Black Jack Gypsy

Casey Homestead in May's Point NY

Sees far - Wang Yiguang

Wang Yiguang: "I have been able to visit the Tibetan plateau a number of times. I've been deeply touched by the breathtaking landscape of Tibet and the happy-go-lucky spirit of the Tibetan people. The Tibetan people's profound regard for the natural world and animals has also cast a life-long impression on me. Their unwavering optimism, all-encompassing and peaceful way of life, are in extreme contrast with the psychological states of modern city dwellers. In my works of life on the Tibetan Plateau, I focus more on movement, so as to convey the beauty of extreme tension and moments of life. When I was in Tibet, I spent a lot of my time lying down in the grass, as I suffered from acute mountain sickness. As I lay there gasping for air, a delightful picture revealed itself before me: a couple of young, spry Tibetan girls racing about the countryside with their herd of yaks. These Tibetan girls reminded me of 'Feitian', the flying Devi (literally: 'goddess')*, when they are still earthly beings. The fairy tale relationship between man and yak, also called "ship of the plateau", came to life right before my eyes. In my series of paintings on the Tibetan plateau, I try to convey the unique psychological journey I experienced during this time. Similarly, these feelings surfaced through long periods of "observing and reflecting." Wang Yiguang

Yang 24 ~ Yang style by Liang, Shou-Yu

Lion Embraces the Ball ~ Bagua ~ Push Hands

Sun Lu-t'ang performing "Lion Embraces the Ball."

All forms of Baguazhang utilize circle walking prevalently as an integral part of training. Practitioners walk around the edge of the circle in various low stances, facing the center, and periodically change direction as they execute forms. For a beginner the circle is six to twelve feet in diameter. Students first learn flexibility and proper body alignment through the basic exercises, then move on to more complex forms and internal power mechanics. Although the internal aspects of Baguazhang are similar to those of Xingyiquan and Taijiquan, they are distinct in nature. 

Baguazhang is one of three main Chinese martial arts of the Wudang, the other two are Taijiquan [T'ai Chi Ch'uan] and Xingyiquan.  An internal practice, Bagua zhang means 'eight trigram palm' referring to the I Ching.  Bagua is based on Yin and Yang, the I Ching and the Bagua diagram -- circle walking or 'turning the circle.'   From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baguazhang  

Bagua Eight Palms

Turning Your Mind into an Ally ~ Sakyong Mipham

Wu Qin Xi