The Way of Energy

[JohnJohn]

Has anyone read on Zhan Zhuang titled The Way of Energy: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercise by Lam Kam Chuen?

The Amazon link is: http://www.amazon.com/Way-Energy-Gai...2707778&sr=8-1

If so, what did you think of it?

[steve]

Hi JohnJohn

I haven't read the book. Judging the book by its cover and some of the pages, I don't think it's particularly good.

My reason is, that the picture of the two on the cover lack "sung" (relaxed externally, held or supported internally), and that the book uses the right describing words, but it doesn't look as if the internal aspect of these exercises are communicated.

Without trying to being bias, I would say Sifu Wong's and Master Fong Ha's books on this subject would give you much more.

Regards
Steve
PS I may be totally wrong, because I haven't read the whole book.

[Alex McArdell]

This book has popped up on the Forum several times in the past.
On one level it is very good as it serves as an introduction to Zhan Zhuang.

On the other hand, it does not emphasise Qi flow at. I've heard of a lot of people using this book to develop some internal force but then deviating and finding themselves in trouble with lots of nasty blockages.

So on an intellectual level, the book is fine and has some useful information. But in practical terms it would be wiser to practise something a little safer like Lifting the sky from one of Sifu's books.

Although I'm not a huge fan of 'The Way of Energy', I have trained with some of Master Lam's students and judging by their standard, it seems that he knows what he is talking about and is very internal.

Regards

Alex

[Zhang Wuji]

By a stroke of coindence, I was referring to this book only last night (this morning? at 0020 hrs) to cross-reference against something I just read in Sifu's The Complete Book of Shaolin.

Personally, I loved the book. Nice pictures, very helpful and practical advice for daily living. But I fully agree with Alex on the ease with which one can deviate. it is kind of hard for most people to understand how dangerous Zhan Zhuang can be. After all, it is just staying still. But I know from personal experience that Zhan Zhuang is an art in whch one needs to be initiated and which requires close supervision. I suspect the problem with most people is that they ignored the clear warnings in the book and went on to practice the advanced postures without having developed the foundation. Some people just won't listen....(or read carefully)

[Antonius]

We all owe that book a big thank you. It is the reason that Sifu started teaching in the West! Our sihing Doug started practicing out of that book. He deviated and got himself into trouble. Eventually, he flew Sifu to Spain to help him. While Sifu was there, he started teaching. And the rest is history!

I like the book. I own all of Master Lam's books. But I wouldn't recommend that anyone practice out of them.

[NickyUK&France]

If I do not misquote him, Sifu describes "The Way of Energy" as "probably the most important book to explain zhan zhuang to the West". In my opinion, this statement highlights precisely what the author, Sifu Lam, is trying to do: teach chi kung to someone with little or no concept of chi.

I would point to 2 points of difference between Sifu Lam's advice on how to practice, and the approach taken by Shaolin Wahnam:

1. Sifu (Wong) spends much time in his Q-A series and books explaining what chi is. Sifu Lam, much less (at least in this book): The Way of Energy describes zhan zhuang, not as one form of "the art of energy" (namely the static type), but compared to Sifu Wong, more just as an exercise system. To me, Sifu Lam's explanation of chi kung made it sound much less different from physical exercise/calisthenics than I have to come to like to think of it as. My personal opinion is that, knowing what I now do about chi kung, I would feel much more comfortable practicing from "The Art of Chi Kung" than from "The Way of Energy", and the reason is this difference in clarity in the explanations of what chi and chi kung are in first place.

2. Sifu (Wong) has endorsed Sifu Lam's advice in his Q-A series. Sifu says that as Sifu Lam is a traditionally trained master, his advice is invaluable. Notwithstanding this statement, in my personal opinion, Sifu Lam's teaching emphasises building (as opposed to circulating) more than Sifu Wong's does.

The comments above should be read in the context of my great respect for Sifu Lam, and the two specific endorsements of his mastery mentioned above.

