CLASSICAL METHODS

When it comes to classical practice, Nei Gong in my view cannot be practiced correctly without the appropriate level of information and understanding of the tradition from which it emerged. This information is often not taught or even withheld. For example, this must include the reasons behind why we move in various ways; information that describes in detail the layers of opening we are looking for within the movements, ways to utilise our awareness, and guidance on how to develop deep inner listening. Without this, it will at best move the joints around a bit and deepen the breath but ultimately the student will hit a glass ceiling. These arts are defined as ‘internal arts’ for a reason.  The external forms are relatively simple, but the layers of activity occurring within those forms are where the true artistry lies, and where the fascination with the practice develops. It then becomes up to the individual practitioner how far they want to take the art, stay at the medical health level, or keep going deeper into the stillness practices that lie at the heart of the tradition.

A classical approach will always unfold in a step by step manner, it will not offer any mastery in a weekend or a year, and will be taught by teachers who have their own teachers and are accountable to them.  

The classical route seems slow and is certainly demanding. So much of the foundations built in Nei Gong begin within the body, most of the demanding aspect of the bodywork is not in the usual athletic sports training, its demanding because we have to train the body and mind to let go, to release from the layers of the body habitual stagnations stored as tensions in the muscles and fascia, and gradually build the kind of body that is open and conductive for the later stages of the training. Often Chinese teachers coming to the west have assumed that we are not prepared to do the work, so have come up with a watered down ‘more accessible’ version. Whilst for many people this is not a problem as they are looking for a weekly class to feel a little more relaxed and at ease, not a lifetime study requiring daily practice. For others it is frustrating, not to have access to the depth of the art.