|
Dear KungFu.Life Subscribers, |
|
|
In the spirit of June's aliveness and vibrant energy - let’s jump right in! |
|
|
|
In this month’s newsletter, we’ll explore the dynamic qualities of June, how to balance its fiery rhythm, and how to align our focus with the flowing practice of Rou Quan in the weeks ahead.
|
|
|
Topics of this month newsletter
1. Training with Fire in the Heart of June
- A month of light, life, and possibility
2. Shifu | Intention
3. Shaolin Rou Quan - Soft, Internal, Circular
4. KFL Updates, Live Classes & Events
- June Live Classes | Mondays with Shifu Yan Xin
- Netherland Seminars | Impressions
- Summer Retreat 2025 | Few Places remaining |
|
|
|
|
1. Training with Fire in the Heart of June
- A month of light, life and possibility |
|
|
June has arrived, carrying us into a time of light, growth, and outward expansion, bridging the fullness of spring with the arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
In the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, June marks the height of summer and the full expression of the Fire element (火) - the most yang and expansive phase of the year, when life force is strong, especially around the summer solstice (21 June). |
|
|
|
This is a time when nature is in full bloom, the days are long and bright, and energy rises to the surface.
A time that lends itself to moving, training outdoors and embracing the practice of larger, more energetic and flowing movements.
|
|
|
Fire governs the Heart (心) and its spirit, the Shen (神), which reflects our consciousness, joy, and emotional vitality. As the "emperor" of the organs, the Heart invites us this month to live from a place of warmth, connection, and inner clarity.
June’s energy is joyful, expressive, and alive, encouraging us to open ourselves - to others, to purpose, and to the beauty of the present moment.
|
|
|
| |
|
But as with any fire, balance is key: we are reminded to stay grounded and nourish the spirit, so that our inner flame burns steady, not wild.
In training terms this means combining and balancing bigger and expressive elements of the practice such as flowing forms, deeper flexibility, weapon training, kicks and energetic practices with more stabilizing breathwork, Qi Gong, meditation and the awareness to not overtrain or overheat during this ‘fire driven’ month.
|
|
|
"In June, the fire within mirrors the fire without.
The heart opens like a lotus - radiant, joyful, and wise - calling us to live with warmth, clarity, and connection." |
|
|
|
|
| "Keep feeling your intentions, they can easily go with all the distractions.
The power of true intention - don’t let it go. Come back to it, keep the moment, keep the energy, find the discipline to achieve what you set out to do.
The power of true intention – come back to it."
Shifu Yan Xin |
|
|
|
|
|
3. Shaolin Rou Quan - Soft, Internal, Circular |
|
|
During June we will turn our attention to the practice of Shaolin Rou Quan | Soft Fist - an intricate, traditional form that incorporates the elements of water and fire, focusing on the cultivation of internal energy (qi) and internal strength (nei li). |
|
|
|
Practicing Rou Quan during this season, with June inviting fullness, outward expression and vitality, this form offers balancing qualities, to find a sense of calmness, focus and presence. Letting yourself flow with the movements and allowing yourself to arrive in the moment - the thinking mind can relax. A practice to embrace summers aliveness without losing your center.
|
|
|
|
Rou Quan Style
The Rou Quan style and teachings are closely related to the principles of Qi Gong and are known for their fluid, powerful and beautiful movements. It follows Daoist principles, in particular the idea that softness can overcome hardness, like water eroding stone. Instead of meeting force with force, it redirects or absorbs incoming energy.
|
|
|
|
Rou Quan uses traditional techniques, combining the soft and flowing movements with elements of strength and explosiveness. This contrast of movements in the form can help to balance the Yin and Yang energies in our body and mind and are used to impact and increase the internal Qi.
This style embodies a philosophy of internal strength, calm resilience, and adaptive power.
|
|
|
|
Water & Fire
The soft and fluid movements in Rou Quan represent the Water Element (Yin), whilst the explosive aspects in this form represent the Fire Element (Yang). Water is the dominating element in this form, training our body and mind to connect with the flowing qualities of water, through its soft and circular movements. |
|
|
Yet softness can only be truly cultivated when supported by structure. In Rou Quan, the Fire element represents that strength and framework - providing the container that allows the flowing, yielding nature of the Water element to be explored and refined within the form.
Whenever one force dominates, its opposite must be present to maintain some level of balance. In Rou Quan, the explosive power of the fire element serves as a counterbalance to the form’s inherent softness. This dynamic interplay between the two forces of internal and external techniques, is what gives Rou Quan its unique character and internal depth. |
|
|
|
Character
Unlike hard styles that focus on muscle and speed, Rou Quan develops internal strength (内力) - power generated through alignment, slow strength, breath, intention, and relaxation. Movements can appear slow and flowing, but they contain deep, focused energy. |
|
|
Softness
Internal Energy
Circular motion |
|
|
| |
|
The character of Rou Quan is meditative, precise, and circular. It emphasizes smooth transitions, controlled breathing, and mental presence. Every motion is deliberate and efficient, reflecting harmony between body and mind.
|
|
|
|
4. KFL Updates, Live Classes & Events
- June Members Live Classes |
|
|
Our June live class schedule will remain largely the same as last month, with one exciting change on Mondays! |
|
|
Throughout June, Shifu Yan Xin will lead a series of Monday classes focused on Rou Quan (Soft Fist).
Building on last weekend’s workshop and in preparation for our upcoming summer retreat, these sessions will dive into the unique character, essence and purpose of Rou Quan.
Each class we will be exploring some of its many layers of wisdom, benefit, and refinement.
Whether you're just beginning or well along your training path, these classes will enhance vitality, mobility and will help to reset your energy to feel good in your body and mind. All levels are warmly welcome.
|
|
|
|
| Mondays
Shaolin Rou Quan | Meditation with Shifu Yan Xin
Tuesdays
Kung Fu Foundations | Conditioning | L1 Form Drills with Damien | Radha |
|
| Wednesdays
Whole Body Stretch with Shan
Thursdays
Shaolin Yin Shou Gun | Staff Form with Damien |
|
|
| |
|
|
For a full overview and class details you can follow this link to the timetable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Netherlands Seminars | Impressions |
|
|
A big thank you to all who came to join, we truly enjoyed meeting new and familiar faces, and to those who helped to make these two fantastic training weekends possible. Thank you! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Summer Retreat 2025
7-11 August | Glendalough, Ireland |
|
|
|
Join us for our annual KFL Summer Retreat in Ireland!
Spaces are filling up, with only 7-8 spots remaining - don’t miss your chance to be part of this special experience.
All the details for this years event as well as registration can be found here:
|
|
|
|
As we make our journey through June and summer energy begins to rise, we are reminded to nourish our hearts, clarify our intention, move with joy and remember to find softness in our being, cultivating a place of inner stillness in our mind and our practice.
Whether you're joining us in the live classes, preparing for the retreat or are immersed in your own routine, let your training this month be joyful, stay rooted, and train with heart.
Warm wishes, |
|
|
|
|
Visualizar no navegador “ Faz-te à Vida ” é o lema da campanha de 2025, lançada pela Fundação Portuguesa de Cardiologia (FPC) para cel...
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário