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June 2008

Breast cancer survivor, Mindy Greenfield, attributes her recovery to her practice of Ba Gua Zhang at the BlueDragonSchool (see below)

Why I Stopped Practicing T'ai Chi

There was a time when I practiced Tai Ji Quan (T’ai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi) for three hours each day. I practiced the Guang Ping Yang Family Style form for one hour each in the morning when I awoke, afternoon, and evening, before turning in for bed. How wonderful it was pushing and pulling mountains in my mind while executing the various movements. I would seemingly enter a dream state where nothing else existed, and when I would finish a round it would feel like awakening from a deep restful sleep. Truly a moving meditation. What I learned doing this consistently cannot be adequately expressed in words.

So why in the world would I stop??

Tai Chi is Qi Gong
The way Tai Chi is practiced for the most part today is simply Qi Gong (pronounced, “chee gung” and also written as Ch’i Kung and Chi Kung) or, in English, “Energy Work”. The “work” in this case is “exercise”.

This is not to say that true Tai Chi Chuan isn’t effective for self defense, because it is. However, that is not how most people are practicing and not something that will magically happen without proper training.

So, if the form is essentially an energy circulation exercise and moving meditation as most use it, how do we evaluate it? Can we improve on it?

		What is Good Exercise? My teacher since 1991, Master Bok-Nam Park, has been very specific on how to examine the usefulness of a particular form or any exercise. Regardless of who created it, how famous they were, or how great a master is in the history of a particular form or exercise, there is a simple litmus test that reveals the true value: How many joints are used? How many angles are these joints used from? Are they brought to their full range of motion? Will this range be increased to its natural potential by frequently executing these movements? How does this exercise affect the organs?
Focus your energy

Master Park frequently discusses: “There are about 650 muscles and 360 joints in the human body. Of these muscles, some get more work when used fast, some get more work when used slow.”

Complete exercise includes both fast and slow aspects. The slower movements stimulate the deepest muscle fibers and literally squeeze circulation to the deepest levels, while fast contractions would pull quickly on tendons, which then pull strongly on bones, thickening and strengthening them in the process. Goodbye osteoporosis.

Ultimately, this is why I no longer practice Tai Chi. In addition to all that I loved about practicing Tai Chi, Ba Gua Qi Gong also has a much stronger effect on the circulation and overall feeling of suppleness. So, rather than be married to what I had already invested countless hours to over the years, I simply moved on and up to what I found to be more profound and effective, due to the principles involved.

Beating Cancer With Exercise

The Sunday, May 18, 2008 issue of The Record had the following article on its front page: “Strength to beat cancer: New research shows the healing power of exercise.” This was really great to see. The article starts with “The standard weapons in the fight against cancer—surgery, chemotherapy and radiation—may soon be joined by something far simpler: exercise.” It also discusses how new research is showing that regular exercise is reducing the risk of breast cancer returning or prostate cancer advancing.

		An expert on cancer and exercise at Yale University School of Medicine, Melinda Irwin, says that exercise will become a “targeted therapy”, similar to current methods.  Exercise promotes better circulation. A key factor in fatigue is poor circulation, so those who exercise regularly will feel less fatigued. When we feel less tired it’s easy to have a more positive outlook which is sure to positively impact recovery from serious illness. It’s great to see modern research confirming this. People cannot simply rely on their doctors to keep them healthy. It isn’t enough. We must each take a proactive stance in our efforts for good health. Doing so is also empowering. So, it’s official: Exercise is very powerful medicine.
More fun than a treadmill.

Indomitable Spirit

A year and a half ago, when I began Chi Kung classes, I could barely make it through the 13-Exercises Warm-up without wheezing and using my inhaler.

When I added the Kung Fu classes, I couldn’t get through palm strikes without resting. In addition to being a breast cancer survivor, I have lung disease, and last August we found spots.

Fear is an incredible motivator. Meticulously following a regime of both classes, acupuncture, breathing exercises and meditation; combined with my own indomitable spirit, I can now do back to back classes, and I don’t even know where my inhaler is.

“I can now do back to back classes, and I don't even know where my inhaler is”

It’s difficult for most people to understand not being able to breath. It’s like trying to explain what water tastes like. Indeed there is a fluidity in taking a clean, clear breath and letting it go without making a sound. Something I had not been able to do for almost 18 years, until now, with 18 months of Ba Gua.