[Daniel]

Dear all,

I agree that zhang zhuang is simple but easy to commit mistakes without being aware if you practise by yourself or following the book.
This kind of chikung is powerful and although I like the books by master Lam, well written and beautifully illustrated (and have attended to one of his courses), it will be better to learn it under supervision (under a good experienced instructor).
Any way master Lam has being very important in the spread of zhang zhuang Chikung in the west.
Greetings,

[Mark B]

I also think The Way of Energy is a great book. I think The Way of Power is fascinating too. Particularly, its discussion on physical structure, and its implications.

Steve,
I read Master Fong Ha's piece in Jess O'Brian's Nie Jia Quan and really liked what he had to say. I didn't know he'd actually written any books of his own! I'd really appreciate it if you could you post a link or the titles or something?

Thanks,

Mark

[steve]

Hi Mark

Yiquan and the nature of energy by Fong Ha. Another good book written by his student Jan Diepersloot - The tao of yiquan. There are also dvds by Fong Ha. There is one dvd that shows the 8 yiquan standing postures, plus other forms of chi kung, like sinew change. Google Fong Ha, there's alot of info.

I rate the 8 yiquan standing postures top class (As the Africans would say, "it's number 1") I stood for 16min a day (everyday), 2min a posture and after a month I noticed a substantial difference in my push hands. At some point, I added Sifu Wong's method of chi flow after the standing and then standing meditation, which increased the integration.

[Mark B]

Thanks for the tips, Steve!

I still can't seem to find his book but I'll keep looking. In the mean time I've been enjoying some of the videos of him on youtube. The way he moves is just so connected, it all looks so solid!

I've read both Jan Diepersloot's books! I like the first one best. I know the title says its about Tai chi but its really about zhan zhaung (and push hands). But I do feel he could be a bit more straight forward, still, its one of those books you feel inclined to read again a few years later to see what else you can pick up from it.

I think yiquan is great too! I used to train with a long term student of Master Lam's when I was back in the UK, and until my work commitments changed out here in Tokyo I'd been keeping it up training with a tai ki ken group.

[steve]

Hi Mark

Find the "Integral Ch'uan Institute", it's Fong Ha's site (www.fongha.com), and you can find the book "Yiquan and the nature of energy" there. The book is an easy read and the explanations and pictures of the postures are easy to follow.

Had a look at some Tai ki ken sites, looks like cool stuff!

[AlexBaranosky]

I just wanted to add my own two cents to this conversation and say that I also developed deviations from following The Way of Energy years ago.

I thought I was doing the exercises correctly, and did not really know at the time that it could cause problems, but never-the-less practicing from that book made me very angry and either gave me blockages in my chest and back, or it intensified the ones that were there!

Fortunately that is no longer a problem!

All the Best,
Alex

[Alphons]

the way of energy

This is a very good book that has helped me to appreciate Zhan Zhuang Qigong enormously. As a result I have formed Timur Raya Qigong based upon Zhan Zhuang + Qi flow from Shaolin Wahnam. Timur Raya is probably the first company in Indonesia that teaches its employees Qigong.

Many employees report greater vitality after training Zhan Zhuang. Yes, some deviate from practice and has leg cramps or lower back pain but after adjustment, they are back on track.

Zhan Zhuang Qigong and additional herbs given have also helped to cure myriad of illnesses such as insomnia, impotence and some are still on trial such as bone tuberculosis.

I owe a lot of our Qigong from the book written by Mr. Lam and Qi flow that is taught by Sifu Joko, shaolin wahnam.

Best regards,
Alphonsus

[Alphons]

zhan zhuang postural adjustment

Because Zhan Zhuang form is a little difficult, I have modified Wuji stance to become Wuji stance zhan zhuang qigong. This reduces the rate of deviation in practice and my employees experience greater and faster enjoyment in zhan zhuang practice.

Alphonsus