Kung Fu

Kung Fu roughly translates as skill developed through work. In this instance the work is on developing oneself physically mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is a perfect compliment for Chi Kung Practise and builds on the objectives of harmonising energetic flow into takes this into dynamic and expressive movement.

James’ Background in Traditional Chinese Martial Arts

Brighton, U.K.

James began studying Kung Fu as a pre-teen before moving into other physical sporting activities. Aged 21, he returned to the Chinese Healing Arts and studied Qi Gong, Southern Shaolin Wushu and Hopgar Tibetan Kung Fu with Sifu Ali Sina in Brighton U.K. These are hard or external styles and are suitable for both children and adults. Their appearance is dramatic and acrobatic, and develops a complex sense of timing and technique.

Washington D.C.

Since arriving in the United States, James has studied Qi Gong and Yang Style, Chen Style and Wu Style Tai Chi with Taj Johnson of Sky Valley Tai Ji in Washington D.C.

Since then James has also began training with Chinese Master Sifu Liu Xiao Ling of the Wudang Longmen Lineage. With Master Liu, James has studied Yang Style Tai Chi, Shaolin Staff and Sword, Ba Gua Zhang and Da Bei Chaun.

Da Bei is a style of Buddhist Kung Fu, which encourages opening of the body and extension of muscles and tendons in preporation for meditation. In many ways, it is similar in approach to the physical practises of yoga.

In Ba Gua, the forms are usually performed walking in a circle with a flat foot, with one’s focus on a deep spiralling action enabling defense of oneself from attacks coming from all directions. The spiritual and philosophical aspects of Ba Gua stem from the I Ching, the Chinese Book of Changes.