So, if I inappropriately jump for joy, pump a fist, or burst into tears at the end of a Kung Fu class, you now know why.

—Mindy Greenfield

Q: With so many things to practice and limited time, how do I know what to practice when I have a chance?

A: (Part 2) This month’s focus is on martial skills.

There’s a saying, “Repetition is the mother of skill.” Anything you do regularly will eventually feel natural for you.

Practicing everything just to remember it is no more than review. We cannot become proficient with everything at the same time. Develop one or two skills every 3 to 6 months and you’ll be amazed at how everything else improves too.

Make a program for yourself and decide that you’re going to commit 10, 20, or 30 minutes (you decide) to one thing every day, or every other day. If every day, then you could commit to two things, alternating each day.

Ask yourself, “What skill would I like to get good at?” (striking, kicking, footwork, a specific form, etc.) and then stick with it for 3 to 6 months, depending on the skill and commitment.

If you choose a form, be honest with evaluating the individual skills within it. You may need to back off and get good at parts first. If the parts are bad the whole is bad.

Remember, the more focused you are during this practice the better results you'll get.

Your skills work is also great  for fitness. Add this training to last month’s advice and you’re done!

Like Ancient Times—Students Caring For Their Practice Place
You can’t get much more traditional than students showing up in numbers that exceeded supplies for our annual Spring Cleaning. Here’s the crew:

Laura Ahern, Joe Alonzo, Jim Broaddus, Alan Chirino, Erik Dellith, Matt Fellner, Andre Fries, Tony Keomurjian, Chrissa Lieberman, Joseph MacDiarmid, Lina Martin, Suzanne Moschetto, Jim O’Leary, Thomasina Robinson, Gerard Servito, Paul Toscano, Shifu, Mrs., and Forrest Ahles, and three Russos (Shifu’s sister and nieces, Alexia and Ashley) .

We’re proud to say we have lots of students, not customers.

Qi Gong (Chi Kung) and Meditation Classes For Stress Management:
Learn excellent methods believed to Lower High Blood Pressure, Slow the Aging Process, Improve Balance & Coordination, Benefit the Cardiovascular System, and Reduce the Incidence of Depression, Anxiety, and other Emotional Disturbances. Relax and energize yourself. Call 201-385-3130 for our schedule and your Free Trial. There is no charge for our weekly Meditation Class.

Kung Fu & Chi Kung Demo! Come see us at Bergenfield's Family Fun Day in
Memorial Park Sun., June 22, 2008 For details please call Suzanne at 201-385-3130.

Absolute Fitness For The Body & Mind

Our Beginner’s Kung Fu classes are designed specifically for those out of shape individuals who are ready to get stronger, looser, and burn off that excess weight. Look and feel your absolute best this summer! Have fun getting in shape while learning practical self defense. Your Introductory Lesson won’t cost you anything (but we guarantee it’ll be jam-packed with powerful information you can use immediately.) Find out if this is the workout you’ve been looking for.

Take That First Step To A New You
And Make The Call Now! 201-385-3130

Meditation Class—Every Thursday at 8:30pm

"When I came to the Blue Dragon School I heard about the weekly meditation class and figured I would check it out. That was 3 years ago and I've been attending ever since. Having had the opportunity to listen to Shifu Ahles share his insights and experiences has not only facilitated my understanding of the practice but has altered my perspective on handling the challenges life has to offer. "Change your thinking; change your life." Funny thing is...it's actually true. I can honestly say I live a healthier and happier life as a result. I think that if more people knew what they were missing…fewer people actually would."
Laura Ahern, Oradell, age 42

For Non-Students To Attend, Call 201-385-3130
and let us know you’re coming. There is no charge.

"My practice at the Blue Dragon School means so much to me that I cannot fathom the thought without it in my life. Practicing martial arts has given me so much in a short time that I cannot think of any other activity that can match it. It gives you better health, learning to enjoy and experience the present moment the way life was meant to be. I’ve also enjoyed an improved body that is becoming leaner and more flexible by each passing day.  It has made me a better dad, husband, employer and has made me handle daily situations in a much more reasonable and logical way. I always know I’m prepared for challenges!"
Karim Ben-Fredj, Bergenfield, age 45

Have a friend or family member interested in trying
a Free Introductory Lesson? Let us know.
Call 201-385-3130