Remembering Sifu's words on not Overtraining

[Emiko H]

Dear Family,

I just received a lovely email from my senior sister, Jean Sije, who wrote of how special the time in Ireland with Sifu, Joan Sije and the Irish group has been. Of course, this brought me joy as I have many fond memories of my own good times in Ireland when I went there – with Sifu’s blessing – to work with Joan Sije to spread the Shaolin arts.

Jean Sije kindly wrote about the ‘importance of not over-training’ and I thought I would write here in the virtual kwoon to publicly acknowledge and re-iterate the value of this teaching.

It is indeed important not to over-train, and I am sure that for those of you who have taken courses with Sifu/Sigung over the years, you will recall that this is something he highlights in every single course.

I cannot emphasize how much I agree with this. Having spent years training with other world-renowned masters before becoming Sifu’s disciple in Dec 2000, and also having had the opportunity to still meet and interact with other masters since then (all with Sifu’s blessing, of course), I speak from direct experience when I say that it is important not to over-train. Why? Because these arts, as transmitted by Sifu, are shockingly, amazingly, unexaggeratedly powerful.

Underestimating the immediacy and efficacy of these arts is a significant issue. When people have the good fortune to learn from Sifu/Sigung, they may not necessarily have been exposed to many other teachers beforehand to have the clarity to see just how unique and unprecedented Sifu/Sigung’s way of teaching is.

When I write that Sifu/Sigung is generous, this is not a ‘sucking up’ or ‘buttering up’ type of flattery. It is a simple statement of fact that he is indeed generous enough to teach and transmit the Shaolin arts at the level that he does. Very few of us – if any, have the depth, breadth or clarity to appreciate the true value of what he gives.

Sifu/Sigung’s teachings are powerful. He teaches in a unique way because we don’t get to go to a physical kwoon 5-7 days a week to train. We go to learn intensively from him and then return to our respective homes to decode and re-discover the material that we have received from him. So our training takes place in our local countries. The learning and training is split into two phases.

In a traditional kwoon, the learning and training would take place at the same time. So the way of development is different. When a student learns a little, time is given to him/her to digest and train the material. When the student has ‘woken up’ to the material, then something new is taught. Once again, time is given for him/her to train and digest the new material. Then the understanding slowly emerges. This is the process of traditional training. Of course, this is all based on the assumption that the master is a good one with genuine attainment and genuine material to teach.
Many masters are not genuine, and so the material they teach may not even be of value to start with.

Sifu/Sigung’s teachings are not only genuine, but his method of delivery is unique and unprecedented. He teaches intensively a body of material that would normally not be possible without a high level of mastery not only in the given art, but in the art of teaching itself. How? He sets a clear map for the students by delineating the historical, philosophical and theoretical aspects of the material. Even before that, he takes everyone in to a state of Zen/Tao. So with heightened awareness and flow, participants are able to receive this clear map and then they train within this environment of ‘flowing chi’ and are able to also receive the teaching material of the moves, sequences, applications etc. Though they may not have mastered the material, they have trained for enough time in the ‘environment of flowing chi’, so that when they return to their respective homes, they can re-enter the space of flowing chi, the clarity of the mental map comes back to them, and they can continue training steadily to digest and absorb the teaching material at the pace that they can handle.

It is a fact that none of us can generate the same space of flowing chi that Sifu/Sigung does. Therefore, when we train at home, our training space will be better than the training spaces of uninitiated boxers or mixed martial artists etc, but it will not be as full of flowing chi as when attending a course with Sifu/Sigung present.

So if there is an expectation that one should receive the same ‘high’, the same level of mental clarity and spiritual bliss when alone at home, then one will be surprised and disappointed. One may train even harder, hoping to acquire the same experience of what it was like when learning from Sifu/Sigung.

This increased training, combined with the desire for results akin to what was taught in the course with Sifu/Sigung, can lead to deviation and serious issues (physical/mental/emotional/spiritual).

When in doubt, I always fall back on a cute phrase I read in a chick lit book somewhere: “K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Sister”.

Yes, so I keep things simple for my training. What that exactly means is that I follow my Sifu’s words from the course:
“If you get even 30% of the benefits that you are getting here, then that is already good enough”;
“There is no hard and fast rule”;
“This is not opium smoking”;
“If you do this well, you can even drink tea/coffee” (Sifu/Sigung sitting lightly on a student who is completely locked down with one hand, and Sifu/Sigung drinks from an imaginary teacup in his other hand).

