The Institute of Chinese Martial
Arts
Paul Brecher is the Founder and Chief Instructor of The Institute of
Chinese Martial Arts. All his martial arts experience (he has been
training since 1977) is contained in the Training Manual of The
Institute of Chinese Martial Arts.This 375 page book contains detailed information about
the three Chinese Martial Arts Systems of:
Wu Tang Shan Nei Jia Chuan ( Wudang Shan Nejia Quan )
Tai Chi Chuan ( Taiji Quan )
Pa Kua Chang ( Bagua Zhang )
All students and instructors of The Institute of Chinese Martial Arts refer to this book for guidence and direction in their training. It contains the sylabus of the college and explains the history and philosophy of these Chinese Martial Arts and their forms, training methods, theories and principles. Ancient texts and modern explanations are used to explain the way of moving for healing and the fa jin explosive striking method for fighting. The location of the anatomical weak points that are targeted in both the empty hand and weapons sets are all revealed.
This book is now also available to the general public who have an interest in Chinese Martial Arts and would like access to this information.
The Training Manual of The Institute of Chinese Martial Arts costs £26.50, this price includes postage and packing to anywhere in the world. You can pay online with a credit card using Pay Pal or with your own Pay Pal account, just click on the 'Add To Cart' button to be taken to both methods of payment.
Institute of Chinese Martial Arts Training Manual
Book Review by Paul Caswell
This martial arts text is a huge piece of work, predominantly aimed at students of the Institute of Chinese Martial Arts; in essence it is a detailed reference manual, 375 pages in A4 size, covering all aspects of training at the Institute. The theoretical, the historical and the technical. When I first received a copy in the post I was struck by the sheer size of it. Thankfully it is a rich and essential tool for anyone wanting to learn Old Yang style Tai chi Chuan, Pa Kua Chang and Wudang Shan Nei Jia Chuan. Each component of the 3 systems is covered in simple yet thorough detail. In the past I have spent a small fortune on a wide variety of training manuals, only to be disappointed by the wasted images and flowery words used to fill the book. No such crime has been committed by Paul. There are no fancy stories, self-publicising images or unnecessary material. Just excellent quality teaching notes, written simply and easy to follow. Don t be fooled in thinking that this is a how-to manual. It is a tool designed to build deeper learning and supplement good old fashioned hard work done in class and at home.
As a former student of Paul s in the late 90 s I only wish that I had this manual available to me as a student. I remember trying to write my own detailed notes, it took me more time than necessary; it took me away from training and into writing about training. This text that Paul has produced now means that students do not need to waste time making unnecessary training notes. Everything in his system is in this text. It fills in many gaps, answers many questions and acts as both a reminder for learning that has taken place, and a signpost for future learning paths. This book has shown me how much I had learned in my time with Paul but also how much I had not learned.
This text reflects Paul s characteristics both as a teacher, a healer and a man. He epitomizes the Yin Yang symbol. He (and thus the text) is a vast font of internal martial and healing art knowledge, but he does not want to hold onto this information and slowly give it to you like masters of old. This text should be likened to an encyclopaedia of all he teaches. But it is only a compliment to regular training with Paul.
This training manual demonstrates that Paul is tenacious and utterly committed to his training and thus developing his students. He smiles when he trains and does not take himself too seriously. This training manual is just that, a manual, not a doctrine to be worshipped. Paul is a formidable yet humble martial artist, he believes in what he does, what he teaches. More importantly, just like the material in this text, he can expertly and clearly demonstrate material in class. Paul is a writer second and a martial artist first. He can subtly evade your attacks, penetrate your defences and make you wonder why you did not feel anything until his finger tips are millimetres from your eyes and throat whilst smiling as you realise what has just happened.
I would whole heartedly recommend this book to anybody with an interest in the Chinese Martial Arts and those on the path learning Paul s material, beginner or advanced. Note the emphasis on the word martial. This text, like Paul is a shining example of the chuan, the fist, the kung fu, the hard work being both an integral and primary aspect of the Chinese Internal Martial Arts.
Institute of Chinese Martial Arts Training Manual
List of Contents
Foreword by David Leffman
Introduction by Paul Brecher
Chapter One…………..Page 16
Chinese Martial Arts Philosophy
Wu Chi
Tai Chi
The Three Treasures
The process of transformation
The Three Areas of Transformation
The Three Tan Tiens
The Small Heaven Orbit
The Number Three
The Three Ideas for the Eyes Open
The Three Ideas for the Eyes Closed
The Three Ideas for the Eyes when Fighting
The Three Fighting Distances
The Three Sensitivities
The Three Benefits
Transformations Of A Spiritual Dragon
Chapter Two………….Page 32
Chinese Martial Arts Skills
Chapter Three…….….Page 37
Chinese Martial Arts History
Chapter Four………….Page 42
Chinese Martial Arts Historical Texts
Essentials of the Classic of Pugilism Published in 1584
by General Chi Chi Kuang 1528 – 1587
On Nourishing Central Chi and Martial References Published in 1781
by Chang Nai Chou 1728-1783
Chapter Five…………..Page 61
Chinese Martial Arts Training
Chi (energy) Way of Moving
Jin (internal force) Way of Moving
Fa jin (explosive release of internal force) Way of Moving
The main Principles of the Chi Way of Moving
The main Principles of the Jin Way of Moving
Chapter Six……………Page 72
Chinese Martial Arts Principles
The healing benefits of the chi way of moving.
