The secret of the receptive
Must be sought in stillness;
Within stillness there remains
The potential for action.
If you force empty sitting,
Holding dead images in mind,
The tiger runs, the dragon flies
How can the elixir be given?
Sun Bu’er
The secret of the receptive
Must be sought in stillness;
Within stillness there remains
The potential for action
If you force empty sitting,
Holding dead images in mind,
The tiger runs, the dragon flies
How can the elixir be given?
by Sun Bu’er
Stand still for health and vitality with
Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung
Many recognize Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung as a very effective way to develop a robust yet resilient body structure. Some even say it is the hidden treasure of Chinese Martial Arts.
The circulation of energy in the body is stimulated by a combination of still postures and dynamic practices. It is a great way to get acquainted with and develop your feeling of Chi. Eventually, regular training will enhance your ability to restore, increase, and give direction to energy.
With greater awareness of body and mind and a broader sense of liveliness, you may learn new ways of responding and adapting to your inner and outer environment. You can move freely and relax deeper both in stillness and in activity.
Zhan Zhuang translates as ‘standing like a tree’ or ‘standing on a pole ‘. Standing still in different basic positions, without external movement, is the core exercise of this Chi Kung style. In training, we alternate with more dynamic exercises, mindful movements, step training, and partner work.
I-Chuan
This art was founded by the famous Grandmaster Wang Xiang Zhai (1885-1963). During his life, he travelled all over China to practice and study many Martial Arts. From his experience and insights, he developed I-Chuan: a system in which Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung is the most fundamental and essential step, the basis.
Free & for all levels
Drop-in training
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Classes and Workshops
At the moment no weekly classes are scheduled, although I am available to offer a class or workshop upon request.
And if you’d like to join daily training, you’re most welcome! On Thursdays from 9-10 am, you can drop in for an outdoor Chi Kung training in my home town in Hindås.
We exercise with no more than 6 people (including myself). The location is outdoors and not fixed, but is generally just a few minutes walk from the village centre and station.
Illustration of a few fundamental Zhan Zhuang postures.
Source: The Way of Energy by Master Lam Kam Chuen
Elements of the Training
Prepare
Movement
We usually prepare with many dynamic exercises to warm up, loosen, strengthen, increase sensibility, and coordinate body and mind. Always a vital part of a good training routine.
Exercise
Stillness
The main activity is standing still, with no or minimal external movement. Maybe this is unusual at first but it is a very beneficial training for both body and mind.
Practice
Exploration
We aim to integrate Chi Kung in all our activities (and non-activities), so we investigate, experiment, and play to get to know our possibilities and develop a sense of how it feels.
Glossary
I-Chuan / Yichuan
The martial art called ‘intention boxing’ or ‘mind boxing’.
It is also referred to as Da Cheng Chuan: ‘The Great Accomplishment’.
Zhan Zhuang
Still postures, without external movement. Which can be in standing, sitting, or lying positions.
Ba Duan Jin
Classic set of 8 valuable exercises, widely known in many Chinese martial arts, Chi Kung and Tai Chi styles.
Do In / Dao Yin
A combination of meridian stretching exercises, breathing exercises, and self-massage.
Shi Li
Slow and mindful movements to explore and test structure, dynamic and power.
Mo Ca Bu
Shi Li for the legs.
Bu Fa
Step training and walking exercises.
Tui Shou
Partner work: sensing hands, also called push hands.
Jian Wu
Integration of all aspects of I-Chuan into one fluid expression or dance.
About me
My name is Deshna van Aarssen. I was born in Australia, grew up in the Netherlands, and currently live in Sweden. I’ve been practicing Chi Kung for over 15 years and since 2009 offer classes and workshops.
Feel free to connect with any questions or requests. You can schedule a call or zoom meeting or send me a message. Whatever way, I always love to hear from you.