For centuries Chinese people have practiced the life-enhancing art of tai chi and the internal martial arts of pakua and hsing-i, and today millions more around the world are joining them.

Tai chi is a unique form of “moving meditation” that calms the mind, relaxes the body and strengthens the spirit. Much of Tai chi is practiced slowly and gently, ideal for people of all ages and health conditions.

Tai Chi Dao ~ Sword form from DBlock on Vimeo.

Sifu David Block performing a tai chi sword form

Though most people take up Tai chi for the tremendous health benefits, others are intrigued by the fact the style is actually a highly-effective martial art. Emphasis is placed on cultivating “chi,” or internal energy, as opposed to simply developing muscle mass and brute force. It is this focus on chi cultivation that makes Tai chi so highly effective for cultivating good health and for developing unparalleled martial arts skills.

The Phoenix and Dragon is one of the few modern schools that can teach pure Tai chi. Whether you choose this arts for health or self-defense, or both, you’ll quickly discover how much calmer and more at peace you feel.

Pakua

Although not as well known as Tai chi, Pakua is an equally effective internal art, focusing on circular movements and methods of meditation and qigong and is a perfect complement to Tai chi training. Much of Pakua is practiced slowly and gently, making both styles ideal for people of all ages and health conditions.
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Great Grandmaster Chang Tung Sheng demonstrates a Hsing-I Chuan form.

The Phoenix and Dragon offers rare classes in authentic Pakua. Master Eric Sbarge also studied Pakua with Master Park Bok Nam, an internationally renowned pakua teacher who is the top disciple of the late Lu Shui Tian.

If you are taking Tai chi for health and stress reduction, pakua, with its sophisticated breathing, chi kung and circle walking, is a perfect complement to it. If you are interested in cultivating high-level fighting skills, you’ll benefit greatly from the speed and efficiency of pakua regardless of which style you now take.

If you want to understand the depths of Taoist philosophy, pakua represents the essence of it.

Hsing-I

Hsing-I is based on the 5 elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. In this art form one goes directly into the opponent to attack, and comes out from the attack on guard. Even though hsing-i looks like an external art, it is an internal art. Many call it ‘The Bridge Art’ because it is on the line between an external and internal style.