I have been a student and practitioner of Kung fu and Chi Kung since 1997. The style I was taught is a Southern style (Southern China in origin) - 5 Animal, 5 Element Kung fu. My teacher called this the Kung fu Chi Kung Life System, and with great respect for what he has taught us, I call it the same, doing my best to pass on what I have been able to integrate into my being from what I have learned and done. Though my interest and experience in Yoga and attendance in other spiritual groups/classes began prior to my studies in Kung fu, the Kung fu Chi Kung Life System is truly my foundation and passion.
My teacher was taught traditionally by monks. The story is that the monks left a politically difficult climate ... left their country, later wishing to transmit their teachings; therefore, training others. Apparently, my teacher was taught privately with a small group of practitioners. He told me that we were learning a traditional art and that it is a spiritual path.
He was trained in the art of the warrior, the healer and the monk. These aspects of the training are integrated into the whole art ... though we may find ourselves studying one or more of these aspects in more concentrated focus at various times along our path. I trained for many years for hours a day under his guidance - intensely and with much devotion and love for the art. I can truly say with all my heart that this is my path with heart which I walk along the road of spiritual enlightenment - a development and growth of never-ending learning. I am so very grateful for these teachings.
I have trained with other teachers for a number of years ... expanding my horizons and being exposed to other methods, personalities and paths of spiritual study. This has enabled me to be open-minded and aware of the various ways in which people walk in order to connect with Spirit and the essence of who they really are. Having experienced and studied different healing methods and paths has taught me the common ground/tools of healing and spiritual Work ... I was a seeker of ancient knowledge leading to understanding of human nature and the roots of illness, well-being and spiritual growth.
Though I decided long ago that my learning is life-long, and I continue to attend classes and learn new things, I have enough to work on for the rest of my life from what I learned from studying Kung fu and Chi Kung alone (and this is on-going)! It is through this art that I have learned the valuable lesson of depth ... through depth and inner work we can discover/uncover many wondrous things!
Prior to starting my studies in Kung fu, I did Yoga. I continue to do Yoga and have integrated it into my practices. Many people are aware that the roots of Kung fu lie in yogic influence, so there are many yogic practices in the Kung fu which are obviously influenced by those lines ... check out the history of Kung fu.
There are many styles of Kung fu. We teach Five Animal (tiger, crane, leopard, snake and dragon) Five Element (earth, air, wood, water and fire) style. Our focus includes the external and the internal aspects of the art, as we were taught. It is a southern style art which includes a focus on deeper stances developed over time. Though it is a spiritual and healing art, it also has practical combat applications which were used in times of war, originally, as self-protective measures in difficult political climates.
What we have to offer at Souhl Center is a spiritual path of study and work which uses the physical body as a tool for spiritual practice - similar to the teachings of Yoga, Tai Chi etc. Chi Kung is the soul of Kung fu, and our teacher taught the two together - often saying that without the Chi Kung, the Kung fu would simply be empty form. Though often embarked on for the spiritual teachings and journey, the side benefits of consistent practice over time, by the way, are greater levels of health, fitness and energy to do the things you love to do as you express your wondrous being in this world! More Chi please!
