Sinew Tendon Transformation with “Yi Jin Jing” Children’s bodies have natural springiness, natural fluidity of movements & heal quickly from any falls or impacts. While we all possess soft bones, flexible ligaments, fine tuned sinews & tendons, healthy fascia and elastic muscles in our childhood, we start losing these bodily gifts due to unhealthy habits & stressful life styles. The ancient exercises of “Sinew Tendon Transformation classic” called as “Yi Jin Jing” teaches us to reverse the slow effects of deterioration of our bodies.

Originally called as “Twelve Devas movements”, the “Yi Jin Jing” translates to “Sinew Tendon Transformation classic” was gifted to the Shaolin temple by Indian Buddhist monk – Bodhidharma around 1500 years ago. The vigorous and gentle movements of Yi jin jing transform flaccid & frail sinews and tendons into strong and sturdy wires. Coordinated with breathing one learns to use the will to direct the exertion of muscular strength.

The Yi Jin Jing workout: Better Sinews and tendons mean better health and shape, more resistance, flexibility and endurance:

• Special postures influence the static and nervous structure of the body
• Multi dimensional stretching of muscles and sinews positively affects the organs, joints, meridians and Qi i.e. pranic life force energy
• The whole body twists affects the metabolism, elimination of toxins and optimal production of harmones.
• Deep abdominal breathing produce more and better refined Qi / Chi

Supplementary exercises: Spice up your “Yi Jin Jing” training with these carefully selected short drills / sets from various hard and soft kung fu styles -

• Tendon & Sinew drills - Tai chi Silk reeling
• Ligaments & Joint mobility - Bagua Teacups
• Myofacia release – Soft & free flowing movements

Increase Intensity levels: Active and passive resistance drills in Solo and Partner forms. Improved resistance levels with traditional equipments used by the Shaolin monks (Kung fu iron rings) and Tai chi masters (wooden spheres).

Muscle & Bone Transformation with Eighteen Luohan Hands Qigong Sitting or standing for long hours in office & sedentary life style causes slow damage to the muscles & bones. The problem of sagging muscles & brittle bones is not only limited to the sedentary life style of today’s comfortable office environment but was also faced by ancient monks meditating in harsh climate.

Bodhidharma discovered that the lack of movement of his body and limbs over a long period of time, plus the bitter cold and wind around his mountain retreat caused fatigue, body aches and pain. His disciples also suffered from the same problems and often dozed off during meditation. To combat these hazards, Bodhidharma devised a set of exercises based on Indian Yoga and his observation of the natural movements of wild animals. This set of exercises is known as the “18 Luohan Qigong”.

The 18 Luohan Hands Qigong workout: Developing functionally power muscles & strong dense bones is the next step after the “Sinews and Tendons Transformation”. These 18 short qigong sets are unique amalgamation of external (muscle & bones) & internal (nerves & myofascia) aspects.

• Dynamic postures stretch & positively elongate the large and small muscle groups
• Combination of firm & supple movements work on both muscle types – long twitch & short twitch muscles
• Bone density improves with consistent practice of the sets since each set gradually increases the soft pressure & load on the bones.
• The Qi / Chi is drawn from deep within the body & directed towards bones & muscles which makes the strong & impact resistant.

Supplementary exercises: Spice up your “18 Luohan Hands Qigong” training with these carefully selected short drills / sets from various hard and soft kung fu styles -

• Muscles power boosters – Animal Qigong sets
• Body Conditioning – Iron vest hard qigong

Increase Intensity levels: Active and passive resistance drills in Solo and Partner forms. Improved resistance levels with traditional equipments used by the Shaolin monks (Kung fu iron rings) and Tai chi masters (wooden spheres).

Martial Meditation in Motion with Thirteen Luohan Postures Qigong Shaolin Luohan 13 postures qigong form is a special training method for inner strength as it combines the fitness benefits of qigong with martial applications. The set was developed by Shaolin Monks, after contemplating and imitating different forms and expressions of Arhat statues (Buddha's enlightened disciples) in the temple. Practiced daily by Shaolin monks, it has proven over the centuries to be very effective in reducing stress and anxiety, improving balance & body coordination while effectively strengthening & stretching the muscles and tendons.

Practiced after the benefits of Yi Jin Jin & 18 Luohan start manifesting this form is a bridge between Qigong, martial applications & meditation in motion. Deceptively similar to the moves of Tai Chi these 13 small sets are soft, gentle yet very powerful. Prolonged practice of each set individually reveals the kung fu secrets carefully concealed within these sets. Practicing at slow pace combined with deep breathing, it is a simple yet powerful moving meditation for harmonizing your inner energy flow and progressing to higher meditation practices of “Circle Qigong”.

Supplementary exercises: Spice up your “13 Luohan postures qigong form” training with these carefully selected short drills / sets from various hard and soft kung fu styles -

• Dynamic postures stretch & positively elongate the large and small muscle groups
• Combination of firm & supple movements work on both muscle types – long twitch & short twitch muscles
• Bone density improves with consistent practice of the sets since each set gradually increases the soft pressure & load on the bones.
• The Qi / Chi is drawn from deep within the body & directed towards bones & muscles which makes the strong & impact resistant.

Supplementary exercises: Spice up your “18 Luohan Hands Qigong” training with these carefully selected short drills / sets from various hard and soft kung fu styles -

• Muscles power boosters – Animal Qigong sets
• Body Conditioning – Iron vest hard qigong

Increase Intensity levels: Active and passive resistance drills in Solo and Partner forms. Improved resistance levels with traditional equipments used by the Shaolin monks (Kung fu iron rings) and Tai chi masters (wooden spheres).