To ensure that you’re viewing the latest version,
please click REFRESH.
Fast Track Your
Skill with Yang Mian
Increase Your Flexibility
and
Develop Explosive Internal Power
that
You can Hear, See and Feel!
No pre-requisite necessary.
For
Beginners, the first lesson is obligation free.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat soled shoes.
12 Oct to
14 Dec
Tues
7.15pm to 9pm
Forrest
Wesley Centre
Gym
corner National Circt & Fitzroy St
behind the Rydges Hotel
Phone 6296 1357 or
email us your postal address for
further information.
Personal Training
For personal training with Chief Instructor
Brett Wagland, please email or phone us for appointment. Please allow one and a half hours. Wear loose, comfortable
clothing and flat soled shoes.
Why is Yang Mian Unique?
During more
than 30 years of martial arts experience, I have seen and trained in many
systems.
A few years
ago, I met Master Yang Zhen Hua of the Yang Mian martial art system. Master
Yang was an engineer in Shanghai and is now teaching his family’s healing
and martial arts in Sydney. As I watched a class, I was impressed with the
relaxed power his students demonstrated. There were no less than 20 people
moving gracefully and effortlessly, with limbs whipping out explosive
power. They were softer than most advanced Tai Chi exponents and had more
power than many Shaolin experts. Some of these students had been training
in Yang Mian for only 18 months. Very impressive!
Born in the
Sichuan province of China, famous for spicy food and sacred high mountains,
Master Yang commenced martial arts training at the age of six. He became a
disciple of a respected Shaolin monk at the age of ten. After many years of
Shaolin training, his father taught him the family system of Mian Chuan
(Cotton Fist). This efficient and deadly martial art, with both Buddhist
and Taoist influences, had been held in secrecy.
Calligraphy in Motion
In his
twenties, Master Yang experienced a number of profound awakenings where he
could understand and see the principles embedded in martial arts. He
describes his art as having the essence of the flowing nature of the brush
strokes of Chinese calligraphy. His reactions reached a stage of no
mind, just a spontaneous response to any martial encounter. The system
is based on principles and
methods of training the body, mind and spirit. It teaches
the practitioner to strike, using every part of the body.
Yang Mian does not
have set forms. It employs specific breathing and individual natural
movements which generate internal spring power and centrifugal
force. The effect is similar to releasing a powerful spring which has
been wound tight.
Yang Mian Training Improves Athletic Performances
Master Yang
says that Yang Mian students train the live way. They are able to use
the changes in their body conditioning in everything they do. These
skills enhance the various martial arts, Wu Dao Gong, Tai Chi or sports that
they engage in. Master Yang has been successful in conveying the principles of his art to
rugby players, tennis players,
swimmers
and snowboarders
to improve their athletic
performances. These athletes include
Australian Torah Bright, 2010 Winter
Olympics women's snowboarding gold medallist.
Once you understand the principles, you can apply them to
everything you do. The Yang Mian system has the ability to create free
flowing energy that moves effortlessly through the practitioner’s body,
allowing the power to reach wherever it is needed. It includes areas of
specialised training, such as Steel Hand and Steel Body. Its power and
efficiency in terms of changing the body is truly outstanding.
Become
Flexible and Limber
From both a
health and a martial arts perspective, your body becomes like rubber –
flexible yet firm. The spine and the joints become very elastic.
The system contains meditation and Qigong skills for re
laxation
and healing.
Some of our
Tai Chi students and Wu Dao Gong
martial art students have commenced training in Yang Mian. Even after just
a brief introduction to the system, their bodies have begun to change. The
hallmarks of flexibility and power of Yang Mian are already evident in some
of their movements. The students all commented favourably on the positive
effects so far and wish to continue training further.
If you would
like to increase your flexibility and internal power, and are looking for a
highway to fast track your skills, try the Yang Mian way!
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
See the Yang Mian System in
action on
video
clips.
Testimonials
"I
have found my training in Yang Mian to be a great experience. It's
wonderful to study a martial art system that has its fundamental movements
taught so solidly and at such a detailed level. I have found the training
challenging. However, I have noticed very rapid advances in physical
endurance (for example when I go running), and I am much more flexible and
relaxed as a result of the practices. My self confidence has also improved
considerably as a direct result of the training. Great stuff!"
– Greg, Musician (after 12 weeks of Yang Mian training)
********************************
"I’ve
known Brett Wagland and Fontane Ip for quite a few years now. The first
time I met them was when my wife joined their Tai Chi Academy. Brett and
Fontane’s invitation to join the Yang Mian System classes was very tempting
because I have a lot of respect and confidence in their work, even though I
didn’t know a thing about the system. When I saw the demonstration of the
system, I was a bit confused. I would have to admit that I didn’t like
everything I saw, although I did recognise something interesting that wasn’t
obvious on the demonstration. Because of that, I showed up at the first
class. I made the right decision.
It was very
new for me that the technique was all done in a very relaxed way. The
result of this was speed and power, which was heard and felt like a wave
from people who have been practising the system for some time. I especially
enjoyed linking the movements in this technique, like droplets in running
water.
This system
uncovers the body’s ability to produce enormous speed and power. It also
protects the body from injury.
