Martial Arts Seminars
Next Seminar - Feb 1st, 2015 (see below for more details)
About the Instructor
Master Hong-Chao Zhang holds Bachelors and Graduate degrees in Gong Fu from the Wuhan Institute of Physical Education and the Shanghai Institute of Physical Education. He has taught Qigong, Taijiquan and Gongfu extensively in China and the United States, and has published on these subjects. He is a multiple Gold Medalist, and a renowned judge at national and international competitions. He is also an expert in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, tuina (massage), and sports injury treatment. He teaches in Chicago, IL. Questions? Call: 773 728-8682
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QUARTERLY SEMINARS - HEALTH & WELLNESS
CHINESE GONG-FU INSTITUTE, CHICAGO, IL
Feb 1st, 2015 - SEMINAR 1
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the human body as animated by a primal energy called Qi. When Qi is in balance the body is healthy. When Qi is out of balance, blocked or depleted, sickness can result. Qigong works on the balance of energy to maintain a healthy body.
TCM uses, as one basis for health and diagnosis, five-element theory. This theory is based on 5 basic elements in nature as described in Chinese philosophy (wood, fire, earth, metal and water.) Each of these elements relates to one other element to either generate (support) it or to subjugate (control) it. Each organ is assigned one of the five elements to describe their relationships with other organs and to assist the practitioner of TCM in diagnosis. Over centuries of observation and speculation, the complex relationships between the organs and internal and external forces (including the seasons) acting upon them, have resulted in the development of a systematic method of diagnosis and treatment.
Winter is associated with the Kidney and water. Kidney energy is yin in nature and thus inactive, cold, dark, slow, damp, and associated with inward energy. The Kidneys hold the body’s most basic and fundamental energy and winter is good time to do inward Qigong practices to strengthen the Kidneys and prepare for the spring to come.
The winter energy and the Kidneys are nourished through Qigong Exercise. The Kidneys are responsible for (among other things) detoxifying pollutants. During this seminar Qigong exercises specifically designed to address and support the Kidneys will be learned including “sounding.” That is, each organ has a specific nourishing sound associated with it. The sound “chui—?,” is related to the Kidney Channels of the Foot-Shaoyin (?????).
The other seasons and their related organs will be discussed during future seminars – Summer/Heart – growth, Long Summer/Spleen - fruition, Fall/Lung – harvest?Qigong exercise assists a person in gently detoxifying the body while simultaneously developing a sense of calm and relaxation throughout the body.
View The Full Details And Registration Form - doc - pdf
Feb 1st, 2015 - SEMINAR 2
The Double Hidden “Short-Short” Staff form provides a combination of Tai Chi and Staff, which can be used offensively or defensively. The advantage to the Hidden Staff is that it can be carried easily because of its unique length. The form melds Taiji with the staff to create a sense of flow, effortless control, and harmony; thus making this form, as is true for all Tai Chi, a blend of creating internal harmony and wellbeing while also providing a means for defense as needed.
View The Full Details And Registration Form - doc - pdf
More Seminars To Be Announced...
CGFI hosts seminars on various subjects such as Taiji, Qigong, Chi Na,
Shaolin, Weapons, Acupressure and much more throughout year.
Most seminars will be open to everyone at all levels.
All seminars will be held at the Chinese Gongfu Institute
4614 N. Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60625
773.728.8682
Previous Seminars
View Pictures
QUARTERLY SEMINARS - HEALTH & WELLNESS
CHINESE GONG-FU INSTITUTE, CHICAGO, IL
May 18th, 2014 - SEMINAR 1
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the human body as animated by a primal energy called Qi. When Qi is in balance the body is healthy. When Qi is out of balance, blocked or depleted, sickness can result. Qigong works on the balance of energy to maintain a healthy body.
TCM uses, as one basis for health and diagnosis, five-element theory. This theory is based on 5 basic elements in nature as described in Chinese philosophy (wood, fire, earth, metal and water.) Each of these elements relates to one other element to either generate (support) it or to subjugate (control) it. Each organ is assigned one of the five elements to describe their relationships with other organs and to assist the practitioner of TCM in diagnosis. Over centuries of observation and speculation, the complex relationships between the organs and internal and external forces (including the seasons) acting upon them, have resulted in the development of a systematic method of diagnosis and treatment.
This seminar assists in preparing the body for the “new” year; Spring is the time to plant, extend and grow. The spring energy, which is associated with wood and the Liver will be nourished through the Qigong Sun Exercise. The Liver, the organ responsible for (among other things) detoxifying pollutants, will be addressed and supported. Sounding, “Xu--?”, which is related to the Liver Channels of the Foot-Jueyin (?????), will be learned. The other seasons and their related organs will be discussed during future seminars – Summer/ Heart – growth, Long Summer/Spleen - fruition, Fall/Lung - harvest, Winter/Kidney - storage.
