Eight Winds in the Heavens Seasonal Health Secrets and Qi Gong Exercises from Daoist Sages that Prevent Disease and Promote Optimal Health & Vitality Tom Bisio's newest book, Eight Winds in the Heavens, is a life-changing Immersion into principles of health, vitality and disease prevention so fundamental to our life on earth that they are literally embedded in our DNA. This book is literally a Farmers Almanac for the Human Body. Daoist sages who lived long, healthy lives stressed the importance of seasonal health practices and Seasonal Qi Gong in preserving and maintaining health. Over centuries of detailed observation of the patterns inherent in all living things, they discovered observable changes within living things in response to the earth's position in the cosmos that correlated with the Seasonal Nodes (24 two-week periods), and they created health practices and exercises to assist the body in adapting to and harmonizing with these cyclical changes. Eight Winds in the Heavens is the product of decades of research into seasonal health and Seasonal Qi Gong. Previously the number and diverse nature of the seasonal health maintenance and disease prevention practices in China made these practices difficult to understand and organize for practical use. Now renowned author, martial artist, Qi Gong expert and Chinese medical practitioner, Tom Bisio has gathered all of these self-cultivation methods together in a single, easy-to-use volume that is organized like a calendar. These powerful methods of preserving health are now literally at your fingertips. Simply open the book to the current two-week period and begin. Engaging with even one of these methods can create profound changes in the body, mind and spirit. Eight Winds in the Heavens includes these Seasonal Health practices: - Season Dao Yin Self Massage - Seasonal Node Qi Gong - Seasonal Spinal Meditation - Seasonal Health Diet - Adapting Mind and Spirit to the Seasons - Seas

A renowned expert in the martial arts and Chinese medicine reveals the acupuncture point secrets of the great martial arts masters

For centuries, martial arts masters from different warrior traditions have carefully guarded the secret uses of acupuncture's miraculously effective and even life-saving acupuncture points. Gaining access to this precious and powerful knowledge was literally like trying to wrest a pearl from the dragon's neck. Now, in this sequel to his acclaimed book, A Tooth From the Tiger's Mouth, author Tom Bisio reveals this formerly secret knowledge to general public.

In A Pearl From the Dragon's Neck, Tom teaches the reader how to use:
- Life-saving revival points and revival methods passed down through generations of martial arts masters
- The 12 Miraculous Points of Daoist acupuncture
- 30 Acu-points to treat hundreds of diseases

A Pearl From the Dragon's Neck introduces the reader to a handful of acu-points that have wide applicability in treating sports injuries and other illnesses. Many of the key acu-points are presented multiple times in different contexts, giving the reader deep insight into the many applications of just a few powerful points. Learn the secrets of:
- The Four Gate Points
- The Four Energizer Points
- Points of the Three Powers
- The Four Master Points
- The Five Intersection Points
- The Six Barrier Points
- The Eight Influential Points

You don't need to be an acupuncturist to benefit from this book

In A Pearl From the Dragon's Neck, acu-points and revival methods are presented so that they can be easily understood and practically applied, even without acupuncture needles. For the martial arts enthusiast, there are chapters on herbal revival formulas, and practical methods of treating deliberate attacks to the 36 Fatal Points. As in A Tooth From the Tiger's Mouth, Bisio smoothly and effortlessly guides the reader through the mysteries of Chinese medicine and the martial arts, making the seemingly arcane and mysterious easily accessible.

Although written for the general public, martial arts practitioners, sports enthusiasts, and just about anyone who has an interest in preserving and improving their health, A Pearl From the Dragon's Neck has much to offer practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine and other professional health care practitioners.

Tom Bisio is known internationally as a martial artist and practitioner of Chinese medicine. He has studied Chinese medicine and martial arts extensively in Mainland China and practiced acupuncture, tui na and herbal medicine since 1990. Tom has written numerous books and articles on Martial Arts, Nei Gong, Daoist Meditation and Chinese medicine. He is the founder of New York Internal Arts and Internal Arts International (NYIA/IAI) (internalartsinternational.com).