I arrived at
the first class with only the knowledge of what I don’t want. I was
curious, open and excited for something I encountered for the first time.
From the very beginning, it was something very different from anything I had
practised before.
Brett and
Fontane are excellent teachers. At class, they harmonise with each other in
an unusual but very successful way. They are like two bright, clear moving
mirrors, which take away all doubts and uncertainty. Their demonstrations
have special significance that shows the “inside” of the movements.
Satisfied and
encouraged with quick results, I followed instructions and I patiently
waited for more. My right shoulder, that had been giving me trouble for
some time, started to be pliable, very flexible. What is especially
important is that it is free of any limitations in movement and pain.
This
completely new experience was similar to a coiled spring which I discovered
in my body. It created movements with incredible speed and power.
Sometimes the experience shocks me because the technique is so fast. Even
though I know it’s my body, I wasn’t able to see it. I started to recognise
completely new possibilities of my body’s movements.
Soon after I
started the classes of the Yang Mian System, full of curiosity and new
experiences, I implemented this new knowledge to my personal training in the
martial arts that I have been practising for many years. I was more than
satisfied with the results because my training revealed an obvious higher
quality. This was recognised by people who knew me from before.
I am
satisfied with the basics of the Yang Mian System. I was even more
surprised when I was introduced to the practical applications of the
movements.
The Yang Mian
System had made a very unique impression on me. The secrets that they
showed me in their classes weren’t really secrets. Every technique was part
of me. My natural movement patiently waited for my call and in that way; it
came to the surface with a very explosive result.
After all,
the biggest surprise was the simplicity of this unique system.
Grateful for
the opportunity, patience and confidence."
– Micho, Potter and Martial Artist with 35 years of experience (after 9
weeks of Yang Mian training)
********************************
"I
was really out of condition when I started the course, but I built up my
fitness level over the course.
The Yang Mian
training allowed me to focus and pay attention to what was happening inside
the body. Over time, I am developing a stronger awareness and understanding
of the body mechanics involved. Also, I found myself developing more
patience, greater perseverance, flexibility, strength and a better
understanding and experience of the movement towards developing explosive
power.
My movements
are now more free and flowing. Yang Mian has really
'freed up' my movements
in Tai Chi. It has made me more aware of using the body more efficiently in
Tai Chi. Now I feel that while I’m using less movement of arms etc. in the
form, I’m actually giving my body a stronger
'work
out'.
I also
learned a lot about myself, my reactions to others, and my intention and
ability to keep working and focusing. This also leads to a greater
understanding of my body and how it works.
Many thanks
to Fontane and Brett for offering this really helpful course.
– Toni, Teacher (after 9 weeks of Yang Mian training)
********************************
"Yang
Mian training can be quite challenging. But after completing only 2 terms
of training, I have already experienced an increase in energy levels, more
body awareness and a general feeling of well being and calmness. On a
physical level, I am feeling stronger than I have for a long time. The art
of Yang Mian is very practical and highly effective when it comes to self
defence."
– Jonathan, Public Servant
********************************
"I
started doing Yang style Tai Chi at about age 50 in 2001 to get more
flexibility in my body. My wife had attended Tai Chi classes previously and
we learned the form together. I found Tai Chi useful to strengthen my body,
calm my mind and improve my flexibility. After I had been training for some
time, I had a fairly major operation (donated a kidney) and found my
recovery was aided considerably by being able to get back to Tai Chi soon
after the operation.
When the Hun
Yuan system was introduced, we both started doing that form, and have also
done a range of extra courses over time with the Tai Chi Stick and
meditation. These have all proved beneficial in improving flexibility,
relaxing the mind and overcoming aches and pains from old injuries.
In 2008, I
enrolled in Wu Dao Gong martial arts classes to try something different and
have an extra challenge. I had been doing San Ti in my own practice and
thought that it would be interesting to try some of the harder training that
comes with Wu Dao Gong.
At Brett’s
suggestion, I started learning Yang Mian as well and have found that it has
changed my body considerably. When I started learning the various
exercises, I felt fairly uncoordinated and ineffective, but persisting with
practice has made a difference. I have always had a fairly slender body
shape and not been overweight, but I have never been to a gym and so have
not built up in a muscular way. I have been doing Yang Mian training
for about 6 months and it has helped considerably in improving my body’s
flexibility and strength,
in
particular the centre of the body. Doing
this extra training has meant that I have also put on a few kilos in muscle
weight, while keeping to the same diet. The extra strength has also
assisted me in my Wu Dao Gong training. I continue to practise Hun Yuan Tai
Chi and find that my added strength, flexibility and awareness have made a
difference to that practice. I will be interested to see how I develop
further as I become more adept at the exercises practised in Yang Mian
martial arts.
An
interesting side light to all this is that while I am doing exercises based
around martial arts, I have never set out to gain martial arts competence.
I see all the various exercises and meditations that I do as helping to keep
me healthy and provide balance to my life, rather than seeking a particular
competence in martial arts."
– Patrick, Management Consultant
********************************
●
Interview – "Chris
Radnedge's Journey of Self Development"
********************************
See the Yang Mian System in
action on
video
clips.