Link-weaving the Energetic Body

25 April to 2 May 2015

Daily input of 'hands language' teaching in the peaceful ambience of Il Convento, Casola in Lunigiana, Italy.

TaijiQuan (T'aichi Ch'uan) is a precise and fine art, which when practised correctly develops the soft energetic body. The essence of the technique lies in the Twining Silk exercises. The taiji body in an ever-changing pattern of connected turnings draws forth from within a resilient strength and an abundance of energy.

Twining Silk ~ Chansijin ~ takes its name from the movement of the silkworm as it makes silk. Chan is the action of twining, something turning around itself. Si means silk. Jin means refined power. Chansijin is the spiralling power that emerges from chansi. Over time one cultivates the delicate motions within the core which create spirals spontaneously in the integrated body. Once one learns to twine, then one simply twines . Centre changes, and the entire body manifests it.

The six complete days of practice will be devoted to careful fine-tuning and integration of posture and connectivity, alignment and flow. Teaching via 'hands language', Kinthissa will assist in the process of forging and dredging the energetic pathways of the body. The Qigong of ZhanZhuang, where the individual becomes the Standing Pole that connects Earth and Sky, will be at the heart of each day's practice.

Kinthissa was apprenticed to Gerda Geddes, UK pioneer of Yang Style TaijiQuan. In 1995, after 19 years of study and teaching, she met Chen XiaoWang, the leading exponent of Chen Style, under whom she has trained intensively up to the present time. Since 1989 she has been a denizen of the Lunigiana hinterland, between the purling rills and the chestnut hills.

Costs

- course fee : £240. To secure a place, please send a deposit of £120 to Kinthissa by 25 January.

- accommodation : Il Convento provides us with all meals and facilities, and the cost depends on your choice of room. There is fine single/twin/shared accommodation. Please let Kinthissa know your preference after you have had a look at the possibilities, she will be happy to advise you. Non-taiji companions will be most welcome.

The course starts at 6pm on Saturday 25th April and ends after breakfast on Saturday 2nd May.

For information about Il Convento, please see www.il-convento.net

For a direct link to more detail about the accommodation possibilities, www.il-convento.net/en/Living