New York City Taiji Ball Qigong

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Taiji Ball Qigong was once a common practice for both internal and external martial arts in China. Today, this little-know practice brings benefits to practitioners of all backgrounds. Beginners usually learn the patterns with a rubber ball, intermediate students utilize wooden spheres of varying weights, and advanced practitioners perform the patterns empty-handed.

The Taiji Ball Qigong classes and workshops are based on the teachings of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming. Applicable to all styles, Taiji Ball Qigong is a fundamental training used to develop whole-body movement, open and strengthen the body, deepen the breath, and issue power. It is an ideal solo practice that requires a minimum of space and, for those times when a partner is not available, Taiji Ball Qigong also provides you with a method to test and develop your ability to root, listen, follow and lead.

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming demonstrating Taiji Ball Qigong

Health: A primary function of Taiji Ball Qigong is the mobilization and subsequent rejuvenation of the spine. It is a wonderful "wake up" exercise, gently easing the spinal compression that can occur during the night. Upper and lower back pain or discomfort is, through correct practice, relieved due to the gentle opening and closing movements. These movements, though simple in appearance, can have a powerful effect on the nervous system. All movements should be done without tension, and introduced a few minutes a day and gradually increasing the time. Conscious breathing and awareness of structural alignment and tension further deepens the effects of Taiji Ball Qigong practice.

Internal Martial Arts: In Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), Taiji Ball Qigong training was once a major training tool for enhancing Pushing Hands ability. Today many are rediscovering this wonderful solo pushing hands training method. Practitioners of all internal arts use Taiji Ball training to enhance their sensitivity, sense of relaxation, root, and ability to coil.

External Martial Arts: Taiji Ball Qigong can enhance ones ability to issue power, develop root, strengthen grip and train the muscles used to wield weapons. Some external styles progressively increase the weight of the sphere used, often moving on to stone spheres after having mastered the wooden ones.

Here is what you will learn:

• Taiji Ball Breathing Patterns
• Forward, Backward, Parallel & Circular Stepping Patterns
• Vertical Circling
• Horizontal Circling
• Vertical Rotating
• Horizontal Rotating
• Vertical Wrap Coiling
• Horizontal Wrap Coiling
• Solo Practice Drills
• Partner Practice Drills

Taiji Ball Qigong is of particular interest to current practitioners of the internal arts. As a spinal qigong Taiji Ball practice isolates and develops the much sought after "Dragon Back". In addition the spinal benefits, Taijiquan players claim to to more fluid, to be better able to feel the ebb and flow of Yin and Yang. Those who study Xingyiquan find that through the practice of Taiji Ball Qigong they are better able to carry their mass forward. Practitioners of Baguazhang remark that the circle walking and parallel walking drills aid them to be more rooted, open and flexible on the circle.

Regardless of your goals, Taiji Ball Qigong has something for you!