The internal arts program at Circling Dragons draws from several Chinese martial traditions, emphasizing structure, breath, and cultivated awareness over speed and force.
Disciplines
Tai Chi
The foundation of the internal curriculum. Students learn the Chen short form along with standing meditation, postural work, and a range of solo movement exercises. As students advance, training includes push hands — a two-person practice that develops sensitivity, timing, and the ability to read and redirect an opponent’s energy through contact.
Bagua
Bagua training emphasizes circular movement, directional changes, and fluid transitions. It develops agility, spatial awareness, and the ability to move effectively in multiple directions.
Xingyi
Xingyi focuses on direct, powerful movement rooted in clear structure. It complements the circular nature of Bagua with linear striking and decisive forward energy.
Qigong
Qigong exercises are woven throughout the curriculum as a tool for breath development, recovery, and building internal connection. These practices support all other training.
What to Expect
Internal arts classes meet on Saturday mornings from 10:00–11:00 AM. Training begins with standing meditation and warmup exercises, followed by form work, partner drills, or conditioning depending on where students are in the curriculum. The pace is deliberate — the emphasis is on quality of movement and internal awareness rather than repetition for its own sake.
Progression
Students progress through a structured belt system with curriculum specific to the internal arts. Each rank includes requirements for solo forms, standing work, and — at higher levels — partner exercises including push hands.