FOR INFORMATION ABOUT INDIVIDUALIZED COURSES AND BTA/MTA/TPhD PROGRAMS IN ENGLISH/DUTCH PLEASE CONTACT US AT info@taoiststudies.org

 

learn at your own pace

choose your favorite subjects

advance quickly through private tuition

close contact with

our highly skilled and professional staff!

 

TEACHING STAFF:

Prof. Dr. Dan K.J. Vercammen, Ass. Prof. An Woestenborghs, MTA and Koen Fransen, MTA.

 

REMARKS:

• YOU USUALLY DON'T NEED ANY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE! (some follow-up courses may require previous knowledge)
• Courses are open to free and regular students; we teach in English and/or Dutch
• Arrange your own individualized program
• College fees and books/readers and/or rented material: mail us for quote (info@taoiststudies.org)
• A college hour equals 50 minutes; if possible a brief pause is held during colleges lasting more than two hours (not always possible)
• Take a look at the college guide if you want more information about the Bachelor, Master, PhD (doctor) and postgraduate programs

 

 

 

THE NEW PROGRAM (STARTING 2010 - 2011)

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

to read and download the pages you need the free and safe software Adobe Reader, which you can get from http://www.adobe.com/. If you still cannot read/open these files, send us an e-mail request for the MS Word version of these pages.

 

The program of the Bachelor and Master of Taoist Arts can be read and downloaded here.

 

The pages about the contents of the courses can be read and downloaded here.

 

The roster of the academic year 2010 - 2011 can be read and downloaded here.

 

The pages about the college fees, the registration form, group classes, and study points can be read and downloaded here.

 

 

For your convenience here is still the previous list of some of the courses that are available:

 

 

Fu Style Taoist Taijiquan

Back to the Taoist Roots, the Best of Three Traditions

Yang and Wu Taijiquan and Taoist Internal Alchemy

Our taijiquan colleges include: zhanzhuang (stances), tuishou (pushing hands; fixed and free patterns), sanshou (applications based on fixed and free patterns), philosophy (Sunzi: strategy ad tactics, taiji-philosophy), theory (history, background and inside information, classical texts of taijiquan, translated by prof. Vercammen), taijishan (fan), taijidao (long knife), taijijian (sword), taijiqiang (spear), taijigan (long pole), taijigun (short stick), taijiji (halberd), sets in 13 ‘sequences’, fundamental practice with partner(s) and with or without traditional weapons.

Fù style taijiquan combines the best of three ingredients: the oldest two taijiquan traditions (Yáng and Wŭ) and Taoist alchemical practice. It was developed by dr. Fu Qinglong and prof. dr. Dan K.J. Vercammen (Fei Danning), both representatives of the Southern Jindan tradition of Taoist alchemy. One of the most interesting developments within this type of taijiquan is the re-integration of its Taoist roots. These roots were thought to be lost in modern taijiquan since the thirties of the twentieth century. Also unique is the introduction of southern alchemical practices. Of special notice are the thirteen sequences of Fu’s Taoist taijiquan. In all there are 81 movements (derived from Dong Yingjie’s early set of 81 movements), based on 37 stances. Fu's taijiquan contains the original integral parts of Yáng and Wŭ family styles of taijiquan, i.e. Taoist rituals (walking on stars and through the bagua [eight trigrams], cloud writing, movements of the immortal crane), developing of jin (internal energy) and qi (the power of breath) and animal styles from northern martial arts (horse, monkey/ape, snake, tiger). Thirteen is a most important number in taijiquan's practice; the designations of the sets usually refer to this number (thirteen sword techniques, thirteen spear techniques, …). Symbolic use of numbers is also present in the Fù style sequences (sets of 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 movements and 13 techniques in the thirteenth sequence).

Do you need the real thing instead of the New Age amateurish stuff? We offer authentic and complete practice based on Taoist expertise: professional Fu style taijiquan ; we teach you how to get results from your practice and tell you how to prevent problems caused by faulty practice of this art; for three decades Vercammen and Woestenborghs have been practicing taijiquan and have been doing scientific research in this field.

Literature: books by Dan K.J. Vercammen: Het Mysterie van Taijiquan (Dutch), Neijia Wushu (volumes 1 and 2) (English), Taijiquan: de klassieke teksttraditie (Dutch), The Way of Qi (English), Wegwijs in het taoïsme (Dutch)

 

Yuanqigong

and

Taoist Self Massage/Breathing Exercises

A Simple Way to Health

Rooted in Ancient Taoist Internal Alchemy

 