So, I train and remind myself that if I am getting 30% of the benefits, then I am doing well. That gives me confidence.

When I am about to get stuck in details of which pattern is the ‘correct’ one, I remember that ‘there is no hard and fast rule’, and I fall back on whichever move I can execute with good form, stable stances, and acceptable timing and spacing.

If the mental clarity is starting to drop, or if there is not enough ‘threat’ in the training, I remind myself that ‘this is not opium smoking’, and I feel a rush of chi from the dantian spreading outwards, and I carry on training.

When I want to know what the end of an encounter with a training partner is supposed to be, I remember that the opponent should be pinned against the wall by my flowing pressing attack, or that I am able to mimic (at a much lower level, of course) my Sifu by sitting on the opponent and being stable enough to ‘drink a cup of tea/coffee’.

I tell myself that as long as I train according to the map that my Sifu has given me, and as long as I measure my progress according the parameters he has given, i.e. avoid over-training, I will continue to progress and enjoy the benefits of the Shaolin arts in daily life.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sifu.

Happy training, everyone!

Shaolin salute,

Emiko

[Leo Shaolin]

Dear Sije,

Thank you for your wonderful post and reminders.

It is indeed a true blessing to be able to receive Sifu's generous and outstanding teaching - on the level we are currently ready for.

It is very inspiring to hear of your profound application of Sifu's advices. Thank you very much for sharing!

Best wishes,

Leo

[Hubert]

Dear Family,

Thank you Emiko Sije for highlighting Sifu's teachings on over-training, especially when it comes to the uniqueness of what Sifu has given us. Thank you also to Jean Sije for bringing the matter up following on what I heard was another historical course with Sifu in Ireland.

Thank you also Leo for starting this other thread some time ago on on over-training, and for our family members for the many comments and experiences. As Sifu has mentioned many times not only recently, but consistently over the years, over-training is a unique problem in our school when it comes to its scope and depth - it is a good thing to mention it in several places on our virtual kwoon.

I remember first hearing about it at my first course with Sifu 12 years ago. Of course back then I had no idea what that was referring too as I was too busy having my world turned upside down by discovering that chi was real and by wanting to progress quickly and to permanently get rid of all my problems in a month

I remember that at the time Sifu often talked about what he called the "fast learner's syndrome". I thought being a fast learner would be a very good thing, but I quickly rephrased it in my case as "genuine arts, genuine teacher, sincere but perhaps impatient student"

Emiko Sije summed it very well by highlighting the fact that the way Sifu teaches is unprecendented. Sifu often warns his instructors about not teaching the way he teaches, but rather to spread it carefully over time. The same is true for students and our practice in general.

I found this wonderful excerpt of a question and answer dating back from 2001, where Sifu was replying to Jeffrey Siheng about this issue:

Yours is what I would call “the fast learner's syndrome”. It is similar to the “plateau” in the learning process of ordinary students, except that the “fast learner's syndrome” comes much faster, is more dramatic, and is more frustrating.

The reasons for this syndrome are as follows. Skills and force need time to be developed — otherwise your body systems would not cope with the new and greater levels of skills and force. But being a fast learner, you acquired in a few weeks what it would normally take a few months to acquire. Hence, Nature intervenes for safety reasons.

Moreover, fast learners have very high expectations. Even when there is progress but if the momentum slows down, they feel relatively that progress has stopped. Also, fast learners are impatient. This is logical as they can learn in a few minutes what ordinary people might take a few hours to learn. Hence, when progress has slowed down or has come to a “plateau”, they become frustrated.

I was a fast learner too. But my training was different. I was trained in a traditional way, where I was used to practise — as oppose to learn — under the master's supervision, and often on my own without his supervision. I did not know what or when my master would next teach me; I only knew I had to practise and practise.

And I was used to the traditional advice given by past masters: “don't worry about benefits, just practise and the benefits will come when the time is ripe.” This advice was meaningful when it came from real masters, who clearly exhibited the qualities I wished to emulate.