Recent studies have shown that regular walking may be the ultimate cardiovascular exercise. However, the circle walking exercise of Ba Gua Zhang is not simply walking. It combines the benefits of walking with Qi Gong and meditation. It also develops a refined strength that can be employed in martial arts and other physical activities. Walking in a circle with intention, correct alignment and deep breathing is the characteristic internal exercise (Nei Gong) associated with the martial art Ba Gua Zhang. Circle Walking Nei Gong is not only the foundation of Ba Gua's sophisticated fighting method, but also an incredible system of health preservation that nourishes life and staves off illness. Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong is rooted in ancient Daoist longevity exercises and internal alchemy practices, which aim at re-connecting us to our intrinsic nature and inner wisdom. While smoothly walking and circling, the practitioner holds different postures or body patterns known as Ding Shi. Each of these postures opens, unblocks and energizes a specific acupuncture meridian or group of meridians, thereby modulating and activating the body's energetic matrix. Regular practice of Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong re-programs the body to walk and move correctly with balance, power and agility, while powerfully energizing the body and calming the nervous system. In Ba Gua Circle Walking Nei Gong: The Meridian Opening Palms of Ba Gua Zhang, author Tom Bisio, a renowned martial artist and acupuncturist, details the practice method and theory of this powerful system of internal exercise. The postures, alignments and practice methods are clearly explained and correlated with practical discussions of meridian pathways and pathologies from the perspective of internal Nei Gong practice. These discussions are accompanied by extensive illustrations, including drawings rendered from photographs of famous Ba Gua masters holding the Nei Gong postures. Also included are medical app

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the fifth in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. Tian Gan Nei Gong is indispensable to the practice of Ba Gua Zhang and the martial arts in general. The Tian Gan Exercises develop the ability of the legs and waist to generate the torsional spiraling power known as Silk Reeling Energy. Tian Gan also trains the correct internal mechanics for many of Ba Gua Zhang's martial actions such as: piercing (chuan), chopping (kan), splitting (pi), drilling (zuan), rolling (gun), pulling (la), leading (ling), seizing (na), covering (gai), overturning (fan), pressing (an), uplifting (tiao), rotating (zhuan), twisting (ning), coiling (chan) and wrapping (guo). Tian Gan literally means Heavenly Stem. The name Tian Gan refers to the longitudinal energetic axis or stem (the Central Channel) that passes through the body. In practicing Tian Gan Nei Gong, the spiraling and turning actions of the body and Central Channel, combined with the movements of the arms and legs, stimulate and open the meridians, while simultaneously wringing out the spine and its surrounding structures. This helps maintain the health of the spine, the brain and the nervous system. Tian Gan Nei Gong can be an important adjunctive practice method for various types of Daoist meditation, and a useful pre-requisite to Micro-Cosmic Orbit meditation. Ba Gua Spinal Meditation is a unique training method that enables one to sense the subtle internal movements of the spine. A detailed discussion of Spinal Meditation is included in this book because this exercise forms a natural compliment to the Tian Gan

Literally translated as Form-Intention Boxing, Xing Yi Quan emphasizes internal movement within external stillness. Practicing Xing Yi trains the practitioner to actualize the instinctive, hair-trigger reactions of the human body in direct, powerful movements. Xing Yi training focuses on natural, integrated movement, whole body breathing, and the movement of Qi (vital energy), rather than external technique. Rooted in Daoist meditation and longevity practices, and Chinese medical and martial art traditions dating back into antiquity, Xing Yi Quan training draws upon ancient Daoist meditation and inner alchemical practices that transform the body's internal structure, while confronting and dispelling extraneous thoughts to actualize true Intention, thereby providing the practitioner with a comprehensive method of actualizing his or her own inherent potential.