Principles of Posture for the Chi Way of Moving
Principles of Earth and Leg Power for the Chi Way of Moving
Principles of Breathing for the Chi Way of Moving
Breath
Level One Breathing (Traditionally called Post Natal Breathing)
Level Two Breathing (Traditionally called Pre Natal Breathing)
Level Three Breathing (Pre Natal and Post Natal Breathing Combined)
Level Four Breathing (Traditionally called Tortoise Breathing) Additional types of breathing
Principles of Opening and Closing the Kwa for the Chi Way of Moving
Principles of Bone Breathing in the Chi Way of Moving
Principles of the Wave in the Chi Way of Moving
Principles of the Jin and Fa jin Way of Moving
Principles of Elastic Tendon Force in the Jin Way of Moving
Principles of Joint Sinew Force in the Jin Way of Moving
Principles of Hip and Ribcage Rotation Torque Force
in the Jin Way of Moving
Principles of Squeezing Power in the Jin Way of Moving
Principles of Scapular Spring Torque Force in the Jin Way of Moving
Principles of Yin Yang Palm Power in the Jin Way of Moving
Principles of Intention in the Jin Way of Moving
Chapter Seven………..Page 93
Chinese Martial Arts Fighting
Before the Fight
Attack Response
Yang Energy
Two Opponent’s
Survival
Full and Empty
Footwork
Yin and Yang
Distance
Body Weapon
Stance
The Eyes Move Cover Strike
Centreline
Way of Moving Being Fighting
The End
Chapter Eight………..Page 104
Wutang Shan Nei jia Chuan
The Syllabus of Wutang Shan Nie Jia Chuan
The Penetration Form
The Leaping Form
The Eight Directions Form
The Spiral Form
The Waving Form
The Closing Up Form
The One Handed Or Water Form
The Ground or Earth Form
The Wu Chi (Emptiness) Form
The Stillness Form
The Prenatal Form
The Finishing Form
The Twelve Hand Weapons Forms of The Wutang Shan Nei Jia Chuan
The Hammer Hand
The Spear Hand
The Sword Hand
The Plough Hand
The Axe Hand
The Three Section Staff Hand
The Combination Weapon Hand
The Dart Hand
The Drill Hand
The Spade Hand
The Double Blade Hand
The Tree Stump Puller Hand
Chapter Nine………..Page 123
Old Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan
Yang Shao Hou 1862-1929
Old and New Yang Styles
A brief overview of the life of Yang Lu Chan.
China during the lifetime of Yang Lu Chan
The Yang Family Tai Chi Classics
What the classics say about Chi Kung
What the classics say about sensitivity training
What the classics say about fighting
What the classics say about moving with the opponent
What the classics say about one’s own body movement
Important Words on Martial Applications
The Old Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Syllabus
Tai Chi Standing Chi kung
Some words about Tai Chi Standing Chi kung
Some words about Tai Chi Chuan Moving Forms
The Old Yang Style Tai Chi Long Form
Photographs of the Old Yang Style Tai Chi Long Form
Chen Pan Ling 1892 –1967
First Section
Second Section
Third Section
The Pao Chui Form - The Cannon Fist Form
The Large San Sau Form – The Large Free Hands Form
The Movements of The Pau Chui Form at a Basic Level
The Large San Sau Fighting Form
Hsiung Yang Ho 1886-1984
The Large San Sau Basic Level
The Large San Sau Advanced level
Modules 1 to 33
The Small San Sau Form - The Small Free Hands Form
The Mother Applications
Lung Har Chuan - Dragon Prawn Fist
The Vertical Method
The Lateral Method
The Willow Tree Method
The Continual Method
The Twelve Circular Point Strike Forms
Snake Hands.
Straight Hands.
Changing Hands.
Throwing Hands.
Waving Hands.
Breaking Hand.
Willow Hand.
Hammer Hand.
Bumping Cutting Hand.
Small Circle Hand.
Eagle Shape Hand.
Double Changing Palm.
