Eight-Section Brocade

This traditional Chinese exercise has been in existence for more than eight hundred years.  Because of its effectiveness for keeping fit, it was accepted by Shaolin monks as one of the basic entering level exercises for Shaolin Wushu.  The Eight-Section Brocade is an ideal life time exercise for most people. It is especially recommended for people who work at desks every day.  Regular practice of this exercise can strengthen one's internal organs as well as one's muscles and tendons. 

Effectiveness for keeping fit, ease in learning, and economy of exercising time are the main features of this exercise.  Rather than emphasizing special muscles, every part of your organism can take part in the exercise. The characteristic of the exercise is self stretching, with breathing coordinated to the body movements.  As one is practicing the exercise, both the breathing and the body movements are slow and the breathing is rhythmic and in harmony with the body movements.

In order for this to have any beneficial effect on your health, approaching it with confidence, sincerity, and perseverance in practicing the exercises is very important.  Only with confidence can you develop sincerity and focus your mind while exercising;  only with sincerity can you persevere to practice and gain the essence of the exercises;  and only with perseverance can you get the beneficial effects of the exercises and develop more interest in them.

You are advised to practice at least once each day, three times for those who want to recover from a certain ailment, but never make yourself too tired exercising.  Some of the forms in this site need a certain amount of stretching and stress, but do not force yourself to go beyond the point of comfort.

Pregnant females and those with certain physical problems should consult a doctor before learning the exercise introduced here.  For example, the sixth form require bending down low. Such forms are not suitable for people with hypertension or arteriosclerosis.
 
 

General Requirements  

The Routine 

Book Links

   Simple Fitness Exercises : Traditional Chinese Movements for Health & Rejuvenation

   The Tao of Health and Fitness : The Kung-Fu Master's Workout

 
 
 
Questions or suggestions?   miaoj@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: Consult with your doctor before learning the exercises introduced here.
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