Shen Dao Kung Fu System Core Syllabus

The System

The Shen Dao Kung Fu system, formulated by Raymond Towers, founder of the UKTQF,  finds its roots and expression in the Chinese Internal Martial Arts of Taijiquan (T'ai Chi Chuan), Xingyiquan (Hsing-I Chuan), Baguazhang (Pa Kua Chang), and Feng Shou (Hand of the Wind) Kung Fu.

Each of these arts is a complete system in itself, and together represent the ultimate toolkit – each has a different ‘flavour’ and the Shen Dao Kung Fu System is uniquely structured to ensure that you and your future students become proficient in and discerning of not only each art but also the layering and combining of their aspects to develop as a sophisticated and effective practitioner.

The core principles of internal martial and health practice are nevertheless the same across all the arts and in Shen Dao Kung Fu these are taught so as to provide a template and stable foundation from which one can discover and enjoy the depths of the martial and health arts in all their aspects.

The system has also benefited from Raymond’s experience in other Western and Eastern health and combat systems so as to give it a uniquely rich and ultimately efficient approach to martial application and physical energy work.

The Chinese Internal Martial And Health Arts

The Shen Dao Kung Fu system places a high level of importance on Neigong, or Inner Skill Training. Primarily Daoist in origin, this type of training emphasises the coordination of breath, posture, and movement in order to improve ‘internal’ and ‘external’ power and technique.

Included in Neigong training are methods such as Standing meditation (Zhuan Zhuang), Daoist yoga (Daoyin), and Silk Weaving exercises (Chan Su Jin). This training acts as an underpinning for the development of one’s natural power (Jin) through the understanding of, and controlling of, subtle body movement - thereby activating the internal to lead the external, and ensuring that the practitioner remains calm and alert in stressful environments. This type of training leads to the natural extension of the mind-body connection.

Physical benefits of Neigong practice include lowering oxygen consumption, increasing blood flow and slowing the heart rate, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the immune system. Quiet standing such as Zuan Zhuang massages the internal organs, improves vascular circulation and promotes self control and focus, directly benefiting martial performance.

The Core syllabus is firmly based upon the idea of a profound simplicity that provides so many growth options for the teacher and the student - the opportunity for teacher and student to discover different aspects of themselves. You will be provided with the environment in which to gain clarity, confidence and effectiveness in whatever you choose to teach/do.

You will be taught the core principles of the Shen Dao System:

• 8 energies – ward off, roll back, squeeze, descend, split, pluck, elbow and shoulder

• 8 powers – turning, threading embracing bumping lifting propping drilling spiralling

• 5 elements – these natural elements aid the martial artist in visualising universal forces and from them creating attitudes for engagement these natural elements are metal, water, wood, fire, earth.

The emphasis of the training is on training the mind, establishing self-esteem, opening up to grace, the integration of breath and movement, technical and biomechanical knowledge, adapting each principle to unique individual needs, and building effective and clear themes that deepen the student's experience and understanding of a transformational personal practice.

Feng Shou (pronounced Fung Sao) – “Hand Speed Training”

Hand speed focuses upon energising ones palms, finger tips, back of palms, wrist and heel of palm so that they become naturally alive and act with purpose.
A substantial number of stances are introduced with this set of exercises and techniques, training the student in whole body movement from the outset.

Taijiquan Eight Energies

This is a very relaxed, fluid art which develops suppleness, mobility, calmness and balance. It energises the tendons and charges the body with 'Chi.' It massages, cleans and strengthens the internal organs making us healthier and more resistant to disease.

Baguazhang Eight Powers

Baguazhang is a highly dynamic open palm martial art noted for the practice of ‘walking the circle’. The majority of its forms and training are executed whilst walking around the edge of a circle. The art is renowned for its flowing movements and rapid changes of direction.

Xingyiquan Five Elements

Xingyiquan forms are simple but the content is very rich. The movements are compact and direct, and utilise the combination of liuhe (three internal and three external coordinations). In practice you learn to go beyond form itself.

Key Exercises to develop core principles

Joint Mobilisation
Silk Reeling
Foot flows
Dao Yin - Chinese Yoga for Health and Longevity

Iron Body
Standing Pole

The essential components of ‘traditional’ training:

• The Eight Improvements

• The Five Essentials

• Core principle Exercises

• Philosophical principles

• Physiological Principles

The essential elements of each of the arts:

• The Eight Energies of Tai Chi Chuan
• The hand speed and foot flow techniques of Feng Shou

• The Eight Powers of Baguazhang

• The Five Elements of Xingyquan

• The key exercises of martial development

Stages of Relaxation:

1. Postural
2. Reaching Muscles and Tendons
3. Reaching the Organs.

Stages in mind control (Yi)

• Simplicity

• No goals or intentions

• Place your Yi (intent) on the lower dantien

• Let the Yi lead the Qi

• Just pay attention to feelings

• Become calm

Shen Dao Kung Fu training, is a tool with which to cultivate the spiritual (Shen) aspect of our lives

Shen is the name given to the most yang of the Five Spirits. This spirit personifies the fiery spark of conscious awareness.  During our life, the shen is said to reside in the empty center of the heart from where it guides us along our path through life. Although it is invisible, the shen’s presence is reflected in the light that shines from the eyes of a healthy human being. In the presence of healthy shen, there is a luster and brightness to the disposition, a feeling of connection and awareness. Most of all, the presence of healthy shen results in a life that is uniquely suited to the individual and a person whose actions make sense within the context of the surrounding environment. 

From "Five Spirits: Alchemical Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing," Lorie Dechar 2006

Shen Dao Kung Fu is something that will be yours for life, and that will help you in every aspect of your life – health, fitness, career, happiness – and that you can share with others.