Xing Yi Quan: Art of Inner Transformation is not a how-to book. In this fascinating meditation on the art of Xing Yi Quan and its many applications to life and living, author Tom Bisio discusses the many facets of this ancient art:

- What is Xing Yi Quan?
- The Relationship of Xing Yi Quan to Daoism
- Xing Yi Quan and the Five Elements
- The Health Benefits of Xing Yi Quan
- Xing Yi Quan Training
- Suitability of Xing Yi Quan for Different Ages & Lifestyles
- Xing Yi Quan as a Martial Art
- Xing Yi Quan as a Psycho-Spiritual Path

Xing Yi Quan has five key movements, known as The Five Elements, or The Five Fists. Each of the Five Fists has a specific internal action and intention that is simultaneously energy enhancing, combative, and strengthens and harmonizes the internal organs. Practicing the Five Fists cultivates Qi and develops practical fighting skills. In Xing Yi Quan: Art of Inner Transformation Tom Bisio explains how the postures and movements of Xing Yi Quan open the body's energy pathways (meridians), promoting health and well-being, while simultaneously arousing and enlivening the Qi, so that there is no gap between intention and action.

A renowned expert in Chinese sports medicine and martial arts reveals ancient Eastern secrets for healing common injuries, including sprains, bruises, deep cuts, and much more.For centuries, Chinese martial arts masters have kept their highly prized remedies as carefully guarded secrets, calling such precious and powerful knowledge a tooth from the tiger's mouth. Now, for the first time, these deeply effective methods are revealed to Westerners who want alternative ways to treat the acute and chronic injuries experienced by any active person. While many books outline the popular teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, only this one offers step-by-step instructions for treating injuries. Expert practitioner and martial artist Tom Bisio explains the complete range of healing strategies and provides a Chinese first-aid kit to help the reader fully recover from every mishap: cuts, sprains, breaks, dislocations, bruises, muscle tears, tendonitis, and much more. He teaches readers how to: -Examine and diagnose injuries -Prepare and apply herbal formulas -Assemble a portable kit for emergencies -Fully recuperate with strengthening exercises and healing dietary advice Comprehensive and easy to follow, with drawings to illustrate both the treatment strategies and the strengthening exercises, this unique guidebook will give readers complete access to the powerful healing secrets of the great Chinese warriors.

Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic, (Nei Gong Zhen Chuan) is an obscure text of unknown origin, yet it stands alone as the definitive text on internal energy and the generation of internal power. Hand copied, and passed from teacher to student, it is one of the secret transmissions of Chinese martial arts. Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic, is a practical manual on internal energy development and its fundamental importance in the martial arts and fa jin (emitting force). It draws heavily on Daoist meditation and alchemical practices which are said to promote health and longevity. The text is divided into four sections: 1. Nei Gong Jing (Internal Energy Classic); 2. Na Gua Jing (Received Trigram Classic); 3. Shen Yun Jing (Transported Spirit Classic); 4. Di Long Jing (Earth Dragon Classic), which are meant to be read in order. In this way the reader is guided step by step through the details of Nei Gong practice, and in the Di Long Jing, its application to self-defense. Translated by a team of experts, the text is accompanied by extensive footnotes and diagrams that clarify the more obscure passages which otherwise pre-suppose a knowledge of Daoist texts and imagery from the I-Ching (Book of Changes). The appendices further explicate the relationship of Nei Gong: The Authentic Classic to the internal martial art Xing Yi Quan.

A Genuine Initiation into Daoist Meditation 华山睡功 Daoist Sleeping Meditation: Chen Tuan's Sleeping Gong provides a unique window into the world of Daoist Mediation. Sleeping Meditation was purportedly passed down by Chen Tuan, a 10th century Daoist adept dubbed The Sleeping Immortal. Daoist Sleeping Meditation deftly guides the reader through the maze of symbols, metaphors and rituals that conceal the simple truths underlying Daoist meditation and Inner Alchemy practices. Sleeping Meditation allows us to reach a state similar to that of animals in hibernation. The body seems to be asleep, but is internally aware. This state of genuine sleep produces true rest untroubled by dreams which reflect and engage with our emotions and desires. The result is increased clarity of mind and energy. It has been said that one hour of Sleeping Meditation is as restful as 8 hours of normal sleep. The basic practice method of Sleeping Meditation is clearly presented by author Tom Bisio. Also included are famous Chinese poems associated with the Twelve Sleeping Immortals, which provide further instruction on Sleeping Meditation, by delineating the crucial stages of meditative practice. Bisio's detailed explanations of each poem - including symbology, hidden meanings, and associations, and references to other Daoist texts like the Dao De Jing - are an initiation into secretive Daoist practices that were deliberately hidden in plan sight. The original text on Sleeping Meditation, translated by Tom Bisio and Huang Guo Qi, comes from the Ming Dynasty book, Chi Feng Sui (Marrow of the Red Phoenix). The author's extensive commentary and annotation clearly explain the foundational principles of Daoist Sleeping Meditation that are only hinted at in the text itself. Summaries of the key points accompany and flesh out the original text. Daoist Sleeping Meditation also includes a section on Sleeping Meditation for the treatment of medical conditions, su

