Dragon + Tiger Medical Qigong Energetics
+ Applications in Tai Chi or Bagua—You Choose!
6-11 May 2012 (Sunday-Friday)
The core programme of this retreat is Dragon + Tiger Medical Qigong Energetics, which will be taught at two levels—forming a beginning and more advanced group. Both groups have the option to train bagua or tai chi.
- Energetics in Bagua—emphasising Circle Walking + walking postures. Beginners welcome; advanced practitioners will explore applications in bagua palm changes.
- Energetics in Tai Chi—you must know a form to join this group as choreography will not be taught.
Dragon + Tiger Qigong Sessions:
Group 1—Physical Mechanics + Level 1 Energetics for Beginners + Those Wishing to Refine Basics
Group 2—Form Upgrades + Level 2-3 Energetics for Intermediate + Advanced Practitioners
Bagua + Tai Chi Applications Sessions:
Group 1—Energetics in Tai Chi (must know a form); or
Group 2—Energetics in Bagua, emphasising Circle Walking + Walking Postures
(Beginners welcome; advanced practitioners will explore applications in palm changes)
Everyone is welcome. Read Paul's article "What Beginners Learn at Live Courses."
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificate available on request.
- Resort Accommodation + Schedule
- Registration + Payment Info
- Watch a Dragon + Tiger Medical Qigong Video
Course Overview
Group 1—Physical Mechanics + Level 1 Energetics for Beginners
(+ choose either the tai chi or bagua group)
This group will embark upon an in-depth Dragon and Tiger training, learning:
- The whole seven-movement set
- Internal (neigong) content techniques
- Basic chi work and theory
This group is ideal for beginners to tai chi and qigong, and those wishing to correct or upgrade their existing form.
Paul intends to teach:
- The choreography of Dragon and Tiger’s seven movements, so you can train at home after the retreat.
- Transitions between exercises, which are critical because they can either downgrade or boost the chi generated in the previous movement.
- How to begin and end a practice session.
- Specific soft tissue techniques, such as bend and stretch, and twisting neigong exercises.
- Dragon and Tiger’s unique flavour and method of contacting and manipulating chi.
- The specific quality of chi in each exercise, and how to cultivate it.
- Breathing techniques and specific exercises meant to focus the mind’s intent and supercharge your chi.
- Applications in your bagua walking practice or tai chi form.
Group 2—Form Upgrades/Corrections + Level 2- 3 Energetics
(+ choose either the tai chi or bagua group)
This group will be immersed in a deep energetic training that will transform your whole approach to qigong. Paul will systematically teach you how to change your focus from practising a form to develop chi into chi development that gives life to and drives a form.
This quantum leap can only be made if you are an experienced practitioner of your form, and your mind can be free from orchestrating accurate choreography. Your mind’s intent will instead be totally absorbed by the energetic content within the formwork.
Paul will clarify the differences between Level 1 and Level 2 enegertics, and fill in any gaps of understanding. For those who can demonstrate embodiment of and practise at these introductory levels, Paul will teach Level 3 energetics.
Level 3 energetics is only for the serious qigong student, and will require additional training hours outside of class. Form corrections will only be given in order to achieve a strong container that is capable of supporting this deeper and higher intensity energy work.
Bagua + tai chi practitioners: In the early morning sessions, Dragon and Tiger energetic principles will be applied to either your bagua or tai chi form—choose your group. If you do not practise a tai chi form, Paul will teach you basic Circle Walking stepping techniques.
Energy Arts Dragon + Tiger Level 2 and Tai Chi Short Form Level 2 Instructor Jackie Smith will assist Paul, and provide more personal feedback and support for those who are new to Dragon + Tiger as well as the tai chi applications group. Learn more about Jackie and his qualifications on his website: www.UnseenStream.com.
Want to Bring a Friend or Significant Other Who Doesn't Train?
Many students of the internal arts, or those who are interested in starting a practice, find it difficult to leave friends and family behind for a week to train. If you're in this boat, you will be glad to know that you are welcome to bring along a friend or significant other and receive a discounted, course-free rate. Your friend can lounge by the seaside or head to the nearby tourist towns while you're in class and enjoy the sights and the relaxation that the beautiful and peaceful island has to offer. Email us to enquire about availability and rates.
Children are also welcome to accompany you. However, please be sure to make childcare arrangements in advance and note that children will not be allowed to attend class in consideration of the other students and the learning environment.
Resort Accommodation
Polyrizos Hotel | Rodakino Beach, Crete 74060
You are highly encouraged to stay at the Polyrizos hotel. Rooms accommodate one or two people. Room shares can be arranged through us. A limited amount of single rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are fridges in the rooms, but no self-catering facilities. Extra nights can be arranged, as you like, but please inform us at the time of booking so that we can ensure availability with the Polyrizos on your behalf.
The weekly accommodation includes Saturday-Thursday nights, 5-10 May 2012; check out is on Friday,
11 May 2012 after morning class.
Meals
Delicious homemade Mediterranean food is available from the Hotel Polyrizos at a very reasonable price. If you stay on-site, three meals are included in the price, including a continental breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first meal included in your stay (if you stay on-site) is dinner on Saturday, 5 May 2012, where we will have a group meeting. The last meal is breakfast on Friday, 11 May 2012.
There are other tavernas nearby that also serve up delicious Mediterranean food.
Travel
Flights should be booked to Heraklion/Iraklion or Hania Airports in Crete, arriving not later than Saturday,
5 May 2012 at 4:00 pm.
Car hire is recommended from the airport due to the remote location of the hotel, which is approximately a two-hour drive. Taxi prices have increased in the last year to up to 150 € each way. You may be able to arrange rideshare, if flights coincide. Let us know if you're interested in coordinating with other students, and we'll pass along your details on request.
Taxis and buses are available from the airport, but the bus only goes as far as Rethymnon. From there, you would have to take an additional hour-long taxi ride.
Internet Access
Good news! The Polyrizos reports that they are in the process of making wi-fi available in the main dining room and patio overlooking the sea, where we normally eat lunch and dinner. This service would be free of charge, but please note that we cannot guarantee it. (Of course, Paul would recommend leaving your laptop behind to immerse yourself in the natural energies!)
Schedule
Daily training will be held in the olive grove of the Polyrizos Hotel, which is situated on the south side of the Island of Crete. It is set against a backdrop of beautiful mountains and steps away from the sea, an ideal training ground with a mix of supporting energies. Gorgeous landscapes and breathtaking views surround the hotel and can be enjoyed from most rooms, the outdoor dining patio and common areas of the resort.
The first class starts on Sunday, 6 May 2012 at 10:30 am, shortly after our first continental breakfast. The last class is scheduled to finish on Friday, 11 May 2012 at 1:00 pm. (If you plan to fly home on Friday, we highly recommend booking flights no earlier than 6:00 pm or you may need to leave class early.)
Watch a Dragon + Tiger Medical Qigong Video