Such a tradition somehow softened the “fast learner's syndrome”. Your training was different. You learned in three days material sufficient for a year's training, and you attained the targeted level not in a year but in three months. [...] This is what I mean by “intensive”. It is intensive because you can achieve in three days what most other people, if they are lucky enough to have the appropriate methods, would take a few years. [...] The material you learn in my intensive chi kung course will be enough not just for a year but for your whole life.

I believe that Sifu's methodology and transmission skills have improved so much that now almost every student experiences this "fast learner's syndrome".

The solution has been mentioned by almost everyone in the recent discussions: to consistently follow instructions within the best of our abilities - the key being "consistently". In almost every of the courses I have attended (over 50 by now) Sifu has mentioned about the potential issue of over-training, and has given the proper advice and solution. Of course part of the learning process is sometimes to go over the experience, adjust accordingly, and then to realized that our Sifu had told us all about it in the first place

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to Sifu for his patience and continued guidance through courses, articles, and our virtual kwoon!

Best wishes,

[barrys]

Dear Emiko,

Thanks for sharing this. Over the last few years, as I progress with my own training, take on more students and see how this issue has led to difficulties for some people when they don't follow instructions, Sifu's advice has become even more dear to me.

He wrote a wonderful article on some of the things that can lead to problems in January 2015 - Developmental stages in training to become a Master.

This article and Sifu's continued emphasis on avoiding over-training were the inspiration for asking Sifu to run a specific course at this year's Summer Camp - How to develop energy skills all the way to mastery: advanced skills, essential practices and how to avoid the pitfalls.

With metta,

Barry

[Nessa]

Thank you Emiko Sije for your post. It is very relevant as the arts we practice are indeed very powerful.

For instructors as well as students it is good to give time to natural development, and remember that getting 30% of benefit is more than enough for our needs.

At the moment I'm preparing for the King's Road courses and the 72 Shaolin Arts by practicing Golden Bridge. It's easy to over-train, and I have to continuosly slow my practice down and practice more gradually.
After the Dragon Strength course everything seems to have an 'extra boost'.

Before finding Shaolin Wahnam in 2003 I used to train Aikido and Taiji, with three different masters. All the masters I had were very good and I am very thankful for everything I learned. But compared to how and what Sifu teaches, and Sifu's unique way of truly caring for all of his students (just how many there are over the world!!) it is unpresedented.

I was actually a Taiji instructor myself for a couple of years before meeting Sifu. But after attending the Intensive Chi Kung course in Malaysia in 2004 I realized I had found something completely unique and stopped being an Taiji instructor.

I am very grateful to be a part of this school.

Thank you Sifu, and all past masters.

Best wishes,

Nessa

[Emiko H]

Dear Leo, thank you for your kind words and for linking my post up with the excellent thread you started and facilitated on “Overtraining”. I have read the whole thread with great interest, while chuckling out loud and nodding over people’s shared experiences. What a benefit this virtual kwoon is for all of us around the world!



Dear Hubert, I recall with fond nostalgia my very first course with Sifu in Malaysia, where I had the privilege of meeting Jeffrey Siheng who had also started learning from Sifu earlier that year. He was indeed a ‘fast learner’, due to his photographic memory. It was quite a challenge to keep up with him and Anthony K (who also happened to be taking his first course with Sifu) because they both could memorize the sequences so quickly. Thankfully, the older seniors were there: Taisiheng Chun Nga, Kowi Beng Siheng and Mogan Siheng. They were very patient and helped me a lot during the breaks to catch up and review on all of the course material. Even now, I recall the amazing chi, increasing light-heartedness, and strength of spirit that came soaring through in that Intensive Shaolin Kungfu course.

I also recall Douglas Wiesenthal Siheng, who was at that course. His arms were very long - longer than Andrew’s!, and I got nicely clocked in one eye when I did not guard my face correctly. Immediately, the eye started to swell up and my vision became blurry. Sifu told me to go into a chi flow, and to have a gentle thought that the blockage was dispersing. I did exactly as he instructed. After a few minutes, Sifu came by and guided me out of the chi flow. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to discover that the swelling had gone down completely and the vision was fully restored.

That was quite a memorable course for me! There were no video clips at that time. We had to try to remember as much as we could, and then, during the breaks, I would draw little stick men in my notebook to record what had happened. Another thing I remember is that we were taught to swallow our chi and let it sink down to the dantian so that we would not suffer from excessive thirst. It did work and none of us drank water during the training sessions.

