This Continuers course offers a deeper exploration of Ba Gua Zhang, expanding on the skills and movements from our Beginners Qi Gong class, particularly the Keystone Exercises. You will learn some of the most important exercises for the development of the key internal skills of Ba Gua, such as Circle Walking, Linear Stepping and the Single Palm Change. By the end of the course, you will have developed a deep understanding of these foundational practices, which form the heart of Ba Gua and can offer lifelong benefits.
The Continuers class curriculum emphasises the martial expression of the art through more dynamic movements and a wider range of partnered exercises. Approaching your practice in this way provides a uniquely tangible experience of the principles of Ba Gua which quickly amplifies your skill and understanding of the art. By the end of the class you will be able to directly observe how your practice has transformed your experience of mind, body and spirit.
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Introduce Yin Yang Acupoint Slapping
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Review Keystone Exercises and Downward Sinking Palm Post Standing
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Introduce Crane Stepping and linear 4 step turn
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Introduce Linear Stepping with Downward Sinking Palm
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Review partnered Stationary Piercing Palm
Week 2: Expanding Movement & Stability
Building strength, balance, and coordination through new stepping techniques.
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Review Yin Yang Acupoint Slapping, Keystone Exercises, Downward Sinking Palm Post Standing, and Crane Stepping
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Add Embrace Moon to Chest and Mountain Pressing Palm to Post Standing
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Introduce linear stepping with Embrace Moon to Chest and Mountain Pressing Palm
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Review partnered Mud Stepping with Embrace Moon to Chest and Mountain Pressing Palm
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Introduce Snake Stepping
Week 3: Circular Motion & Partnered Drills
Developing control and adaptability with circular stepping and applications.
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Review Yin Yang Acupoint Slapping, Keystone Exercises, Post Standing, Crane Stepping, Snake Stepping and Linear Stepping
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Introduce partnered Linear Stepping with Embrace Moon to Chest and Mountain Pressing Palm
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Introduce Coin Step Circle Walking in Downward Sinking Palm
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Partnered practice of Downward Sinking Palm application
Week 4: Fluidity & Power in Movement
Enhancing flow through coordinated stepping and martial applications.
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Review Yin Yang Acupoint Slapping, Keystone Exercises, Post Standing, Crane Stepping and Snake Stepping
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Introduce Linear Stepping and Piercing
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Review Coin Step Circle walking in Downward Sinking Palm and 4 step change
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Introduce Coin Step Circle walking in Heaven Uplifting Palm
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Introduce 4 step change in Heaven Uplifting Palm with Hide Flower Under Leaf
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Partnered practice of Heaven Uplifting Palm application
Week 5: Strengthening Internal Energy & Technique
Exploring new palm techniques and refining partnered movement.
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Review Yin Yang Acupoint Slapping, Keystone Exercises, Snake Stepping, Crane Stepping, and Linear Stepping and Piercing
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Introduce Partnered Linear Stepping and Piercing Palm
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Review Coin Step Circle walking in Downward Sinking Palm and Heaven Uplifting Palm
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Introduce Coin Step Circle walking in Millstone Pushing Palm
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Introduce 4 step change in Millstone Pushing Palm with Hide Flower Under Leaf and Sparrow Hawk Drills into the Sky
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Partnered practice of Millstone Pushing Palm application
Week 6: Three Posture Standing & Internal Focus
Deepening internal awareness and refining posture-based techniques.
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Review Yin Yang Acupoint Slapping, Keystone Exercises, Snake Stepping, Crane Stepping, and Linear Stepping and Piercing
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Introduce Linear Stepping with Old Monk Holds up the Alms Bowl
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Introduce 3 posture standing: Old Monk Holds up the Alms Bowl, Hide Flower Under Leaf and Millstone Pushing Palm
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Review Coin Step Circle walking in Downward Sinking Palm, Heaven UpliftingPalm and Millstone Pushing Palm
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Partnered practice of 3 Posture Standing application
Week 7: Integration & Partnered Applications
Bringing together all elements in fluid, dynamic practice.
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Review Yin Yang Acupoint Slapping, Keystone Exercises, Snake Stepping, Crane Stepping, 3 Posture Standing, and Linear Stepping and Piercing
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Introduce partnered Linear Stepping with Old Monk Holds up the Alms Bowl
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Review Coin Step Circle walking in Downward Sinking Palm, Heaven Uplifting Palm and Millstone Pushing Palm
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Partnered practice of 3 Posture Standing application
Week 8: Mastery & Refinement
Refining movements, reinforcing techniques, and deepening practice.
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Review Yin Yang Acupoint Slapping, Keystone Exercises, Snake Stepping, Crane Stepping and 3 Posture Standing
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Review both variations of partnered Linear Stepping
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Review Coin Step Circle walking in Downward Sinking Palm, Heaven Uplifting Palm and Millstone Pushing Palm
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Partnered practice of 3 Posture Standing application
Qi Gong is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because qigong is a low-impact exercise, it may be especially suitable if you're an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.
It is the mission of Sydney Community College to provide quality, accessible education, and training. Our commitment to improving the quality of all courses we offer is ongoing and extends to ensuring the safety of all our students. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any physical impairment that might impact participation in the course.