Original price was: £490.00.£333.00Current price is: £333.00.
Description
The Comprehensive Benefits of Neigong Training
In the profound study of internal martial arts, Neigong (Internal Power) is not merely a supplementary exercise; it is the foundational “internal capital” required to manifest technical efficacy.
As a teacher of these arts, I observe that many practitioners possess the “forms” but lack the “currency” to execute them. Just as a merchant cannot trade without silver, a practitioner cannot manifest Tai Chi’s sophisticated principles without this cultivated power.
Neigong serves as the essential bridge between the high-level theoretical philosophy of the I Ching and resilient application. In the I Ching, we see the transition from the Kun (坤) hexagram—representing pure Yin and emptiness—to the Fu (復) hexagram, where the first Yang line returns at the bottom. This “Return” (復) is the strategic accumulation of internal capital; it is the spark of vitality returning to the vessel, without which all technical skill remains a hollow bankruptcy.
The cultivation of this internal foundation transforms the human system across physiological, functional, and cognitive dimensions, moving the practitioner from a state of “withering” to a state of “returning.”
Physiological Resilience and Longevity Benefits
The primary pillar of Neigong is the cultivation of physiological health, for a brittle vessel cannot contain great power. We utilize “Turtle Breathing” (龜息), a method derived from observing the long-lived turtle. Because a turtle’s torso is encased in a rigid shell, its lungs cannot expand horizontally; it must breathe by moving the diaphragm downward. In our practice, this downward movement is the strategic key to longevity.
By maintaining a supple frame, we avoid the state of “withering” (枯槁) and instead cultivate “suppleness” (柔弱), which Lao Tzu identified as the characteristic of life itself.
This internal work yields specific, documented benefits:
- Internal Organ Fortification: Through the rhythmic “pushing and pulling” (一壓一挺) of the diaphragm, Neigong provides a constant internal massage to the gastric and intestinal regions. This increases blood flow and ensures the digestive and excretory systems remain vibrant.
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Efficiency: By adopting deep, natural breathing that avoids horizontal chest expansion, we reduce mechanical strain on the heart and lungs. This allows for high oxygen intake without the fatigue associated with “hard” aerobic exertion.
- Structural Longevity: We prioritize the preservation of the “yielding” frame. By avoiding the rigid tension that decays the joints, Neigong prevents the physical decay typically seen in those who rely solely on external strength.
- Muscular Elasticity (Rou Jin): We develop “Soft Power” (柔勁), creating muscles that are highly elastic. This elasticity facilitates faster nutrient delivery to cells and efficient waste removal, allowing the body to sustain energy far longer than rigid muscular structures.
Sustainable Performance
The “So What?” of physiological resilience lies in the distinction between consumption and replenishment.
“Hard” energy (剛) relies on the explosive consumption of limited reserves which, as our records show, are “difficult to replenish.” Conversely, internal work is a self-replenishing engine.
A cultivated practitioner does not “spend” their health to gain power; they build a vibrant vessel that is the only thing capable of transmitting power without self-destruction.
Functional Martial and Combat Efficacy
Neigong is a defensive necessity for the t’ai chi martial artist. In the crucible of conflict, technical mastery (招) fails against superior brute strength or multiple opponents if it lacks an internal foundation.
Without Neigong, a t’ai chi technique is but a shadow; with it, the technique becomes a conduit for the unified force of the entire system.
The functional advantages of this training are manifold:
- Impact Resistance: Through the “Yang” and “Yin” stages of training, the internal organs are fortified. The body develops a layer of internal “armor” capable of withstanding heavy strikes without systemic failure.
- The “Soft Power” Advantage: Consider the analogy of the rope vs. the stick (繩子 vs 棍子). A rigid stick has a fixed speed governed by its mass and length. A rope or whip, being soft and elastic, can achieve “post-launch” acceleration that far surpasses the stick. Neigong grants the muscles this whip-like speed.
- Centering and Stability: By “sinking Qi to the Dan Tien,” we lower the center of gravity and root the body. This unshakeable stability ensures the practitioner is not easily uprooted.
- Kinetic Agility: Neigong emphasizes the flexibility of the waist and hips (腰胯). This allows the body to act like a “car wheel” (活如車輪), rapidly redirecting force rather than meeting it head-on.
Strategic Analysis: Force Multiplication
These benefits manifest the principle of “Circular Form” (圓拳), where movement follows the cyclic nature of the Twelve Big Hexagrams. This allows the cultivated practitioner to use “four ounces to move a thousand pounds.” By neutralizing the opponent’s force through internal stability and redirection, the practitioner transforms from a brute combatant into a master of economy, using the opponent’s own momentum to secure victory.
Cognitive Clarity and Psychological Unity
The ultimate advantage of Neigong is the cultivation of a superior mental state. In any conflict, the ability to maintain calmness is a strategic imperative. Neigong creates a psychological environment where the mind remains undisturbed by external aggression, allowing for rational action when others succumb to panic.