Yes, I do agree that it is likely the case that Sifu’s teachings have gone so high level that now, not just some of us, but all of his students may have to pay to attention to issues of ‘overtraining’.



Dear Barry, great to hear from you! Thanks for your response. Yes, I love the article you refer to: “Developmental Stages in Training to become a Master”. When I first read it, I immediately presented it to the groups in Canada and Japan.

I have read the article posted by Tim that you refer to: “How to develop energy skills all the way to mastery: advanced skills, essential practices and how to avoid the pitfalls.” The course sounds amazing – and very pertinent. As mentioned elsewhere on the virtual kwoon, I already advertised Sifu’s courses in Ireland on my websites. I will also make a point of advertising this unique course at the UK Summer Camp on my websites, so that any readers who may happen to be in Europe can be inspired to attend these courses.



Dear Nessa, thank you for your kind response. It is lovely to learn a little of your background and to get to know you via this virtual kwoon. The course line-up of what Sifu will be teaching in Helsinki this year sounds super exciting – especially the ‘marvellous arts’! I will add your course line-up to my website too, in case any of the readers are able to go to Helsinki. I wish you, Markus and everyone in Finland a fantastic time with Sifu!

Thanks again for sharing, everyone.

Happy training, happy life!

Shaolin salute,

Emiko

[Cragget]

Dear Family,

Thank you so much, Emiko Sije, for so generously sharing your insights and perspectives on Sifu's words regarding over-training.

Quite often, I would wonder about the distinct difference in the quality of my personal training at home versus the quality I would experience on a course with Sifu. Sometimes, I would be prone to self-judgment in wondering why it was that I couldn't 'feel' like I did on a course with Sifu, as I'd attribute this perceived lack to the result of incorrect or deviated training.

It is a fact that none of us can generate the same space of flowing chi that Sifu/Sigung does. Therefore, when we train at home, our training space will be better than the training spaces of uninitiated boxers or mixed martial artists etc, but it will not be as full of flowing chi as when attending a course with Sifu/Sigung present.

So if there is an expectation that one should receive the same ‘high’, the same level of mental clarity and spiritual bliss when alone at home, then one will be surprised and disappointed. One may train even harder, hoping to acquire the same experience of what it was like when learning from Sifu/Sigung.

These words in particular highlighted something very important for me, and that was to remember that it's not reasonable to expect such swift and ever-increasing progress, which brought me back to being immensely grateful for the transmissions that Sifu has so generously given me over the years. I've discovered a great deal of joy in unpacking the tools that Sifu has given me over so many years and I still don't feel like I've scratched the surface! Remembering this grounds me in a spirit of humility and gives me a much broader perspective of the big picture. : )

I tell myself that as long as I train according to the map that my Sifu has given me, and as long as I measure my progress according to the parameters he has given, i.e. avoid over-training, I will continue to progress and enjoy the benefits of the Shaolin arts in daily life.

I couldn't agree more!

I feel reassured and inspired by the fact that as long as we - as you pointed out - follow the parameters Sifu has set, we find that the map itself, while being so precisely detailed, still has the amazing ability to nurture us all according to our own respective needs. I take great comfort in this and look forward to uncovering even more of the treasures hidden in the arts!

I want to extend my profound gratitude and appreciation to Sifu for his boundless generosity in proffering these arts for us all!

Best wishes to all,

Craig

[Emiko H]

Dear Craig,

It is wonderful to see you back here in the virtual kwoon!

Thanks for sharing. Maybe it will soon be time to attend one of Sifu's life-changing courses and enjoy the 'big boost' of chi that comes from being in his presence.

Happy training, happy life!

From the heart,

Emiko

[drunken boxer]

It is a fact that none of us can generate the same space of flowing chi that Sifu/Sigung does. Therefore, when we train at home, our training space will be better than the training spaces of uninitiated boxers or mixed martial artists etc, but it will not be as full of flowing chi as when attending a course with Sifu/Sigung present.

So if there is an expectation that one should receive the same ‘high’, the same level of mental clarity and spiritual bliss when alone at home, then one will be surprised and disappointed. One may train even harder, hoping to acquire the same experience of what it was like when learning from Sifu/Sigung.

