Eight Pieces of Brocade or 8 Sections of Silk, is said to have been composed sometime during the Southern Sung Dynasty of the 12th century by the famous Chinese general, Yueh Fei.  Yueh Fei was also known to have created Hsing I, an internal style of martial arts.  The purpose of these exercises was to engage the mind and body in order to balance and strengthen the body’s vital functions, as well as purge stagnant energy and toxins from the body. If practiced as simple physical exercises, one can loosen their muscles, improve posture, increase blood circulation, and relax the body as well as the mind.

These exercises and methods have been practiced and studied for hundreds of years to help maintain good health, prevent and sometimes cure diseases, to calm the mind, and uplift the spirit of the person performing them.  Ancient literature shows and explains body postures and exercise routines similar to the Eight Pieces of Brocade, but dating back roughly 2,100 years.  This is important in establishing that these exercises and concepts are not a new fitness fad with little documented facts of actual benefits achieved.  Some doctors throughout China, often prescribe exercises like these to prevent of heal injuries, cure illness or disease and improve overall health.  This set is possibly the most popular and often practiced qigong (energy exercises) routines practiced throughout the world, maybe my millions of people.  It is just one of perhaps hundreds of different exercise sets in the vast qigong (or chi kung) category.

These are just a few of the exercises I teach in my follow-along and private classes. Group classes are ongoing on Mondays & Fridays at 11:30am-12:30pm at the Winter Park Presbyterian Church at 400 S. Lakemont Avenue in Winter Park, FL. Private or semi-private classes are held in Longwood (Wekiva), FL.

Other locations and classes are occasionally added as interest and opportunities are presented to me. I am looking to continue to grow my community of like-minded individuals who understand the importance of investing in their own “health care program” being that of developing their mind, body and spirit to their fullest potential. I offer classes ranging from the casual, follow-along classes to the more goal-oriented programs for rejuvenation, longevity and cultivation of a higher consciousness.

For more information see www.MindAndBodyMartialArts.com