FAQ:

Can I attend class? Is it suitable for a beginner/expert?

The Saturday class is the primary class open to everyone. If you are willing to give it a try, you are welcome to join the class. The Wednesday class is intended for students who are at least moderately familiar with the I-Liq Chuan system, but can be opened to newcomers with permission. If it is your first time attending a class, please contact me ahead of time so that I know to expect you.

Classes are adjusted each time for who shows up. If there are more beginners present, then the class focuses on more basics with more refinements presented for the benefit of the more advanced students.

What do you do in class? Qigong? Form? Application? Partner work?

The classes are focused on teaching the complete I-Liq Chuan system, so the martial aspects of the art are taught. Class usually starts with warm-ups (light stretches, mobility work, and breathing exercises), basic exercises (jibengong), and then progresses to a mix of form, application work, and partner drills. Everyone is encouraged to progress their mindfulness training and body unification. Those wishing to push their knowledge to the martial aspects are given the opportunity to train the martial implications of the art.

What should I wear to class?

You should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes in which you can freely move. Likewise, comfortable footwear should be worn for outdoor classes. Shoes with flat soles are preferable but not essential. Indoor studio spaces usually restrict us to indoor only shoes (shoes that have never been used outside), so be prepared to take off your shoes or bring a pair of indoor shoes.

Do I need to bring anything to class?

Just yourself and comfortable clothing and footwear. A bottle of water would be nice if you like to stay well-hydrated. Otherwise, bottles of water are available for purchase at the Absolute Pilates studio, and there's a water fountain for classes in Buchanan Park.

Do you teach style XYZ?

I teach only I-Liq Chuan. I may be familiar with other arts and styles, but I neither train them nor teach them. I can help you understand movement of your body, which can carry over to learning other styles and systems.

You teach a style of tai chi. Will your class cure me of XYZ?

My class will teach you how to unify your mind and body, expand your attention to yourself, and teach principles of movement. The movements can open up the body and re-invigorate the body. However, I am not a medical doctor (either Western or Chinese medicine) or a therapist of any sort. I will do my best to help you resolve any physical issues you may have, but I can't offer any professional diagnosis or treatment.

Will learning ILC teach me how to fight?

You can certainly learn how to use the art martially. The training in class will mostly be principles and controlled partner work. To become good enough to fight competitively or to take open full-contact challenges on the other hand is beyond the scope of a once-a-week public class and beyond my insurance coverage.

Will training the art give me super-human powers?

In a word: No. You can learn to use your body and mind to their full potential, which is something the vast majority of people never come close to achieving. Some skills may appear amazing, but everything taught is based on sound principles and concepts. The skills learned do not involve super-human abilities, nor do they cultivate super-human powers.