This increased training, combined with the desire for results akin to what was taught in the course with Sifu/Sigung, can lead to deviation and serious issues (physical/mental/emotional/spiritual).

Thank you for these gold nuggets, Emiko Sije. I can relate to them. If only I had read and heeded this advice a long time ago.

Even now it is difficult, for example I am currently still enjoying the after effects of the Zen course, but find myself craving the same feelings that I had on the course, or closer to the course, and that urge to try to do more to try and recreate them. But I want to try the less-is-more approach this time.

[Emiko H]

Dear Paul, dear Family,

Even now it is difficult, for example I am currently still enjoying the after effects of the Zen course, but find myself craving the same feelings that I had on the course, or closer to the course, and that urge to try to do more to try and recreate them. But I want to try the less-is-more approach this time.

Paul, thank you for your honesty and for sharing.

I can only speak for myself, but I hope you don't mind if I go ahead and make a few comments. If you find them useful, then please feel free to adopt them as your own. If not, rest assured that I won't be insulted in the least if you chuckle lightheartedly and pass on them.

For me, it is apparent that the space of chi that Sifu lives in, and therefore the space of chi that he creates for us to train in when we attend one of his courses, is not from part of this so-called 'normal', dualistic world. My subjective experience is that the space Sifu lives in is a space where the mind/spirit is free of suffering and pain. The mind/spirit is not inside of such a paradigm, therefore it is not limited or bound to the 'world of suffering and pain' as most humans know it.

So the great gift we receive is the literal and direct exposure to this space of chi where there is literally no suffering and pain. While we train in this space, the participants will have their respective memories and triggers of suffering and pain, which are flushed up and then washed away. There is no need to go through painstaking regressions or therapy. The only thing we need to do is flow, train, spar, laugh, have a good time together.

By the end of the course, our minds/spirits are elevated beyond the dualistic 'world of suffering and pain'. Some of us experience spiritual expansion. Everyone feels lighter and brighter, and with a sense of clarified purpose. Most importantly, we feel that life is indeed wonderful.

For those who have never attended a course with Sifu, what I write will sound dangerously close to adulation or blind faith. But for those who have attended a course with him, what I write is simple and experiential fact.

In my own training, I hold on to Sifu's teaching of 'Smile from the Heart' as my key to re-enter that amazing space of chi that Sifu provides and lives in. I stand at the very beginning and deeply smile from the heart, and then, without hesitation, distraction, or complication, I just begin to train. I train with full confidence in the transmission that my Sifu has given me. I let zero doubts or thoughts of worry enter in. Why? Because this space of chi that Sifu let me first taste and receive is so precious. It is worth more than all the money in the world. It is worth more than all the reputation, status, accolades and material successes in the world. That space of chi is the new reality that I want to live in. That world of child-like wonder and 'smile from the heart' is the world I choose to be in.

To this day, I have yet to meet another master of the same level of world-renown, who is present, alive and here with us today, who generously offers this space of chi that is not from the dualistic 'world of suffering and pain' for anyone who is sincere and humble.

Sometimes senior students can grow immune to the often-undiscussed fact that our Sifu is rare and special. We may not have proof that there are no other masters in the world at his level or higher than him. But we do have proof that he is the only master generous enough to teach us (non-Chinese) the 'real deal' at the level that he teaches it.

I am proud of the fact that there is something that I can contribute to the training, and that is that I can be the one in charge of my heart-mind so that I will not allow doubts or fears or worries, and especially the idle words of others, to enter my heart and my training space. I can be confident that this is the way that I can be a good student. I will give the best of myself to each session of training, to each day of living. This guarantees that I will be able to sense my Sifu and that the teachings will continue to unfold and open at the pace that I can handle them.
Then, God takes care of the rest.

So far, it's been an amazing ride full of adventure, wonder and ever-deepening gratitude and joy. Literally, Paul, life gets better and better - no exaggeration!

Thanks for reading.

Happy training, happy life!

Shaolin salute - heartfelt thanks to Sifu,

Emiko

[Guest]

Hi everyone!

