Following a Rolling the Pearl workshop a while back, we talked with Shifu Robert Castaldo about the purpose of the New Basics curriculum and the future direction of Jiulong Baguazhang training. The interview offered some insights into the basics so we thought Jiulong Journal readers would find it interesting. JJ: How does the New...
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One of my students once asked the following question: “I have been reading about standing meditation practice and have come across two sources who say that the weight should be over the heels. In Bagua, we are taught that the weight should be over the balls of the feet. Which is correct?” The answer...
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What does salt taste like? There has been some really good postings and thoughts on “listening skills” lately. Something I have seen from time to time with some of my students, is that I ask them if they feel or see this, “You have to listen for it…” I tell them. And they look...
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Jiulong instructor Bobb Maio from Nashua, NH has a great article on the Kungfu Magazine site about “Cross the Great River”. This foundational Jiulong concept is an important understanding of the term “double weighted” and is a must read for any serious internal arts practitioner. There are many ideas and terms that confuse and...
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Jiulong Journal readers will remember this guy. He posed the question, “Play with me and someday I will show you something. What do I mean?” So what does this mean? The answer to this question takes us into the realm of spontaneous action. First, let’s identify the Dragon. He’s a reference to the any...
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To learn to react instantly without thought is the goal of every martial arts student. When the body is capable of instantly and automatically responding to a threat with an appropriate response, this is known in ancient Chinese martial terms as becoming Wuwei, spontaneous action with no pre-thought. What really separates the external arts...
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Several years ago I read a phrase which has stayed with me ever since. “If practice makes perfect, imagine what perfect practice would do.” I thought this to not only be an excellent use of words, but one which contained one of those slightly hidden truths, the answer for which one would have to...
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To develop Song is to use your mind to learn to feel and adjust the way you use your body machinery. This awareness teaches us to clearly differentiate between the necessary and unnecessary use of your muscles as you move.
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Jiulong Baguazhang, as part of Daoqiquan, is a complete health system as well as a martial art. In response to a question on the Jiulong yahoo group, this information was posted and we thought Jiulong Journal readers would appreciate reading it. Time and Place for Qigong Training Qigong is more than exercise. It is...
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