For thousands of years prevention of illness has been regarded as the highest medical skill in Chinese Medicine. Taoists invented many movements, self massage and breathing techniques. These techniques are called 'the art of cultivating life'. Consciously practicing these exercises one corrects the functioning of the body and retains good health. Standing, sitting, breathing, and moving in certain specific ways form the essence of our tradition. The root of life is breath. Natural breathing practices from our millenary Southern Jindan tradition originating with Grandmaster Zhang Boduan (984 - 1082) can help improve health through intensifying breath.  Yuanqigong teaches the skill to keep the primary qi (the body's unity, which is based on its resistance to illness and harm) in good shape. It is taught through simple, safe and efficient techniques that improve the vital circulations of the body and expel harmful waste material; daily practice delivers a sound mind in a healthy body; the yuanqigong practice is not only derived from ancient Taoist traditions, it is also supported by modern scientific research; because of its serious nature our teaching is not suitable for New Age ‘shopping-and-hopping’ minded people! The practice consists of stances, walking, imitation of animal movements, meditation techniques, breathing exercises, self massage, etc. All these exercises teach you to take control of your own health. The exercises are taught in a playful and interesting manner and are suitable for just about anyone.

Literature: books by Dan K.J. Vercammen: Qigong, een oefenboek (Dutch), Taoïstische zelfmassage (Dutch), Loopoefeningen der 8 onsterfelijken (Dutch), The Way of Qi (English).

 

Chinese Calligraphy

The Spirit in the Brush

Ancient Chinese Art Made Accessible through Prof. Vercammens Quick New Method

 

Chinese brushes, ink and bamboo/rice paper are the usual external ingredients of Chinese calligraphy. Through their special characteristics they seem to possess a real 'spirit', i.e. they allow for unexpected effects. The internal ingredients stem from the calligrapher's body: jin (energy), qi (power of breath), shen (spiritual power: concentration, creativity, ...), jing (quietude) and dong (movement). Learning Chinese calligraphy is not easy, unless a skilled teacher leads your hand. Painter and calligrapher Lingbi developed a quick, new method to reveal the secrets of Chinese calligraphy.

 

Introduction to Chinese Languages

 

A description of different types of Chinese language; spoken Chinese, written Chinese, local languages/dialects; Chinese writing and Chinese characters; sounds and tones of standard Chinese pronunciation.

 

Practical Spoken Chinese

 

Intensive introduction to speaking Chinese; via a special method, developed by Dan K.J. Vercammen, you can quickly pick up practical expressions and words for daily use; ideally suited for people planning to go traveling in China.

 

Authentic Chinese Medicine

 

What is the difference between authentic Chinese medicine and pseudo-Chinese medicine such as acupuncture? Why did China abort authentic Chinese medicine? How to gain access to authentic medicine? How does authentic medicine work? A unique opportunity to gain access to practically unknown versions of Chinese medicine.

 

Taoism and Chinese Philosophy

 

A thorough introduction to different schools of Chinese philosophy and Taoism via image material from the vast archives of Taoist Alchemical Studies Center TASC, Vercammens translations of philosophical texts from classical Chinese and the results of many years of investigation; a clear picture of different ways of thought in classical China by an expert.

 

Practical Classical and Literary Chinese

 

To gain access to the deeper layers of Chinese culture, you need classical Chinese; would you like to read classical Chinese poetry in Chinese or study the original text of the Daodejing? Do you want to understand what Chinese philosophers really meant? Interested in authentic Chinese medical literature? Vercammens ‘one-brain-cell’ grammar of classical Chinese invites you to take the easy road to these goals; the ideal course for those who want to learn to think Chinese.

 

Yangsheng, Healthy Living

 

Thousands of years of research led to Taoist ways of preserving health and prolonging life; this course teaches you how to prevent illness, live a more healthy life and take care of your body based on the Taoist experience; the sources we use are authentic Taoist exercises, diets, life culture, oral and practical tradition, and ancient literature; Vercammen combines the most thorough knowledge of Taoist practice and scientific research to give you a clear view of what is possible and how to realize it; he also focuses on how things can go wrong and why popular and commercial pseudo-Taoism can be very dangerous to one's health and why authentic tradition is important.

 

Cultural History: Chinese Painting

 

The history of Chinese painting is a very long and complex one; we focus on important painters and traditions from the southeast of China in this course; see the great works of Chinese art and learn how they were produced and what they try to convey; a fresh look upon traditional painting by a painter - expert.

 

The Practice of Chinese Painting

 

A fine occasion for getting into the practice of Chinese painting; step by step you learn how a traditional Chinese painting is planned and made; discover the hidden secrets of the Chinese brush, ink and paper; also check the course on the history of Chinese painting for theoretical aspects of this art.

 

Chinese Calligraphy

 

Chinese calligraphy is an art form that brings joy to both the practitioner and the viewer; there is no need to know Chinese to practice Chinese calligraphy (but studying Chinese makes it even more enjoyable!); let yourself be seduced by the wonders of the Chinese brush; the practice of Chinese calligraphy also incorporates health and longevity techniques which we make available to you; Vercammen created a simple, practical method for mastering the art; Chinese calligraphy combines perfectly with Chinese painting, yuanqigong, taijiquan and Taoist breathing exercises.

