To give you an idea about the different ways of the 8 Brocades, we have assembled some examples of Ba duan jin routines, non-martial and martial, below.
Or are you curious and want to start with your 8 brocades right away? Why not have a look at our easy to follow videos below? This version of the 8 Treasures is presented by Faye Yip, who practices in her faily tradition and is the head instructor of the British Health Qigong Association.
The movements of the 8 brocades are kind of hard to explain, but relatively easy to do once one gets the idea behind the movements. Though there are easier Qigong sets, the 8 brocades are also suitable for beginners. – Just follow the movements and listen inside yourself how far your body wants to go. Then add a little soft stretch. Do not overdo the movements and do not force yourself into extreme postures. Flexibility and naturalness of the movements will develop over time. The most important thing in the beginning is curiosity where the practice might lead you and fun while doing it.
8 Brocades Videos – Routines with Faye Yip
Routine 1 – Holding the Hands High with Palms Up to Regulate the Internal Organs
Routine 2 – Posing as an Archer Shooting Both Left-and-Right-Handed
Routine 3 – Holding One Arm Aloft to Regulate the Functions of the Spleen and Stomach
Routine 4 – Looking Backwards to Prevent Sickness and Strain
Routine 5 – Swinging the Head and Lowering the Body to Relieve Stress
Routine 6 – Moving the Hands down the Back and Legs and Touching the Feet to Strengthen the Kidneys
Routine 7 – Thrusting the Fists and Making the Eyes Glare to Enhance Strength
Routine 8 – Raising and lowering the heels to cure diseases
Selection of 8 Brocades Sets
8 Brocades with Judith van Drooge. Judith learned this 8 Brocades version from Hsui Yao / Rosa Chen from Taipeh, Taiwan.
Martial variation, “8 martial Brocades”
Ba Duan Jin for Martial Arts: Barry McGinlay of the Tai Chi Life school, London shows the whole Baduanjin set and talks about the different versions of the 8 brocades.
Recommended reading on 8 Brocades
Webdefinition “Ba Duan Jin – 8 Brocades”
More on method and healing effects
More on types and styles
More on history and origin
Author: Taiji-Forum
Images: Taiji-Forum