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Pakua and Hsing-I

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.

Great Grandmaster Chang Tung Sheng demonstrates a Hsing-I Chuan form.

The Peaceful Dragon offers rare classes in authentic pakua, passed on by Grandmaster DeMaria. 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.

The Peaceful Dragon's Approach to Pakua and Hsing-I

Though most people take up pakua or hsing-i for the tremendous health benefits, others are intrigued by the fact that both styles are actually highly-effective martial arts. Emphasis in both arts 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 both arts so highly effective for cultivating good health and for developing unparalleled martial arts skills.

The Peaceful Dragon is one of the few modern schools that can teach pure pakua and hsing-i. Whether you choose these arts for health or self-defense, or both, you'll quickly discover how much calmer and more at peace you feel

Our traditional and authentic approach to teaching includes theories and principles, not just forms and movements. Instruction is personalized to meet your interests. Master Eric Sbarge, Director and Head Instructor at The Peaceful Dragon is a 2nd generation student of the late Ch'ang Dung Sheng, the renowned tai chi master and undefeated Chinese national martial arts champion.

Like tai chi, pakua and hsing-Ii are suitable for people of all ages and health conditions. And as with all the arts taught here, the rewards are great if you train diligently and sincerely.

Read more about pakua and hsing-i at Grandmaster DeMaria's site.

At The Peaceful Dragon You'll Find:

• Personalized instruction in qigong, forms, breathing methods, meditation methods, push hands, weapons forms, self defense applications, sparring, conditioning and more
• Classes suitable for all ages and physical conditions
• Classes 7 days a week in clean, spacious studios with showers, saunas, and dressing rooms available
• Highly motivated fellow students to train with

With Tai chi and Pakua you can:
• Reverse many of the negative effects of aging
• Experience greater energy and vitality
• Relieve chronic health problems and strengthen your body against disease
• Master art of living in balance and harmony
• Gain self-defense skills of the highest level

"Every class I discover something new - it's a constant adventure you never get tired of."
-Helen Gassen,
Teacher