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the third in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. This book presents Ba Gua's unique 12 posture standing practice. Ba Gua Twelve Posture Standing Nei Gong imparts Sinew Strength. It is therefore an excellent exercise for strengthening the body and stabilizing the joints. Unlike basic standing in which the body is evenly balanced on two legs, Twelve Posture Standing presents a challenging mix of back-weighted, front-weighted and even single leg postures that develop balance and refined strength and power. Each stance engages with the energy and breath in a unique and different way. Therefore regular practice of the 12 postures, not only strengthens, but also opens up, the whole body. These twelve postures, or stances, are in some sense frozen moments of movement from one position to another. Holding such moments of transition - in which the center of gravity has just moved and is about to move again - allows one to sense the internal energetic configuration of a part of a movement. In this way, one can fully engage with the spiral power configurations - wrapping, twisting, drilling, and coiling - that those stances impart. An additional section of the book details Ba Gua Three Posture Standing, a precursor to the Single Palm Change - Ba Gua Zhang's signature maneuver. Ba Gua Zhang is known for its circular walking, fast footwork and rapidly changing postures and palms. Twelve Posture Standing and Three Posture Standing provide balanced counterpoints to Ba Gua's moving postures and the eight basic palm changes. The books in the Ba Gua Nei Gong Series are: Ba

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the first in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. Yin Yang Patting Nei Gong is often the starting point for learning Ba Gua Zhang and for the practice of Nei Gong and other Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life) Exercises. The primary function of the Patting Nei Gong is to begin to open the meridians by patting and slapping along their trajectories. Unblocking, opening and coursing the meridians in this manner is an important precursor to advanced energetic practices. Dao Yin Nei Gong is often performed in conjunction with the Patting Nei Gong because the two practices have different, yet complimentary actions. While the Patting Nei Gong focuses on dispersing energy blockages and their accompanying muscular tension, Dao Yin Nei Gong emphasizes regulating the internal energetics of the body. The mechanism that promotes and harmonizes the functioning of the internal organs and their organic interconnections is known as the Qi Dynamic. The Dao Yin exercises work directly to regulate the Qi Dynamic, thereby stimulating one's natural healing powers and preventing disease from taking root. This in turn promotes health and proper functioning of the body. These two Nei Gong methods are relatively simple to perform, yet profound in their effect. Patting and Dao Yin work together in a harmonious yin yang balance. In order to properly train the Qi Dynamic, the pathways of the qi (the meridians) must be relatively open and unrestricted. As these energetic pathways are opened, the qi must be regulated so that its movements and actions are smooth and harmonious. These fundamental methods of simul

