How Nei Gong Keeps You Fit

Nei Gong makes use of Yiquan, Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, and Qigong to help keep you fit.

Yiquan is the newest addition to the Chinese Martial Arts. It is based on Xingyiquan and is considered to be the purest essence of the Chinese Martial Arts. Wang Xiang-Zhai (1885-1963) created Yiquan in 1928. The most distinctive attribute of Yiquan is that it does not have any types or sequences of postures to be performed one after another (which you find in systems such as Taiji, Xingyi or Bagua). The Yiquan training system consists of Zhanzhuang, Shili, Fali, Pushing-hands, Sanshou en stick.

Taijiquan is also called Tai Chi Ch'uan. In the Chinese language, "Taiji" means "the ultimate", while "quan" means fist and martial arts. Taiji is the layman’s abbreviation of Taijiquan. Taiji is characterized by its slow, fluent, relaxed and elegant movements. The most important principles of Taiji are a correct body posture, relaxation, balance, concentration, breathing and the using of one’s mind to move the body instead of one’s physical force.

Xingjyquan (Hsing I Chuan) (also referred to as Xingyi or Hsing I). Xing means ‘external form’ and Yi means ‘idea’ or ‘thought’. Quan means ‘fist’ or ‘martial art’. Xingyi is also known by two other names: 'Xingyiliuhequan, 'Liuhequan'. The most important principle of Xingyi is to concentrate before you move; your thoughts direct the movement of the body.

Bagua is another name for Baguazhang (Pa Kua Chang). In Chinese, Bagua means ‘eight directions’ and Zhang (Chang) is ‘hand palm’. The practice of Bagua is based on a multiple of palm and stepping techniques. There are eight basic hand techniques and four basic stepping techniques. The circle walking of Bagua is a very special way of walking that demands much concentration and effort of the practitioner.

Qigong is a 6000 year old exercise system specifically for health maintenance. The goal of Qigong is to improve one's health and to prevent sickness. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong is the most important exercise to keep energy (Qi) in balance. Qigong activates the positive energy in the body by the powers of concentration. Qigong is considered to be the foundation of the Chinese Internal Martial Arts.

Dan-Qiu started learning Chinese Martial Arts at the age of five and has practiced Qigong, Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, and Yiquan for many decades. Through his own practice and experience, Dan-Qiu believes that doing these exercises can help an individual improve their mental and physical wellness. By applying the principles of these exercises in daily life, an individual can enhance their resistance to modern sicknesses such as nervousness, burn-out and stress related diseases.

In 2005, Shi Dan-Qiu founded the Nei Gong Tai Chi & Kung Fu School in Amsterdam. His goal was to share his knowledge and love of the Chinese Internal Martial Arts with others. From 2012-2020, he was made Technical Director for the Chinese Internal Martial Arts division of the Netherlands Federation for the Martial Arts (NFK) (click here for more info).

Shi Dan-Qiu has been practicing the Chinese Internal Martial Arts since 1966. Dan-Qiu has also studied and practiced Yiquan since 2002. If you are looking for an exercise system designed to keep you healthy, contact Dan-Qui through email info@neigong.nl. You're also welcome to view some recent videos of Dan-Qiu explaining some basic principles (click here to watch).