For me, it is apparent that the space of chi that Sifu lives in, and therefore the space of chi that he creates for us to train in when we attend one of his courses, is not from part of this so-called 'normal', dualistic world. My subjective experience is that the space Sifu lives in is a space where the mind/spirit is free of suffering and pain. The mind/spirit is not inside of such a paradigm, therefore it is not limited or bound to the 'world of suffering and pain' as most humans know it.

So the great gift we receive is the literal and direct exposure to this space of chi where there is literally no suffering and pain. While we train in this space, the participants will have their respective memories and triggers of suffering and pain, which are flushed up and then washed away. There is no need to go through painstaking regressions or therapy. The only thing we need to do is flow, train, spar, laugh, have a good time together.

By the end of the course, our minds/spirits are elevated beyond the dualistic 'world of suffering and pain'. Some of us experience spiritual expansion. Everyone feels lighter and brighter, and with a sense of clarified purpose. Most importantly, we feel that life is indeed wonderful.

For those who have never attended a course with Sifu, what I write will sound dangerously close to adulation or blind faith. But for those who have attended a course with him, what I write is simple and experiential fact.

Thank you Siguma for posting your beautiful impression. While it might not be useful for the uninitiated, I might nominate it as the best single post so far this year. Please keep sharing us with your keen insight, my cup is empty and I am parched!

With sincere respect,
Olli

[drunken boxer]

Dear Emiko Sije,

I can only speak for myself, but I hope you don't mind if I go ahead and make a few comments. If you find them useful, then please feel free to adopt them as your own. If not, rest assured that I won't be insulted in the least if you chuckle lightheartedly and pass on them.

Of course, I was very pleased to read this post, as I was with your last post.

It is a post that deserves to be read and re-read, and reflected upon, as with the last.

I wouldn't expect to comprehend all these things at your level Sije but:

with a sense of clarified purpose. Most importantly, we feel that life is indeed wonderful.

I've certainly felt these two things on the recent course, and since.

For me, it is apparent that the space of chi that Sifu lives in, and therefore the space of chi that he creates for us to train in when we attend one of his courses, is not from part of this so-called 'normal', dualistic world. My subjective experience is that the space Sifu lives in is a space where the mind/spirit is free of suffering and pain. The mind/spirit is not inside of such a paradigm, therefore it is not limited or bound to the 'world of suffering and pain' as most humans know it.

So the great gift we receive is the literal and direct exposure to this space of chi

Dear Sije, I hope it is ok to ask a question, because this is relevant to my understanding and is related to a question I thought of asking on the course though I didn't do so in the end, and I hope I can articulate it properly - I know it will make no sense to anyone who hasn't experienced chi!

When you speak of this space of chi, are you talking about chi in the literal sense? As in, I have heard people say things like "there is good chi with that idea" which to me sounds a bit like when a non-chi-kung-practising person says things like "there is good energy in this room" or "that person has a good energy" and they are talking in a more ethereal or metaphysical sense, ie they mean the room has a good vibe or atmosphere, and the person has a good attitude or demeanour. Or do you mean in the literal, physical sense, ie when I practise our chi kung, kungfu, stances etc I can feel chi flowing, I can feel it flowing to my fist, to my leopard fist etc, and on a good day (including several days since my last course) I can feel it well up at my dan tien first before flowing to the fist.

The reason I ask, as well as because of your post, is because both on the Intensive Zen course in Ireland this year, and in the Xingyiquan course in Canada last year with Sifu (kindly facilitated by yourself of course) I felt loads of chi flowing, loads of force, much more than when I practise at home. Is this because literally there is more chi in the room because Sifu is there, along with other cultivators including other high level practitioners and masters such as yourself, Joan Sije and Jean Sije? And is it this literal room full of chi that you refer to as this space of chi?

I remember years ago hearing people saying "Oh I feel so much chi when I practise because of the energy Sifu brings into the room" and I used to wonder "Maybe it is just because your practise better when Sifu is there, than at home, and so you get better results." But in Canada, and in Ireland, and in my last time in Malaysia, I started feeling these effects when I got to the venue before even practising anything so for a long time now I have thought they were right.

I should add that since the Zen course, though admittedly it has not been very long ago, I do feel I am experiencing 30% of the benefits most days, or at least 20%, and more than 30% sometimes, and also, very definitely and without reservation, that sustaining 30%, or even 20%, of what I experienced on that course would be magnificent!

Thank you Sije.

