chen style tai chi
-
My Big Fat Burrito Package of Love
Paul Lara - November 24, 2015
For the last couple of weeks, I have noticed many of us going through similar challenges. I hear it come up in my sessions. I feel it in my personal practice. Clinging to pain, rehearsing the past, and uncomfortable as to where it’s all going. The process we are experiencing is much bigger than us, but it involves each of us in our own personal way. ...
Read more -
New Shit Has Come To Light
Paul Lara - May 12, 2015
New shit has come to light!! I was teaching the other night, and something strange happened. I began guiding the class with a meditative technique that in its true sense was a non-technique. I simply asked them just to be themselves. From there, it became less vague. During the middle of the process, something shifted. The centre of my chest lit up and expanded into what I can ...
Read more -
Happy Hour x 2 + Danforth Tai Chi
Paul Lara - March 31, 2015
Happy Almost Spring Time Everyone!! I am excited to announce that Happy Hour will now be running twice a week!! The classes will run Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30pm and Thursdays from 7-8pm. Spread the word!! Bring your mom!! It’s time to give more access to the people. — And for those of you keen on a Tai Chi class in the east end, look no further. Mondays from 6-7pm I will be teaching at 1530 Danforth Ave. Just west of Coxwell ...
Read more -
The Essential 18 Tai Chi Form
Paul Lara - January 11, 2015
精义混元太极18式 JingYi HunYuan TaiJi 18 Shi (Essential 18 Movement Form) 1、三才起势 SanCai Qi Shi (3 Powers QiGong Form) 2、左右混元圈 ZuoYou HunYuan Quan (Left Right HunYuan Circles) 3、金刚捣碓 Jin Gang Dao Dui (Buddha’s Warrior Pounds Mortar) 4、懒扎衣 Lan Zha Yi (Lazily Tie Coat) 5、单鞭 Dan Bian (Single Whip) 6、雀地龙 Qiao Di Long (Sweep Earth Dragon) 7、白蛇吐信 Bai She Tu Xin (White Snake Spits Tongue) 8、当头炮 Dang Tou Pao (Overhead Cannon) 9、野马分鬃 Ye Ma Fen Zong ...
Read more -
QiBelly Tai Chi Curriculum
Paul Lara - January 11, 2015
In December I received another revised version of our training from my teacher in Beijing, Master Zhang Yu Fei. Just like last year when I posted the previous changes, I am frothing at the mouth for this new material. Holy #%@* it’s amazing. He has been a busy boy redesigning, restructuring and creating material that is leaps and bounds above the standard, somewhat dogmatic approach ...
Read more -
Puppy Dogs, Ice Cream & the Danforth
Paul Lara - October 2, 2014
Hey we are back with another video for your viewing pleasure. In this particular vid, we get right into it. Not a pleasant vid per say, but still has a ring that holds true. And don’t forget to check out the bit where I pick my teeth and then wipe it on my pants. Pure class. Enjoy. Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream ...
Read more -
QiBelly TV: Mass Distraction
Paul Lara - September 17, 2014
Hey Everybody!! Welcome to Episode 2 of QiBelly TV!! Mass Distraction Featured here is a discussion on distraction. Dubbed ‘Mass Distraction’ or even ‘Distraction Culture’ this concept is plaguing our streets and our brains. Media obsessed, pleasure seeking, shopping oriented – it’s everywhere. But why is distraction such a craze these days? Good question!! In this video I share some aspects of my practice that triggered my need for ...
Read more -
QiBelly TV: Episode 1
Paul Lara - September 8, 2014
Hello!! And welcome to the first episode of QiBelly TV!! I am not sure what is going on or what any of this means, but I have decided to start a talk show concept. In this first video recorded, we basically explain best we can what is happening. Have a look!! Season Premiere Thank you Paul ...
Read more -
Fresh Material
Paul Lara - January 27, 2014
New forms, a refined approach, much more efficient – you gotta come check out what I am selling now. Master Zhang is handing down a new set of training routines that are super sexy indeed. It starts off with the Chan Si Gong (warm up exercises a.k.a. silk reeling forms a.k.a get some blood to the tips of your toes & fingers). Polished and refined, these new ...
Read more -
Word From China
Paul Lara - January 27, 2014
My teacher, Master Zhang Yu Fei, has been busy refining everything to do with our Hun Yuan practice. Since the passing of my grand teacher, Master Feng Zi Qiang, Master Zhang has set forth an approach that is revolutionizing all of our Qi Gong, Tai Chi & Kung Fu. For those in the know, this is all very exciting information. Master Zhang is establishing a much ...