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the sixth in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. This volume covers both Bone Breathing (Xi Hu Gu) and Marrow Washing Nei Gong (Xi Sui Jing), two exercises that work at the deepest levels of the body. Bone Breathing is a excellent relaxation exercise and also serves as a preliminary exercise that can help you to correctly practice Marrow Washing Nei Gong. Bone Breathing teaches you to breathe into the bones and the marrow, so that Qi and blood can circulate and enter these structures. This aids the conversion of Qi into kidney Jing and blood. Ba Gua Marrow Washing Nei Gong continues the process begun in Bone Breathing by leading Qi and breath to the interstices of the joints and the bone marrow, to the spaces between the bones and the flesh, to the spaces between the flesh and the skin, and even into the hair follicles and pores. This practice strengthens the bones and stimulates the bone marrow, thereby increasing the production of blood, while nourishing the tissues and improving circulation to every part of the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, marrow is produced in the bones, but it also fills and nourishes the brain and spinal cord. Practice of Marrow Washing Nei Gong is therefore said to aid the nervous system, strengthen the brain and improve one's mental capacity. This rejuvenates and improves the overall functioning of the body. The refined strength and sensitivity developed by Marrow Washing Nei Gong aids the martial arts practitioner on many levels - particularly in development of higher level skills such as power sensing, the simultaneous storage and relea

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation. This book is the fourth in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual. Foundational Body Training (Ba Gua Ji Ben Gong) This book covers The 28 Foundational Exercises (Ji Ben Gong) and Ba Gua%u2019s Foundational Walking Nei Gong. For those interested primarily in Nei Gong, both sets of exercises are an important step in continuing the opening of the main meridians and the Extraordinary Vessels, and in freeing the body of physical, mental and psychic blockages and restrictions. The 28 Foundational Exercises improve joint mobility, strengthen tendons and bones, and balance the musculature of the body, all while actively engaging the body%u2019s natural, spiral-like movements. For those interested in Ba Gua as a martial art, Ji Ben Gong are the key developmental exercises that form the foundation of one%u2019s skill in Ba Gua Zhang. Every movement in The 28 Foundational Exercises trains basic body actions and internal principles used in all facets of Ba Gua training. Each exercise has a specific purpose that operates simultaneously on a physical, energetic and martial level. Daily practice of Ji Ben Gong helps one to internalize many of the core movements that are the basic building blocks of Ba Gua%u2019s circular changes. Internalizing these movements is critical to developing higher level skills. For this reason, The 28 Foundational Exercises are often used as a daily exercise routine or as a warm-up before practicing other Ba Gua skills. The Foundational Walking Exercises - the Linear Mud Step and the Crane Step - are the beginning stage in developing Ba Gua%u2019s unique circular

At its heart, Daoist meditation is a simple and practical method of establishing unity between our internal environment and the external world so that we can engage with life in a clear and present way. Decoding the Dao: Nine Lessons in Daoist Meditation, by Tom Bisio, is a complete and comprehensive guide to Daoist meditation. In Decoding the Dao: Nine Lessons in Daoist Meditation, author Tom Bisio introduces the reader to the poetry and pragmatism of Daoist meditation and the practice of Internal Alchemy. The first half this unique book consists of nine progressive lessons that guide the reader step by step through the practice of Daoist meditation, ending with an introduction to Daoist Internal Alchemy. The nine lessons teach the reader how to observe and transform their own internal landscape, in order to rejuvenate and replenish the body's innate energies, thereby promoting health and nourishing life and spirit. The lessons can be practiced in sequence or individually, providing the reader with a veritable toolbox of meditative practices that can be used flexibly to address different situations and circumstances. Each lesson contains both practice exercises and discussions of relevant topics to flesh out the reasoning behind the various methods of meditation and help the reader more deeply understand the principles and theories that underlie the practice. Beyond the nine lessons, additional chapters introduce advanced practices like the Greater Heavenly Orbit Meditation and other traditional Daoist methods of promoting health and longevity. This is followed by a unique discussion of Daoist symbolism and imagery and its relationship to meditation and internal alchemy. Daoist symbols and images act as a kind of code that, when decoded and understood, aid the meditator, giving him or her an alternative and imagery-rich language which bypasses habitual mental constructs and perceptual habits, facilitating the perception of subtle movements and changes within the

Practical Qin Na Part 3: The Essence of Qin Na Forms & Applications is the third and final volume of Master Zhao Da Yuan's magnum opus on the art of Qin Na (Capturing and Seizing). This book builds on volumes one and two by detailing the solo hand and weapons forms that develop the internal body mechanics for correct performance of Qin Na techniques, while at the same time providing the practitioner with an encyclopedia of Qin Na techniques that are literally at one's fingertips. Practical Qin Na Part 3 includes:

- Eight Forms of Upper Seizing and their practical self-defense applications

- Qin Na Yielding Fist - a comprehensive Tai Ji-like form containing countless Qin Na techniques

- Qin Na Yielding Saber

- Qin Na Hand Rolling Saber

- Qin Na Straight Line Saber Two-Person Form

More than 1,200 photos accompany the text, clearly illustrating every movement and numerous applications.

