Meditation
Participants begin each morning with a 30-minute meditation Listen to the silence. A quieting of the mind for clarity, focus, and inner peace. Meditation techniques include the Microcosmic Circuit and the Nine Gates.
Each morning revolves around the graceful and healing art of Tai Chi. This moving meditation cultivates chi, boosts the immune system, reduces tension, and brings a sense of peace and tranquility. Tai Chi mobilizes every muscle, joint, and ligament in the body and is proven to be one of the most effective exercises for developing balance and coordination. It is also a natural antidote for stress and anxiety as it enables one to slow down in today’s fast-paced world. Beginners will benefit from one-on-one instruction in learning the choreography of the movements as well as the principles of rooting, centering, aligning, and relaxing. Advanced practitioners will benefit from more detailed refinements and a deeper exploration into the self-defense applications of the form. An excellent way to unite mind, body, and spirit and balance energy.
Weapons Practice
Weapons practice is an integral part of Tai Chi study. Camp offers opportunities with qualified teachers to study Tai Chi Sword, Sabre, Fan, Staff & Spear.
Push Hands
Working with partners develops sensitivity and awareness of energy. It helps one to understand the relationships of power and flow. Partner practice enables the student to increase their authentic response in a friendly and safe environment. Practicing with a variety of people in single partner and group push hands is a fun and engaging way to develop one’s skills.
Chi Kung (QiGong)
Practice Chi Kung(energy work) where it is rich with oxygen! Many styles are taught involving breath, sound, and postures for the cultivation, accumulation and circulation of chi or life force energy. Good flowing chi is the secret to excellent health! Some of the ancient and beneficial forms practiced include The Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade, Lohan, Tai Chi Chi Kung, and the Ho Shu Ying Set. Techniques and exercises develop internal power for healing and martial arts.
During camp days, plan on having interesting and mind-opening discussions on a variety of topics such as Yin & Yang, chi, and the Five Elements Health System. Learn about summer’s Fire Element and its associated organs, meridians, diet, color, healing sound and more.
About
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About The Host
Sigung John Oliver Peel
Sigung John Peel has been studying and researching many different styles of martial arts including Hungar, Wing Chun, Tai Chi Chuan, Aikido, Sword, and Ninjutsu since the early 1960s. He is a second-generation student of Yang Chen Fu and a student of Master Ho Shu Ying. Inspired by Bruce Lee, his style is enriched by the practice of the soft internal styles and he has a deep understanding of Chi, movement, combat strategy/tactics, the meditative mind, and philosophy. He states, “It has been my pleasure to guide many seekers into the path of spiritual enlightenment through the martial arts.”
Sigung John Peel is the author of the resourceful book “Tai Chi Journey.” He is a producer, writer, composer, director, actor, choreographer, painter, pilot, bonsai master, and co-founder of The National Martial Arts Theatre Company, and has starred in several acclaimed martial arts instructional videos/DVDs selling on the international market.
In 2009 Master Peel took home a gold medal for his Yang style Tai Chi form and a Silver for his Saber, the two categories in which he participated in the Canadian Tai Chi Open Championships.
Sifu ( teacher) Valerie, has been studying Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Meditation, weapons and spiritual study since 1982. She graduated in 1987 with her Black Sash in Kung and decided to focus more on teaching the internal arts for a while. Later she renewed her interest in the Kung Fu curriculum and was promoted to her Black Sash 4th level in 2023. Sifu Valerie teaches the children’s Kung Fu programs and specializes in Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Meditation, Tai Chi Sword forms, and Sabre.
Over the years, Sifu Valerie has incorporated the Chinese Five Element Health System into her practice and teaches this in her group and private classes throughout Muskoka and beyond. She conducts corporate Health & Wellness seminars and Women’s Wellness Retreats and designs her programs to nourish mind, body soul and spirit in accordance with the seasons.
She has seen many transformations in the lives of her students over the years. As VP and Co-owner of Temple Knights Productions, Sifu Valerie has also produced many instructional dvd’s, theatrical productions and is featured on several health and fitness DVD’s & downloads.