The Da Lu - The Four Corners
Single Pushing Hands and Double Pushing Hands
Single Pushing Hands
Single Pushing Hands with Stepping Abstract Methods
Change Step
Walking Step
Cross Step
No Step Hit
No Step No Hit
No Step Return to Outside Lead Arm
Change Step
Walking Step
Cross Step
Spontaneous Combinations
Single Pushing Hands Practical Methods
Single Pushing Hands Anti Grab Methods
Single Pushing Hands Practical Applications from Abstract Moves
Abstract Moves
Practical Applications
Single Push Hands the Yang Method
Single Pushing Feet
Double Pushing Hands
Double Pushing Hands Single Attacks with V step
Double Pushing Hands Triple Attacks
Double Pushing Hands Attacks from Wardoff (Carry)
Double Pushing Hands Attacks from Rollback
Double Pushing Hands Counter Attacks with Press
Double Pushing Hands Attacks, Counter and Counter Counter Attacks
Weapons
The Old Yang Style Tai Chi Short Staff Form
First Short Staff Small San Sau
Second Short Staff Small San Sau
Third Short Staff Small San Sau
Short Staff Large San Sau
The Old Yang Style Tai Chi Broadsword Form
The Old Yang Style Tai Chi Spear Form
General Chi Chi Kuang says of the Spear
Chang Nai Zhou says of the Spear
Chapter Ten………..Page 242
Pa Kua Chang
Tung Hai Chuan 1797-1882
Yin Fu 1842-1909
Cheng Ting Hua 1848-1900
The History and Philosophy of Pa Kua Chang
The Ancient Way of the Shaman
Siberian Shaman
Heaven
Earth
The Way of the Shaman Evolves into Taoism
Animal Chi Kung Stretching Exercises
The Animal Chi Kung Exercises Manuscript from 200 BC
The Five Animal Exercises of Hua Tuo
Animal Styles of Martial Arts
Taoism
Wu Wei
Wu Chi
The Yin Yang Symbol
The Tao Teh Ching
A poem by Loy Ching Yuen 1873 – 1960
The I Ching
The Eight Trigrams of The I Ching
Water
Fire
The Sixty Four Hexagrams of The I Ching
The Pre Heaven Pa Kua Chang By Fu Hsi
The Post Heaven Pa Kua Chang By Wen Wang
The Post Heaven Magic Turtle
The Pa Kua Chang Classics
The Pa Kua Chang Classics on Training
The Pa Kua Chang Classics on Fighting
Pa Kua Chang Technical Information
The Eight Points of Pa Kua Chang Posture
The Eight Principles of Pa Kua Chang Movement
The Eight Ways Pa Kua Chang Heals
The Eight Ways of Pa Kua Chang Fighting
The Eight Pa Kua Chang Stepping Methods
The Eight Ways of Pa Kua Chang Martial Virtue
The Eight Fighting Strategies of Pa Kua Chang
The Eight Mysteries of Pa Kua Chang
The Pa Kua Chang Syllabus
The Eight Pa Kua Chang Palms Shapes
Direction Changes in Pa Kua Chang Circle Walking
Single Palm Change
Pa Kua Chang Double Fire Palm Training
Pa Kua Chang Double Fire Palm Circle Walking Training
Inside Change Against Inside Change
Outside Change Against Outside Change
Inside Change Against Outside Change
Thunder Palm and Fire Palm Counterstrikes
Flock of Wild Geese Burst Out against Arm Break
Arm Break counter to Wind Palm Attack
Water Palm counter to Wind Palm Attack
The Complete Single Palm Change Attack
Fierce Tiger Jumps Out of the Cage with counter attack
Place the Opponent’s Helmet on Your Own Head
Front Kick countered by Low Fire Palm
Golden/Colourful Rooster Stretches its Wing with counter attack
Golden/Colourful Rooster Stretches its Leg with counter attack
Push the Mountain into the Sea
Monkey Offers Fruit
The Eight Separate Pa Kua Chang Linear Animal Forms
Bear
Monkey
Phoenix
Snake
Unicorn
Hawk
Lion
Dragon
The Pa Kua Chang Circular Combination Animal Form
Chiang Jung Chiao 1891-1974
The Eight Sections of The Pa Kua Chang Combination Animal Form
Single Palm Change
Double Palm Change
Straight Palm Change
Back Facing Palm Change
Reversing Palm change
Body Scraping Palm Change
Thrice Penetrating Palm change
Turn the Body Around Palm change
Pa Kua Chang Weapons
Pa Kua Chang Circle Walking Dragon Staff Fighting
Walking the Dragon Staff Circle
Inside Change High and Low
Circle and Stab High and Low
Applications of Inside Change High
Applications of Inside Change Low
Outside Change and Stab
Low Outside Change
Cross Step Outside Turn Strike
Spontaneous Dragon Staff Free Fighting
The Pa Kua Chang Circular Flying Dragon Double Sword Form
Green Dragon Swings its Tail
Yellow Dragon Turns its Body
Black Dragon Lifts its Head
Golden Dragon Leaps into the Water
Diving Dragon Swims across the Abyss
Silver Dragon Plays in the Water
Flying Dragon Ascents to the Sky
Divine Dragon Rides on the Clouds
The Process of Transformation
Pa Kua Chang Wooden Man Form
The Wooden Man Form - On the Wooden Man.
The Wooden Man Form - Off the Wooden Man around a circle.
The Wooden Man Form - Applications on the Person.
Pa Kua Chang Wooden Man Form
Section 1 - 8
Chapter Eleven…….….Page 375
End Note
© 2011 paul brecher