 

Taoist Breathing Exercises

 

Breath is the root of life. Taoist masters discovered the secrets of breathing and passed them on to their disciples and other traditions (a.o. Buddhism); we teach you natural breathing techniques from the great Southern Jindan Tradition of Grandmaster Zhang Boduan (984 - 1082) to help you deepen your breathing and preserve your health.

 

Taoist Internal Martial Arts: Xinyiliuhequan

 

The oldest form of xingyiquan (‘martial art of body and consciousness’) created by Ji Jike in the seventeenth century; it was further developed in Henan province by the Chinese Muslim minority before reaching Shanghai and Southern China; it remains the least known of the three internal arts and in the version we teach it also retains its traditional form (i.e. it is not standardized nor modernized); it is also called shidaxing (‘ten large forms’, referring to the ten animal forms that are practiced); a superb introduction to this internal art; down-to-earth practice of the movements of the ten animals through easy-to-learn sets of movements; very efficient self defense and powerful internal strength training; Vercammen was the first westerner ever to practice this art and was the first scientist to describe and investigate xinyiliuhequan; if you are used to practicing taijiquan and/or baguazhang: come and feel the difference!

 

Sunzi and Chinese Strategy: Theory and Applications

 

Right now military experts all over the world are still studying the Sunzi Bingfa (The Strategy of Master Sun), an ancient Chinese classic on strategy; this fascinating book provides its readers with an intricate philosophy of strategy and its applications; preventing conflicts and quickly solving existing ones are just two of its essentials; we take a look at this book and other Chinese works about strategy and see how it can still be of use in modern life (and not only in military affairs); Vercammen started investigating the philosophy and practice of Chinese strategy 25 years ago and now, for the first time, has been found willing to share his knowledge; great stuff for martial artists, wargamers, managers, etc.; we will also try out the acquired knowledge in strategic/tactical (war)games and other applications.

 

 

Taiji Weapons: Taiji Qixing Fan

 

Without any doubt the seven-stars-fan is the most elegant weapon of taiji; it protects you from the sun, offers fresh air on hot days but is also an efficient means to defend yourself! Beautiful movements with this colorful fan bring you better health and protection; join the very few who have had the privilege to learn this Taoist taiji art!

 

Taiji Weapons: Taiji Double Edged Sword

 

The most famous of all taiji weapons; the sword routines of taijiquan originate from Wudang sword techniques and Taoist rituals; an elegant practice promoting good health!

 

Taiji Weapons: Yang family Taiji Single Edged Sword

 

A 'mixed breed' sword, straight as a double edged sword with a curved cutting edge, this Yang family weapon helps you develop swift and powerful energy!

 

Taiji Weapons: Taiji Short Staff

 

A very practical self defense weapon, suitable for the young and elderly alike.

 

Taiji Weapons: Taiji Spear/Long Staff

 

A heavy and extremely long weapon, requiring and promoting good health; because of its characteristics the spear forces one to use the body as a whole and is therefore the perfect weapon to learn the essence of taijiquan practice!

 

Taiji Weapons: Taiji Snake Body Halberd

 

A top heavy long weapon introduced into taijiquan by Fu style founder Fu Qinglong; ideally suited to learn balance and the use of energy in taijiquan.

 

Taoist Inner Arts Weapons: Horse Tail Whip

 

A very beautiful weapon allowing for graceful movements; prof. Vercammens favorite weapon.

 

Taoist Inner Arts Weapons: Painter's Brush

 

When not used for painting or calligraphy, a Chinese brush can be used as a short range weapon.

 

Taoist Inner Arts Weapons: Goose Wings Trident

 

A heavy two sided weapon suitable for stabbing, deflecting, intercepting other weapons, and many more applications.

 

Taoist Inner Arts Weapons: Bagua and Xinyiliuhe Weapons

 

These include a large double edged sword and a huge saber, double hooks, knives, rings, and so on.

 

Traditional Martial Arts Weapons: Basic Weapon Techniques

 

A general introduction to the use of traditional Chinese and oriental weapons (saber and shield, halberd, trident, bamboo staff, tonfa, sai, wooden bench, ...).

 

 

Baguazhang

 

The Eight Trigrams Palms were developed by Dong Haichuan in the nineteenth century through the combination of ancient Taoist rituals and northern Chinese martial arts; the practitioner makes use of circular movements to distract, avoid and confuse his/her opponent; solo exercises build strength and promote health and practical applications with partners teach you efficient self defense; we were instructed by grandmaster Li Ziming (1900 - 1993), the former head of the Chinese Baguazhang Association, to promote the traditional practice of baguazhang in the West.

 

Xingyiquan

 

This somewhat younger sister art of xinyiliuhequan comes from Hebei province; the five agents fists and the twelve animals fists are the main ingredients of this powerful martial art.

 

Taoist Methodology

 

Principles and methods for teaching, researching and practicing medicine in a Taoist way.