(Shuang Yang Pei Ho Rou Rouan Chien)
Usually referred to as ‘Shuang Yang’ for short, this is the internal form of the white crane art. It is performed in a very soft, relaxed way, gently opening the chi flow in the meridians, training elasticity into all of the tendon and massaging the internal organs. Whilst superficially very similar to Tai Chi, it is part of the Buddhist Shaolin tradition, rather than the Taoist Wutan tradition.
Many people practise the shuang yang primarily to benefit their health, vitality and longevity. Whilst the slow, gentle nature of the training make it ideal for older or less fit people, make no mistake: this is a genuine martial art practised by real martial artists.
The shuang yang art uses mostly the bow arrow stance – a longer stance than the tiger crane art. Weight is sunk down and movement is generated from the core of the body, moving out to the limbs like a wave through water. Training connects all of the tendon in the body into one resilient, elastic network with incredible strength. All movements are performed with the whole body. Shuang yang training is particularly suitable for chin na – the Chinese art of twisting joints, pressing pressure points, and sealing off the flow of breath or blood.
As a crane art, the shuang yang develops touch sensitivity and encourages sticking to an opponent, neutralising their attacks and then countering decisively.
Benefits of the shuang yang art:
Shuang yang training gently stretches and releases the body’s tendon in a slow rhythmic fashion, toning it up, increasing its strength and stimulating chi to flow through it. This energises the tendon, creating a reserve of energy ready to be released into a technique. It also circulates chi to every part of the body – not just around the meridians as in most forms of chi kung.
Shuang yang practise involves a great deal of movement in the torso: flexing and twisting in particular. As well as opening the meridians and energising the tendon, this strengthens muscles which we do not usually use, wrings out and cleans the internal organs, pushes fluids along their course and manipulates the joints of the spine, keeping them moving freely and in turn keeping the spine healthy.
Shuang yang training is performed in a meditative state and is a genuine ‘meditation in motion’. It requires sinking of the chi, calming of the mind and breathing from the core of the body. Regular practise greatly improves health and vitality and combats ageing.
This is a highly accessible art, suitable for almost anyone, which gives very rapid benefit. To start training in the shuang yang now, book a course using our “booking form. If you would like more information, contact us using the contact form.