Daoism(Taoism):

The core of many aspects of Chinese culture; many things stem from the Daoist influence or experimentation such as T.C.M., internal martial arts (certainly Tai Ji/Ba Gua), feng shui, astrology & Qi Gong/Nei Gong internal energy cultivation practises.  On top of this they have famous philosophical literary works such as Yi Jing (Book of Changes), Dao de Jing (81 Chapters) and famous figures such as Lao zi, Chang San Feng (some say is founder of Tai Ji), Zhuang zi and many more. 

This profound theory into the workings of the universe and mans place within it is one of the highlights of Chinese philosophical offerings to the world.  Learn with a Daoist disciple the physical and intellectual principles contained within this subject.

Dao De Jing  Chapter 36

What is in the end to be shrunk
Must first be stretched.
Whatever is to be weakened
Must begin by being made strong.
What is to be overthrown
Must begin by being set up.
He who would be a taker
Must begin as a giver.
This is called ‘dimming’ one’s light.
It is thus that the soft overcomes the hard
And the weak the strong.
‘It is best to leave the fish down in his pool;
Best to leave the State’s sharpest weapons where none can see them.’

T.C.M. (Traditional Chinese Medicine)/Tui Na (Massage): 


Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also has a literate history spanning more than five thousand years. It is a sophisticated traditional system of medicine that continues to prove its efficacy to the present day. TCM is highly respected and widely practiced around the world. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine can effectively treat a myriad of health concerns, of both chronic and acute natures, and generally with no negative side effects. Its defining advantage to many is its ability to detect imbalances early via use of the pulse, tongue and other mediums, with the aim of treatment being to regain natural balance by using the individuals personal condition as the means for diagnosis.  Any deficiencies or excesses in heat, water, etc. are attempted to be redressed by a variety of methods available to the doctor.

A main principle of TCM is that the body has a vast network of channels or meridians that connect all parts to one another and that everything is interrelated, including your mind and spirit. These meridians form a complete network that allows vital substances to circulate throughout the system to perform the many functions that allow us to exist. TCM is often referred to as a holistic system of medicine and it is the concept of meridians and the view of treating the person as a whole which help to establish this theory.

A further view in TCM which defines it from western treatment methods is its opinions on what actually gives life force to an organism. The most important of these, and most specific to Chinese thought is Qi. Although invisible, Qi can be felt and when the state of the Qi is balanced, and its flow unhindered, the principle is that the system will function in a relative state of health. Qi is such an important concept that it is often spoken of in more specific terms e.g. Qi relating specifically to organs or overall body protection/immunity (Protective Qi).  It is through the practise of Qi Gong that your levels of energy can be increased and flow improved.

The aim of the class offered here is to give the student the opportunity in a number of weeks to have an understanding/ability for Chinese massage & also to touch on other related areas of T.C.M. to give a holistic view of the subject.  Very welcome after a hard weeks training!

Calligraphy:      

Regarded as one of the most abstract and sublime form of art in Chinese culture, calligraphy is often thought to be a guide to one's personality. During the imperial era, calligraphy was used as an important criterion for selection of executives to the Imperial court. Unlike other visual art techniques, all calligraphy strokes are permanent, demanding care and confidence in execution.  While one has to remain within the structure of the character being drawn, as with other types of painting and art the way that this manifests into the finished article can be extremely creative. 

Important aspects of this art are the concentration of ink, the thickness and adsorption of the paper and the flexibility of the brush.  In contrast to western style calligraphy, any problems or flaws which arise and are dealt with as part of the process tend to be viewed as artistic impression and original rather than a fault. To the artist, calligraphy like the martial arts and other Chinese cultures is a mental exercise that coordinates the mind, body & Qi. It is a relaxing yet highly disciplined exercise and beneficial to one's physical and spiritual well being. Historically, like martial arts practitioners and other people like orchestra conductors, many calligraphy artists were well-known for their longevity.

As well as the art of calligraphy itself, learn with us how these pictograms were first used & have since developed into what we see today.  Also find out why stroke order is so important to the finished look of each character.

Mandarin:  

Mandarin is the standard language spoken in China.  Every area of the country has it’s own dialect but the way that someone from the North for example can speak to someone in the South is by the use of a single language that everybody understands.  That language is Mandarin.  Mandarin lessons will be given twice a week in the evenings for students wishing to pick some language up during their stay.

Mandarin Chinese is known as one of, if not the, most difficult languages to learn due to its high reliance on varying tones of speech and its necessary integration with the written character.  The Chinese sound base is very low compared to say the English language which has a much higher amount of sounds with which to make words.  In order for the Chinese language to have enough different sounds to make it work we find that there are 5 tones used and that often the same sound is used for lots of different words, so frequently the only way to tell the difference between words is either in the context of the sentence or by referring to the written character. 

The tones mentioned are a high flat sound, a rising sound, and down then up sound, a falling sound and no tone variance to the sound.  These differences make learning the language a challenging but fascinating side aspect to the overall study of the culture.

Other cultural opportunities (not included as part of the main syllabus/cost)

  1. visits to ethnic minority villages to see & learn the skills which they are famous for such as hand made pottery, handicrafts, clothes & jewellery.
  2. See some of the amazing Yunnan tourist attractions such as Shang-ri-la, Dali, Lijiang & feel the beauty of the area and the traditional towns & people.
  3. Trekking through forests & mountains.
  4. Cycling-both mountain biking & more leisurely varieties.
  5. Tea making and serving.  Tea culture in China is an art all by itself.  The famous Pu-er tea is grown in Yunnan & people here take the preparation, brewing & serving of tea very seriously!
  6. Chinese Painting-traditional style painting shown & taught by local artists.
  7. Chinese Music-traditional instruments such as the pi-pa give a rich & very different sound to most Western equivalents.  Enjoy listening to the sounds & hearing the history.
  8. Learn Kayaking and sailing on one of the beautiful lakes nearby the city.