop spirals in the technique of "rise, drill, overturn and fall" and discuss the difference between, turning, twisting, and spiraling the arms. Enjoy. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we discuss Sun Lu Tang's Bagua and the Taoist Book of Change (I-Ching) from Sun's bagua book available on Brennan Translations. For extended episode check out our Patreon. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com Thanks for listening

This is a clip from a recent Patreon episode where we discuss the chi or etheric body. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we shift from xingyiquan to bagua zhang and talk about Sun's training with Cheng Ting Hua as well as our own experiences with training both arts. Then we discuss Sun's connections with Taoism and how that influenced his martial arts. Thanks for listening. Enjoy www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we continue our discussion on the great Xingyi, Bagua, and Taiji master Sun Lu Tang. We talk about Sun's training with his second Xingyi teacher the legendary Guo Yun Shen. Then we examine some of Guo's sayings from Sun's Taiji book and RW Smith's 1972 Hsing I book. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In the first part of our Sun Lu Tang episode we focus on Sun's early life, his main Xingyi teacher and his advice on training Xingyi. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we finish our discussion on Zhang Zhao Dong with a look at his most famous student the great Han Mu Xia. We look at different versions of the story from CS Tang's book and from the Pa Kua Journal. Then we discuss the falling out Han and Zhang had at the end of Zhang's life. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

We continue our discussion on Zhang Zhao Dong and look at an interview from Tim Cartmell's website with Zhao Dao Xin a student of Zhang's. Then Jess does a short opening and closing practice at the end of the episode. Thanks for listening. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we begin our three part series on the great Bagua and Xingyi master Zhang Zhao Dong. We start by discussing a 1993 Pa Kua Journal article on Zhang's early life, his work as a bodyguard and his most famous fight stories. Then we discuss one of the most important Neigong elements, the opening and closing of the body from the Marriage of Heaven and Earth qigong set. Enjoy and Thanks for listening. Check out our Patreon for exclusive content, interviews and more. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we continue our discussion of Xingyi Grandmaster Li Cunyi. We look at Li's book (which you can find on Paul Brennan's Translation page) and examine the connections between the five elements in Taoism and Xingyiquan. Then we talk a bit about the Xingyi Five Element linking form and how it develops various aspects of Xingyi as a martial art. At the end of the episode there is a short practice session on the bending and stretching in neigong. Thanks for listening. theneijiaquanpodcast.com

This is a short clip from our Patreon only interview with Mary Christianson. Mary has over 40 years experience in Tai chi and Bagua. She began in the late 1970s with BP Chan and later became one of Bruce Frantzis' top Wu Style Tai Chi students. In this clip she talks about training with BP Chan and the small community of people that developed around their training. Enjoy. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com https://minnesotataichi.com/

In this episode we discuss the great Xingyi master Single Saber Li Cunyi. We discuss Li's early life, some fight stories and Li's mission later in life to spread the gospel of xingyiquan and martial arts for national pride. In part two we will talk more about Li's connections to Baguazhang. Then we discuss the neigong principle of bending and stretching. theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we examine Liu Jianqiu's 1919 Xingyi Boxing Manual and discuss his five elements and linking form. Then Jess does a short standing/dissolving session at the end of the episode. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we profile Xingyi master Li Jianqiu one of Liu Hung Chieh's direct Xingyi teachers. We discuss a famous fight between Han Mu Xian and a Russian strongman and then we talk about Li's role in the martial arts associations of the early 20th century. In the Neigong portion of the show we discuss different methods of outer dissolving. Enjoy Check out our Patreon for exclusive interviews, bonus episodes and more. www.theneijiaquampodcast.com

A short clip from the second half of our interview with Jamie Dibdin the full interview is available on our Patreon www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com Enjoy

We finish up our discussion on the "Iron Foot Buddha" Shang Yunxiang. Then we talk about dissolving neigong in standing as well as moving practices. At the end of the episode there is a short guided standing session. Enjoy and thanks for listening. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

A sample from our latest Patreon members-only release featuring the indomitable Jamie Dibdin revealing his thoughts on the finer points of Ba Gua, Hsing-I and Wu Style Tai Chi during his years of training and teaching the Chinese martial arts.

In this episode we discuss the great Xingyi master Shang Yunxiang's life, lineage and training. Then we talk about the importance of proper body alignments in martial arts and qigong. theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we look at Jin Yunting's Xingyi Boxing Manual and discuss Xingyi's connection to the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth) and how they relate to the body and intent. Then we finish up our discussion of the neigung principle of moving qi along specific energy lines. theneijiaquanpodcast.com

Just a short talk on what is coming up on the Patreon - www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this Episode we discuss Xingyiquan master Jin Yunting, one of Liu Hung Chieh's teachers. We discuss his training history and a little on his life. Then we talk about the next Nei Gong principle moving qi along specific pathways. theneijiaquanpodcast.com

We complete our discussion on Liu Zhen Lin's life, we discuss his teaching style and his relationship with his students and teachers. Then we complete our introduction to Breathing Neigung and finish with a short breathing practice to follow along with. Check out our Patreon for more practice tips, interviews and exclusive members only episodes. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

This is a clip from our latest Patreon Members only episode where we discuss a 2011 Chinese newspaper article on the infamous meeting between Bruce Kumar Frantzis and the great Chen style master Feng Zhiqiang. Visit our Patreon for the full episode and much more.