[Emiko H]

Dear Olli,

Many thanks for your kind words.

I have just read your other thread entitled, “My Ongoing Journal: the Intersection of Shaolin Arts and Life”.

Modest appraisal: This year might turn out to be my best so far. I have met so many incredible new people and learned so much in life-giving skills that I am speechless and in tears again trying to grasp a sober thought on how to express my feelings. Thank you everyone for having me among you with such kindness! My heart goes out for my Sifu and Sigung who have given new meaning to my life./

This is very touching - with such direct and customized guidance from your Sifu and Sigung, you are in wonderful hands.

I look forward to reading more of your exciting discoveries in this special Virtual Kwoon of ours! Thanks for sharing.

Shaolin salute,

Emiko

[Emiko H]

Dear Paul,

When you speak of this space of chi, are you talking about chi in the literal sense? … ie when I practise our chi kung, kungfu, stances etc I can feel chi flowing, I can feel it flowing to my fist, to my leopard fist etc, and on a good day (including several days since my last course) I can feel it well up at my dan tien first before flowing to the fist.

Quite simply, yes.

…is it this literal room full of chi that you refer to as this space of chi?

Yes, ‘this literal room full of chi’ is the space of chi that I am referring to.

But, the space of chi that Sifu lives in and provides at his courses is much more than the ‘literal room full of chi’.

Sifu teaches about triple cultivation. When we train, we train at the physical, energetic and heart (mind/spirit) levels. In Chinese, they are called ‘jing, chi and shen’. So the space of chi covers not only the physical room, but the other levels too.

Many years ago, when I went to study with another world-renowned master, I did not have the awareness to perceive the ‘literal room full of chi’. It was only after studying with Sifu for some time that I became able to perceive the ‘literal room full of chi’. I am sure that some others of my Shaolin brothers and sisters may have been able to perceive the ‘literal room full of chi’ right away, or at least much more quickly than I was able to. Nevertheless, with steady training, my perceptions opened up and I was able to sense and better appreciate the ‘literal room full of chi’.

It goes without saying that what we can perceive is just a drop of water in a huge ocean. There are so many who have walked before us, our Sifu/Sigung being our very own shining example, of course.

The reason I ask, as well as because of your post, is because both on the Intensive Zen course in Ireland this year, and in the Xingyiquan course in Canada last year with Sifu (kindly facilitated by yourself of course) I felt loads of chi flowing, loads of force, much more than when I practise at home. Is this because literally there is more chi in the room because Sifu is there, along with other cultivators including other high level practitioners and masters such as yourself, Joan Sije and Jean Sije?

Thanks for your kind words, Paul.
Yes, I agree that Jean Sije and Joan Sije are high level practitioners who have done much to spread the Shaolin arts, and most importantly, are excellent examples of what good disciples of Sifu should be. I respect their loyalty and commitment to Sifu and the Shaolin arts.

I remember years ago hearing people saying "Oh I feel so much chi when I practise because of the energy Sifu brings into the room" and I used to wonder "Maybe it is just because your practise better when Sifu is there, than at home, and so you get better results." But in Canada, and in Ireland, and in my last time in Malaysia, I started feeling these effects when I got to the venue before even practising anything so for a long time now I have thought they were right.

Yes, it is because your perceptions have opened up.

I should add that since the Zen course, though admittedly it has not been very long ago, I do feel I am experiencing 30% of the benefits most days, or at least 20%, and more than 30% sometimes, and also, very definitely and without reservation, that sustaining 30%, or even 20%, of what I experienced on that course would be magnificent!

Then, based on Sifu’s teachings and instructions, you can be confident that you are training correctly, and progressing steadily. Isn't it great how clear and simple the map is?

Now I am off to do my own training!

Shaolin salute,

Emiko

[drunken boxer]

Dear Emiko Sije,

Thank you, as always, for your enlightening answer.

Then, based on Sifu’s teachings and instructions, you can be confident that you are training correctly, and progressing steadily.

For now at least. My aim is to get the 30%, or even the 20%, all the time. Up till now I have only gotten this a few days or a week or 10 days here and there. But the Zen course was over 3 weeks ago and I still feel it so this is my longest period in this state, long may it continue. Heeding your advice in this thread may help it to do so.

Thank you again.