We recognize three Levels of Attainment in this pursuit:
- Internal-External Unity (內外合一): The primary coordination where the breath and the physical movement become a single, synchronized event.
- Mind-Body Unity (身心合一): The alignment of intent (Xin) and form, where the body responds to the mind’s direction without a “gap” of hesitation.
- Heaven-Man Unity (天人合一): The “self-forgetting” state of peak performance, where the practitioner is perfectly synchronized with the environment.
Further cognitive refinements include:
- Enhanced Intelligence and Memory: The increase in internal vigor and blood flow to the brain is directly linked to higher mental acuity and the preservation of memory.
- Sensory Reflex Sensitivity (Listening Power): Neigong sharpens the nervous system, developing “Listening Power” (聽勁). This is not auditory, but a tactile sensitivity that allows one to sense an opponent’s intention the moment contact is made.
- Error Reduction: A clear mind prevents the impulsive mistakes typical of “Hard” (剛) energy. By remaining “clear and quiet,” one acts only when the path to victory is certain.
Psychological Primacy
The culmination of psychological unity is the ability to achieve “victory before the first strike.” Through superior situational awareness and “Listening Power,” the practitioner achieves the state where “the person does not know me, but I alone know the person” (人不知我，我獨知人). This provides the ultimate strategic information advantage. By knowing the opponent’s center and intention before they even move, the practitioner has already won.
Conclusion Neigong represents the holistic integration of health, power, and wisdom. It is the ultimate “internal capital” that transforms the practitioner into a resilient, efficient, and enlightened being. By treating internal development as the prerequisite for all skill, one gains a vessel capable of navigating the complexities of both combat and life with effortless efficiency.
Traditionally this training was kept secret and taught selectively to favoured students.
This course teaches you all 24 (12 yin and 12 Yang) Tai Chi internal strength exercises in an easy to learn format. It includes feedback, correction and advice so you can learn them accurately and get all the benefits from training.
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Neil is a fantastic teacher, and I’ve really enjoyed studying Neigong with him. The instruction in the video is very clear and moves at a good pace. There are different camera angles and movements are repeated and narrated so that the nuances come across. Strongly recommended!
Having dabbled with Tai Chi Nei Gong, but in the absence of a good teacher and without any real consistency, it is refreshing to find a teacher of Neil’s caliber and experience. He has delivered a very accessible and transformative instructional video. He distills and delivers the essence of ancient Tai Chi Nei Gong practice in a very precise and easy to follow manner.
Through regular practice, this instructional video has helped me to foster a greater sense of inner peace, connectedness and fortitude in my own life.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this instructional video for anyone with an interest in Tai Chi Nei Gong and/or as means of self improvement as i feel that it is a powerful means of inner engineering.
Having dabbled with Tai Chi Neigong, but in the absence of a good teacher and without any real consistency, it is refreshing to find a teacher of Neil’s caliber and experience. He has delivered a very accessible and transformative instructional video. He distills and delivers the essence of ancient Tai Chi Neigong practice in a very precise and easy to follow manner.
Through regular practice, this instructional video has helped me to foster a greater sense of inner peace, connectedness and fortitude in my own life.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this instructional video for anyone with an interest in Tai Chi Neigong and/or as means of self improvement as i feel that it is a powerful means of inner engineering.
This is a great instructional video of a very rare conditioning program from internal martial arts. In fact its the only one I have ever seen by a western or eastern student with detailed instructions in English. I work as a physiotherapist and can vouch for effects of this system in developing a strong balanced physique. It combats the detrimental effects of sedentary living and poor posture by strengthening the major muscle and fascial trains that meander through the body form a deep to superficial level. From a martial stand point it delivers a strong root in conjunction with focused coordinated movement essential for effortless striking and parrying. Despite practicing neikung for ten years I have found this video a great blue print to keep my practice on track. Neikung builds your body from the inside out so the mind body and breath work in harmony.
Hi so to all the people who wants to try this amazing tai chi nei gong system.. I can only recommend with fully of my heart. I have been doing it for 20 plus years. Love it and it’s the best I have ever try and been training in.
Highly recommend to buy and start your new journey too
This is a brilliant instructional video for anyone wanting to learn the neigong system and also for people wanting to improve / refresh their neigong training. Neil has a deep-rooted understanding of each neigong exercise and demonstrates / explains each one in a very clear and concise way. Even if you think your neigong training is at a pretty good level I would recommend this video. I’m sure it will identify areas where your technique can be improved upon and you can maximise the benefits to be gained from practicing this awesome system.
I have been a student, practitioner and sometimes teacher of this system for 3 decades now, having trained under Dan Docherty, Neil Rosiak and others. Nei gung is the holy grail of this system and is generally reserved for students that are able to fully dedicate themselves to the art. Anyone wishing to embark on this section of the tai chi syllabus should not take it lightly. Neil has a profound and in depth knowledge of the system. The instructions in this video are insightful, clear and to the point and will assist anyone wishing to develop and improve their nei gung conditioning. I can fully recommend this video as an aid to help support your training.