For centuries, Qin Na was a secret family system, only parts of which were taught to outsiders. After teaching this deadly and effective art to the police, military personnel, and elite bodyguards for more than 40 years, Master Zhao breaks with tradition and openly reveals the real secrets of Qin Na to the general public, including the key theories, foundational training methods and solo forms that were in the past taught to only one or two disciples in each generation. Many of these training methods were revealed and openly demonstrated in the earlier volumes of this series Qin Na Part 1: Explanation of the Qin Na Nine Heaven Secret Text and Practical Qin Na Part 2: Foundational Training, Techniques and Methods.

In Practical Qin Na Part 3: The Essence of Qin Na Forms & Applications, Master Zhao's disciples demonstrate the solo forms that allow one to thoroughly master the art of Qin Na. His disciples not only demonstrate the forms, they also detail the practical self-defense applications of each movement. With the publication of this third book, martial arts enthusiasts now have access to the full scope of Master Zhao's Practical Qin Na training methods and techniques.

Master Zhao Da Yuan began training martial arts at the age of nine. He has studied Mi Zhong, Shaolin Lo Han Boxing, Tang Lang, Tong Bei, Ba Ji, Cha Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, Xing Yi Quan, and Ba Gua Zhang. Master Zhao studied a family system of Qin Na with Zhang Jin and is a Ba Gua Zhang disciple of the late, great Li Zi Ming. He was the chief martial arts instructor at China People's Police Officer's Academy, and over the last 40 years has taught Qin Na and martial arts to the police, military personnel, and elite bodyguards. Master Zhao has written many books on Qin Na, martial arts and police tactics. Now retired, Master Zhao is committed to spreading and preserving the art of Qin Na.

Ba Gua Zhang (Eight Diagram Palm) is an art of unparalleled sophistication and depth. Rooted in Daoist meditation and longevity practices, and Chinese medical and martial art traditions, Ba Gua Zhang provides the practitioner with a powerful and comprehensive method of actualizing his or her own inherent internal potential. In this unique book on the art of Ba Gua Zhang, Ba Gua instructor Tom Bisio discusses the many facets of this fascinating art:

*What is Ba Gua Zhang?

*The Relationship of Ba Gua Zhang to the Yi Jing (Book of Changes)

*Ba Gua Zhang and Daoism

*Ba Gua Zhang for Exercise and Physical Fitness

*Ba Gua Zhang as a Method of Physical Therapy

*Suitability of Ba Gua for Different Ages and Professions

*Ba Gua Zhang as Method of Promoting Health and Longevity

*Health Studies on Ba Gua Zhang

*Ba Gua Zhang as a Martial Art

*Ba Gua Zhang as a Psycho-Spiritual Path

The Art of Ba Gua Zhang is not a how-to book. It is a fascinating meditation on the art of Ba Gua Zhang and its many applications to life and living. The Art of Ba Gua Zhang reveals how practicing Ba Gua Zhang can create change in all facets of one's life, physical mental and spiritual. Philosophy, life cultivation and self-defense are seamlessly combined into Ba Gua Zhang's theories and training methods, so that both the inside and outside of a person are cultivated simultaneously. The foundational training, circular walking, and changing palms strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones, while simultaneously harmonizing the functions of the internal organs, stimulating the brain and nervous system, unblocking the meridians and fostering the development of an indomitable spirit. At its core, Ba Gua Zhang is an embodied expression of the laws of change and transformation that govern the world in which we live. In The Art of Ba Gua Zhang, Bisio explains how practicing Ba Gua Zhang not only promotes health and fitness, but also allows us to deeply and directly experience and appreciate the natural forces that act upon us from moment to moment and form our experience of the world around us. The Art of Ba Gua Zhang gives the reader a deep understanding and appreciation for Ba Gua Zhang's core practice: Circle Walking Nei Gong. Walking the circle is the foundation of Ba Gua as a martial art, health science and method of transforming life and consciousness. Walking and turning, while cultivating the mind and the breath, has many profound effects on the human body, mind and nervous system. With every step, walking the circle, recharges our internal energy matrix and activates a process of internal transformation that engenders a full engagement with life and living.

