This workshop is sponsored by San Francisco Zen Center. All registration is done through SF Zen Center. Please call SF Zen Center for any registration questions.

Here is the registration page with details.

No prerequisite is required.

Form II is taught as an independent mini-Swimming Dragon form.

Swimming Dragon Quan is a Daoist internal style of martial arts, emphasizing both the inner and outer practice. It requires inside concentration as well as the combination of the inner and outer qi. Your inner qi mixes with the outer universal qi. Swimming Dragon Quan is a unique and graceful form combining Qigong, Taichi and Daoist yogic art.

The form only requires a 6x6 foot space. The moves are done slowly and smoothly with concentration and natural breathing, like silk reeling. It looks like a dragon swimming in the air, or a cloud shifting or water flowing. It stretches all of your ligaments and leads your qi through all the channels. After repeated and persistent practice, Swimming Dragon Quan will naturally improve your flexibility, coordination and balance.

There are three stages of attainment in learning and practicing this form:

First, exercising the body, the outer form. You only pay attention to the shape and position of the hands, legs and torso; learn the precise moves; breathe naturally through the nose and sink the Qi into Dantian. This is the essential foundation for the other stages. It usually takes three months to a year to learn the basic movements under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

Second, exercising the inner form. It requires an inner shape and the inner flow of Qi. You pay more attention to hip, shoulder and waist movements with Yi (the mind) focused and Shen (the spirit) taken inward. At this stage, you do not feel your breath going through your nose or mouth anymore but through your Qi points and Meridians. The Universe and you are becoming one. This stage takes consistent and dedicated long-term practice.  

Third, getting absorbed completely. Your moves are masterful and flexible.  Movement yields quietness, and quietness produces movement, which becomes a new and supernatural movement. The key to achieving the third stage is years of dedicated practice after achieving the second stage.