Neil’s deep expertise and joy for Taiji in all its expressions is rooted deeply in freedom and form. At the core, Nei gung opens the door to a world of possibilities within the body, self-awareness and beyond. Very grateful to Neil for opening this door for us. You will love and benefit from this video, Neil’s clear and heart-full instructions will guide you through.
Neil’s deep expertise and joy for Taiji in all its expressions is rooted deeply in freedom and form. At the core, Nei gong opens the door to a world of possibilities within the body, self-awareness and beyond. Very grateful to Neil for opening this door for us. You will love and benefit from this video, Neil’s clear and heart-full instructions will guide you through.
A comprehensive, and professionally produced video, clearly illustrating and explaining all the Nei Gong postures.
I found the video very helpful, as an aide memoire, and as motivation to be more attentive and focused in my practice – having noted some suspect habits in my own practice!
It was also helpful to have front and side views of the postures with voice over talking one through the movement and posture. Noteworthy, particularly for those new to these exercises, is the availability of support from Neil via email or mobile.
Neil is clearly a very experienced and competent teacher who has created a much needed and valuable learning tool.
The best way to learn tai chi is of course from a great teacher. There are very few who really know the depth and detail of tai chi as well as Neil. This video of the nei gung exercises is exceptional, i have found nothing like it anywhere else. It provides a hugely valuable reference. These conditioning exercises build a strong and solid foundation for tai chi. I am slowly building my practice, going back to this often to check both the basics of the movements but also the detail of alignment and breathing. This very helpful and great value.
For me this is more than helpful in so many ways. If you practice Neigong you will appreciate and perfect your practise with Neil’s help and guidance. He’s a pocket guide on woodland trips.
Hi Spike it’s a donwloadable file for ease and
Hi Michael Between 20 minutes and an hour or so..
Hi Michael that’s a good idea which I’ll include on a following update. I’ve now started to include an ebook however which bridges the gap.
The Wudang style of tai chi is not only a complete and effective fighting system, as demonstrated by its success in full contact competition against other martial artists, it is also a subtle and sophisticated method to improve and maintain health and strength, both physical and mental. We are fortunate indeed that pioneers like Dan Docherty and Ian Cameron first brought this system to the UK in the seventies and eighties, both having studied in Hong Kong under the legendary Cheng Tin Hung (鄭天熊). I have practiced this style since the nineties, initially with Dan and subsequently with some of his senior students, and have maintained the practice of nei gong throughout this time.
Most recently, it has been a privilege to be taught and corrected by Neil, one of the handful of people (including Dan) that I can say it has been a life-changing experience to meet. Neil has not been content to pass on what he originally learned, but has tirelessly continued to deepen and extend his understanding of the art, returning to the source and studying under Cheng Tin Hung’s son, Cheng Kam Yan (鄭鑑恩). He has tested it in competition against fighters from many styles and shown its effectiveness as a martial art.
He is also interested in the science and physiology behind the style’s many health benefits. Of these I can speak personally – my nei gong practice has been the bedrock of my training, and the effects are palpable in terms of greater strength, stability and inner calm. Anecdotally, my martyrdom to annual doses of heavy flu stopped completely once I started practicing. Although no expert, my professional career was in medical research at the intersection of the nervous and immune systems, and we now understand enough of the relations between them, and the way that stress affects the latter and can be modulated by the former, for this to be plausibly attributed to the relaxing and calming effects of the nei gong exercises. It’s claimed effects on the ability to withstand heavy blows to the body was unintentionally tested by Neil himself, on an occasion when I foolishly walked into his very focused front kick while sparring, which floored me but left me unwinded and able to stand up immediately to continue. I only reflected subsequently that it would have taken me minutes to recover from this prior to practicing nei gong.
Neil’s commitment to teaching and transmitting this art extends to the production of very high quality teaching aids. While it remains true that the best way to learn any martial art is by personal instruction from a qualified teacher, the videos offered by Neil are an invaluable aide memoire, which communicate clearly, reliably and without undue mystique the essence of the techniques. They are beautifully produced, will not mislead, and are a valuable investment that will repay their cost many fold. I recommend them unreservedly, and in addition suggest that anyone interested in learning or developing this martial art seeks personal training with Neil. In a world full of over inflated egos, Neil is a modest and unassuming person of genuine attainments who truly lives the Dao.
Neil’s course is very thorough. I had previously learned much of the 24 Neigong exercises and Neil’s approach has provided me with new insights which have improved my practice, and working to refine them. I like the fact Neil explains these in a very Western and concrete manner. These exercises are so effective and very grateful to have learned them. It’s great to have a good video reference which really helps, which due to the previous “behind the door” cultural idea, wouldn’t have been possible, allowing a much wider range of people to benefit. Thanks Neil.