Tom Bisio is known internationally as a martial artist and practitioner of Chinese medicine. He has studied Chinese medicine and martial arts extensively in mainland China. Tom has written numerous books and articles on Martial Arts, Nei Gong, Daoist Meditation and Chinese medicine. He is the founder of New York Internal Arts and Internal Arts International.

Ba Gua Zhang is known for its circle walking practices and for its ability to crate a thousand transformations and changes from a single movement - a single palm change. The Eight Basic Palm Changes known as Lao Ba Zhang (Old Eight Palms) are the seed from which all of these possibilities take shape. To master Lao Ba Zhang is to master the art of Ba Gua Zhang.

Almost every style of Ba Gua Zhang has a version of Lao Ba Zhang or The Old Eight Palms. The expression of Lao Ba Zhang presented in this book comes from Master Wang Shi Tong, a disciple of the great Guo Gu Min. Wang Shi Tong came from the last generation of masters whose skills were completely rooted in practicality and effectiveness. Master Wang's expression of Lao Ba Zhang is direct and practical. Each movement teaches subtle body skills and contains specific martial applications.

Each of Lao Ba Zhang's eight palm changes introduces a different energetic signature, a different footwork pattern, and different body mechanics. Each palm also introduces a different set of tactics, a different Jin-Li (power dynamic), varied techniques, and different methods of using the palm. When one practices all the changes, one learns to rotate and change to the Eight Directions (the eight points of the compass) and the Eight Facings: front and back; right and left; upward and downward; rotating clockwise and rotating counterclockwise. Lao Ba Zhang is the template for the many martial applications taught in Liang style Ba Gua Zhang. Striking (Da Fa), kicking (Ti Fa), seizing and locking (Na Fa) and Throwing (Shuai Fa) are present within every movement. Often these actions are obvious, but many actions are also hidden within the subtle body maneuvers.

In this book Tom Bisio, disciple of Wang Shi Tong, details Lao Ba Zhang as he learned it at the feet of Master Wang. The form, principles, training methods, and many applications are presented in detail. This text passes on Master Wang's knowledge and martial spirit to future generations.

Tom Bisio is the only American Disciple of Master Wang Shi Tong. He is known internationally as a martial artist and practitioner of Chinese Medicine and has studied Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts in Mainland China. He has taught Martial Arts since 1979, and practiced Chinese Medicine since 1990. Tom has authored more than 30 books on Internal Martial Arts, Qi Gong and Chinese Medicine and teaches in Canada, Europe and the United States. He is the Founder of Internal Arts International, offering Qi Gong, and Ba Gua online learning programs and in-person instruction in Internal Martial Arts and Chinese Medicine - internalartsinternational.com

Drawing on ideas from classical military strategy, the Yijing (Book of Changes), and Chinese martial arts theory, Tom Bisio presents a fascinating exploration of how insights from these sources can be deployed to manage crisis situations in all aspects of our daily lives. Suggesting approaches for cultivating a strategic mindset that can be applied to one's relationships, work, and personal self-fulfillment, Beyond the Battleground offers methods of adapting to circumstances, conserving one's own resources, and avoiding or dissolving conflict that will aid any reader navigating the uncertainties of the changing world, including the business person, military theorist, or martial artist. Deftly interweaving his background in East Asian philosophy and history and his career in traditional Chinese medicine with his lifelong interest in the martial arts and military science, Bisio also presents examples of successful strategies from history's great commanders such as Sunzi, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and Mao Zedong.