View The Full Details And Registration Form - doc - pdf
May 18th, 2014 - SEMINAR 2
The Hidden “Short-Short” Staff form provides a combination of Tai Chi and Staff, which can be used offensively or defensively. The advantage to the Hidden Staff is that it can be carried easily because of its unique length. The form melds Taiji with the staff to create a sense of flow, effortless control, and harmony; thus making this form, as is true for all Tai Chi, a blend of creating internal harmony and wellbeing while also providing a means for defense as needed.
View The Full Details And Registration Form - doc - pdf
January 12th, 2014 - SEMINAR 1
This seminar is a unique approach to Qigong that utilizes a short staff in a gentle, relaxed exercise format. The results of the movements are increased flexibility, improved muscle tone, aligned posture and improved coordination. Qigong staff promotes balanced energy and increased circulation and vitality. This is the second seminar on this subject and will include review of initial information and new information. The seminar is designed for both those who attended the first seminar and those who are new to Baduan Gun.
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January 12th, 2014 - SEMINAR 2
Taiji is often regarded solely as a wellness exercise designed to balance and harmonize the body. It is interesting, however, that Taiji is also an effective method for self-defense. This seminar will explore the manner in which the movements were designed so that they could also be effective for self-defense. This seminar will demonstrate, in a clear and safe manner, the way Taiji movement can be used for self-defense.
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September 9th, 2013 - SEMINAR 1
This seminar is a unique approach to Qigong that utilizes a short staff in a gentle, relaxed exercise format. The results of the movements are increased flexibility, improved muscle tone, aligned posture and improved coordination. Qigong staff promotes balanced energy and increased circulation and vitality.
View The Full Details And Registration Form - doc
September 9th, 2013 - SEMINAR 2
Bagua Zhang is a martial art that cultivates both external (physical) and internal (energetic) strength. Like Taiji, it can be considered a moving meditation. Over time and with experience, each practitioner integrates Bagua Zhang into their practice in their own particular manner based on their needs at that time. Bagua Zhang increases flexibility, body alignment and sensitivity through the use of circle walking, various palm positions, spiraling movement, joint locks, kicks and more. Learning to understand and flow with change is at the core of this ancient martial art. That concept can be transferred into everyday life where all things are in a constant state of change and becoming something new.
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May 19th, 2013 - SEMINAR 1
Pictures of Daoyin (energy/Qi circulation) exercises were unearthed in the 1970s in the Mawangdui Tombs of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. These pictures serve as the source of this exercise. The Chinese Health Qigong Association researched, evaluated and compiled the discovered exercises. In Mawangdui Daoyin the mind and body are linked and coordinated, and awareness is increased. The exercise incorporates: rising and squatting, extending and withdrawing, bending and stretching, opening and closing, ascending and descending, rotating and revolving. These simple, beautiful movements are easy to learn and benefit a person physically (outside) and spiritually (inside). They are intended to increase one’s sense of well-being, prevent disease and prolong life.
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May 19th, 2013 - SEMINAR 2
Taiji (Tai Chi) is a well-known, and often-practiced, form of Chinese exercise for health. At this seminar, the Taiji 13 Form will be explored. The 13 Form addresses the 13 basic movements of Taiji – the 8 postures (ward off, roll back, press, push, pull down, split, elbow, shoulder-hip-back strike) and 5 directions (forward, back, left, right, center). This exercise is appropriate for all ages and levels. Those at more advanced levels, in addition to learning the form, will be able to learn refinements in the execution of the specific movements within the form.
View The Full Details And Registration Form - doc - pdf
Feb. 3, 2013 - SEMINAR 1
Da Wu is a new Qigong approach directed at health. This exercise was discovered in ancient Chinese documents. In performing Da Wu, emphasis is placed on flexing movements and movement of the joints throughout the body. Da Wu--Big Dancing—is a set of graceful, joint-relaxing dance exercises presented as a fluid movement form. Da Wu is easy to learn and perform. It is suitable for people with various activity and range of motion levels. Qigong helps prevent illness, improves health and prolongs life.
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Feb. 3, 2013 - SEMINAR 2
Taiji (Tai Chi) is a well-known, and often-practiced, form of Chinese exercise for health. At this seminar the introductory 8 Form will be taught. This exercise is appropriate for all ages and levels. Those at more advanced levels, in addition to learning the form, will be able to learn refinements in the execution of the specific movements within the form.
View The Full Details And Registration Form
CGFI hosts seminars on various subjects such as Taiji, Qigong, Chi Na,
Shaolin, Weapons, Acupressure and much more throughout year.
Most seminars will be open to everyone at all levels.
All seminars will be held at the Chinese Gongfu Institute
4614 N. Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60625
773.728.8682
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