In the first episode of season two we profile Baguazhang Master Liu Zhen Lin (1885-1968). Liu Zhen Lin was the principle teacher of Liu Hung Chieh. Then we discuss the first Neigung principle, Breathing. Check out our instagram for images that relate to the episodes. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In the second half of our interview with Lee Burkins we continue our discussion on internal martial arts. Lee talks a bit more about the importance of awareness in your practice and gives some tips on how to build it. Then we talk martial arts for healing yourself and others and we finish up talking a bit about Bagua. Enjoy. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In the exciting conclusion of our interview Eric talks about the training he did with Bruce in the late 80s and early 90s and he reminisces about the first retreats Bruce did at Anvil Ranch. He also gives some advice on practicing energy gates and its role as prep work for the more advanced standing practices. Enjoy. Check our Instagram for images related to episodes and Visit our Patreon for exclusive content. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this very special episode recorded September 12, 2020 Jess and Isaac interview their good friend Lee Burkins. Lee is a martial artist, meditator, healer, fighter, teacher and Veteran. He's the author of "Soldier's Heart" and has been a mentor of ours for many years, it was a great privilege to sit down and talk with him. Enjoy. The full interview is available on our Patreon page. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In the final episode of season one we wrap up our discussion on the Opening the Energy Gates book with the death of Liu Hung Chieh. Jess reads the eulogy published in Fighting Arts International in 1987. Then we discuss our plans for season two and we finish by doing an overview of the Energy Arts system including the other Neigong sets, the martial arts and the meditation components of the system. Thanks for listening. Enjoy. theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we profile one of the greatest martial arts masters of the 20th century, Wan Lai Sheng. We talk about the origins of Ziramen, Wan's friendship with Liu Hung Chieh and about his approach to meditation and martial arts. Then we discuss choosing a qigong style and how to know if your teacher is "the real thing." Thanks for listening. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

n this episode we discuss the end of the Warlord Era and the unification of China and how that impacted martial arts in China. We focus on the 1928 National Guoshu competition that Liu Hung Chieh participated in. Then we move on to the final portion of the energy gates movements and complete the Taiji Spine Stretch. We are nearing the end of Season 1 but we have some good stuff lined up for Season 2 so stay tuned. Thanks for listening. theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we discuss the Warlord Era and its connection with Martial Arts associations and its impact on martial arts in China. The we talk about the Spine Stretch from Energy Gates. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we discuss the third and final swing of the Opening the Energy Gates set but first we talk about the Boxer Uprising of 1900 and its connection to Bagua history featuring an article by Frank Allen. Our interview with Frank will be available on our Patreon soon. You can check out Frank's podcast here. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com www.watertradition.com

In this episode we discuss Liu Hung Chieh's approach to martial arts from Alex Kozma's 1999 book Esoteric Warriors. Then we discuss the Third Swing from the Energy Gates set and how it benefits the hips, legs and internal organs. As well as how to use "the kwa" to generate the power for the swing. Thanks for listening, Enjoy. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com www.watertradition.com

In this episode we continue our discussion of Liu's meditation from a 1993 article in Qi Journal. We talk about developing power for meditation and how to avoid addiction to psychic power. Then we discuss the Second Swing, how to generate spirals from the turning of the waist and how to apply the swings to martial arts. Enjoy! www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we discuss a 1993 article from Qi Magazine, we finish the chapter on the first swing and the core energy and we begin our discussion of the second swing and how to turn from the weighted leg. Enjoy. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we discuss Liu's Bagua and the influence of the I-ching and Taoist meditation on his martial arts. Then we discuss the basic movements, internal dynamics of the first swing, and how to get power in the arms even though they are fully relaxed. Enjoy theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we discuss Liu's mediation, he meeting Wu Jien Chuan and we talk about the tree tantiens and the three jiaos in the swings. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode we discuss Bruce's finally meetings with Liu and talk about the legacy of spiritual martial arts, then we talk about the importance of twisting in the legs during The First Swing and Energy Gates. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In This episode we discuss Liu Hung Chieh's Taiji and talk a little about the Wu style and the Old Yang. Then we talk about the twisting of the arms in the first swing. Check out our Patreon for Exclusive Interviews and Content www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode Jess and Isaac talk about Student/teacher relationships, Jess reads from a 1995 article in Yoga Journal and we discuss turning in the first swing and some of the ways to avoid injury during practice. Thanks for listening and Enjoy. theneijiaquanpodcast.com

This is a very special episode originally recorded for Patrons back in April. We talk with our good friend and mentor Eric Peters. Eric is a long time student of Bruce's and one a handful of people still training with Bruce who attended the original Neija Institute in Denver, Colorado in the early 1980's. If you want to hear the second half and gain early access to the podcast and to hear exclusive content and interviews check out our Patreon. www.theneijiaquanpodcast.com

In this episode Jess and Isaac begin their discussion of Grandmaster Liu Hung Chieh of Beijing. They talk about first impressions of reading about him and talk about his first meeting with Bruce. Then they get into the next chapter of the Opening the Energy Gates book on Spiraling in the upper body. Check our Patreon for exclusive content.

In this episode we finish our tribute to Bob Tangora and we talk about an article from Black Belt Magazine on his teacher Tok Seng Gim. Then we discuss the twisting in the arms in cloud hands.

In this episode we discuss our good friend and mentor the late Robert Tangora, we talk about meeting and training with Bob and reminisce about the "old days" a bit. In the second segment we continue our discussion on the movement of cloud hands and the movement of the kwa and legs.

In this episode Jess and Isaac continue their discussion of Bai Hua and talk about the tucking of the tailbone during cloud hands and how to protect the knees when practicing.