Read more -
Tai Chi on the Danforth
Paul Lara - October 29, 2013
Hey Everybody, Next week I will start holding Tai Chi classes on the Danforth at Centerline Martial Arts Systems. The school is located just west of Coxwell Subway Station. I will be running two classes per week: Tuesdays from 11-12pm & Wednesdays from 2-3pm. The classes will run just like my classes at the Prana Room; however, the sole focus will be Tai Chi. In these classes, I ...
Read more -
Spring into Parkdale – Free Classes for Newbies
Paul Lara - April 17, 2013
Come check out Parkdale this weekend!! Saturday April 20th and Sunday April 21st, 2013, 10:00am-7:00pm Where: Sidewalk Sale located along Queen Street West from Roncesvalles Avenue to Dufferin Street Activities: Free Qi Gong/Tai Chi & Kung Fu classes for those who are new to QiBelly (Saturday from 11-12:30pm & 1-2pm) Sidewalk sale, food sampling, special deals Rickshaw rides along Queen Street West Visit the ...
Read more -
QiBelly in High Park – Spring Intensive
Paul Lara - April 10, 2013
On May 4th we will meet in High Park to begin our 4 week Qi Gong & Tai Chi intensive. Open to beginners as well as skilled practitioners. Qi Gong & Tai Chi, QiBelly style. Breathing techniques. Fluidity and flow. Old school Chinese theory. Modern day application. Not your typical Tai Chi day in the park, this class is gonna put new meaning to the phrase ‘be ...
Read more -
Outdoor Training: R U Crazy?
Paul Lara - November 27, 2012
What do you mean you practice outdoors in the winter? Are you insane? Maybe. But thats besides the point. Winter is actually one of the most important times of year for training. Why? Cause, most of us get lazy and like to hibernate. This promotes unhealthy habits. Winter training is essential for keeping the body strong and adaptable to the seasons. Winter is the season of Yin. Its colder, darker and ...
Read more -
What is QiBelly Kung Fu?
Paul Lara - November 5, 2012
Well, let’s start off by saying that QiBelly Kung Fu is based on a few different styles of Internal Martial Arts. Xing Yi Quan, Xin Yi Liu He Quan, and Tai Ji Quan. Without having to wax philosophical jargon, (because if you tempt me, I will) I would like to explain my style of Kung Fu in terms of health and benefit. So first we gotta clear up ...
Read more -
The Importance of Private Classes
Paul Lara - October 29, 2012
Why do private classes? Private classes can accelerate your personal progress, giving your better overall fitness and health in a shorter period of time. Genetics, lifestyle and pre-existing conditions make everyone’s health and body unique. Private classes with QiBelly focus on the individual’s interests, specific health concerns, and most importantly, work at the pace of the individual. A good place to start learning Qi Gong, Tai Chi, ...
Read more -
The Secret
Paul Lara - October 23, 2012
When I was first introduced to Qi Gong I knew I found something special. I was keen and eager and did everything I was instructed to do by my teacher. As I began to talk of my practice to friends and family, I was questioned on my sanity. Most were shocked at my dedication and couldn’t believe the ‘tortuous nature’ of my practice. But to ...
Read more -
The Reflex
Paul Lara - October 2, 2012
We are not our habits. Habits are just learned behaviours. They are not fixed nor are they in control. What I refer to as, ‘The Reflex,’ is our subconscious reaction to stimuli. The Reflex requires minimal cognitive processing, so it is typically immediate. It’s so immediate and seemingly established, that we see it as ourselves and therefore unchangeable. But the Reflex can be rewritten. For the majority of ...
Read more -
Qi-Qi-Qi Changes
Paul Lara - August 25, 2012
Yes, the rumors you’ve heard are true. QiBelly T-shirts are on their way! Along with the spiffy new shirts, comes a spiffy new headquarters. Starting September 1st, QiBelly will be at Parkdale Prana Room 3 days a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The High Park and private classes remain unchanged. Two new Tai Chi – Qi Gong classes will be offered at Parkdale Prana Room: Tuesday nights from 6-7:00pm ...
Read more -
New Tai Chi Class
Paul Lara - July 23, 2012
In September QiBelly will be offering a new Tai Chi class at Parkdale Prana Room on Tuesday nights from 6-7pm. 1273A Queen Street West. $20 + HST per person. QiBelly Tai Chi classes are based on Chen Style Tai Chi and focus on strengthening the body, increasing overall flexibility, and sharpening mental awareness. Utilizing breath work, moving forms and intent, these gentle routines strengthen the body ...
Read more