Dao Mind Internal Lineage

Website

Dao Mind Internal Lineage Connecting Traditional Culture, Philosophy, and Wisdom to Modern Life to Create a Better Future

09/07/2026

When I first started practicing internal martial arts, I thought I understood what “internal” meant. But after practicing for some time, I realized that I actually didn’t understand what internal martial arts really are. Perhaps I may never fully understand them in my lifetime.

So, what is internal practice?

For example, if I want to throw a punch, that punch is controlled by my mind. It is not natural. But the principle of internal martial arts is exactly the opposite. Internal movement arises naturally. It is not controlled by the conscious mind, nor is it something produced through acquired habits.

When we practice forms, it is very easy to become bound by the forms themselves. But we have to understand that the form is only a bridge. Through practicing the movements and techniques of the form, we come to understand and recognize ourselves. We gradually discover the true meaning of the form, allowing what is happening internally and what is expressed externally to slowly become one.

This is not muscle memory or a conditioned reflex. Instead, it gradually becomes something innate and natural.

Every movement begins to contain countless possibilities. It is no longer limited to the basic applications of the form.

Internal and external become one.

The “internal” is the foundation. It is not about the external movement itself. Rather, it is the relationships within the body that drive the changes expressed externally.

Therefore, when we practice internal martial arts, we progress layer by layer. We transform the physical qualities of the body, change our internal way of thinking, and develop our ability to understand, perceive, and sense.

When the practice reaches a certain level, the body itself becomes natural. The internal and external become one.

09/07/2026

當我一開始練習內家的時候，我以為我懂内家，但練習一段時間以後，我才發現，我根本不懂什麼是內家。可能一輩子也不完全搞懂。

那麼，内家練習是什麼呢？

比如說，我要打出一拳，這一拳是我用腦控制的，這不是自然的。但內家的觀念是剛好相反的。内家是自然形成的，不是大腦控制，不是後天發生的。

練習套路的時候，我們很容易被套路綁住。但我們要知道，套路只是一個橋樑。透過練習套路招式，我們了解自己、認識自己，進而了解套路真正的意義，讓內在與外在慢慢變得一致。這不是肌肉記憶，或條件反射。而是變成先天自然。

每一個動作，都會變成很多種可能性，不再侷限於基本的應用。

內外合一。

「內」才是主體，不是外面的動作。是裡面的關係，帶動外面的變化。

所以，當我們練習內家的時候，是一層一層的提升，改變身體體質，改變内在觀念，改變領悟力和敏感度。當練習到某個程度的時候，身體就會變成自然體，達到內外合一。

06/15/2026

Today I would like to share some thoughts about the mindset and attitude we should have toward training and learning.

Many traditional martial arts and cultural traditions have become fragmented or disappeared over time. Often, this is because the transmission between teachers and students was not fully preserved. In some cases, teachers themselves may not have completely understood what they were teaching, and in the past it was also common for instructors to hold back part of their knowledge. As a result, students were unable to truly grasp the teachings. When students are not serious about their training or do not respect what they are learning, valuable knowledge can gradually be lost.

Many people think that practicing martial arts is simply about learning forms and movements. In reality, martial arts training is much more profound. It emphasizes the integration of internal and external development, the cultivation of both scholarly and martial qualities, and the combination of wisdom and strategy.

Training cannot be rushed. It must be built step by step, layer by layer. Combined with the teacher’s experience and insights, this process allows valuable knowledge to be preserved, passed down, and further developed.

Many students want to learn all the movements as quickly as possible. In doing so, they often overlook the true purpose of training and end up learning only the external appearance of the art.

In ancient times, people approached training with great humility. They learned with an open mind and treated both themselves and their practice with sincerity. They progressed from not understanding, to gradual improvement, to periods of self-doubt and encountering obstacles. Some would give up, while others would persevere. Those who persisted eventually broke through their limitations, grasped the essence of the art, and realized deeper truths.

These truths are not limited to martial arts alone. They can be applied broadly to many aspects of life.

06/15/2026

今天想和大家分享我們練習和學習的心態和態度。
練習很多傳統武術和文化斷層或消失，很多時候是因為教學的老師與學生沒有真正傳承下來。教學的人自己可能沒有完全了解透徹，加上以前的教學都會留一手。當學生不得其門而入，可能不認真，不尊重自己練習的東西，所以會導致好東西的流失。
很多人以為練習武術，尤其是內家，就是練習套路和動作。其實練習武術是很講究的，是內外結合、文武雙修，還結合智慧與策略。
練習是不能操之過急的，是一步一步地練習，一層一層地增加。加上老師傳達他的經驗和觀念，才能夠把好東西流傳和發展下去。
很多人在學習的時候都想很快的把所有的的動作趕快練完。卻忽略了練習真正的意思。變成只練得外形而已。
古代人對練習的態度是很謙卑的，是虛心地學習，真誠地對待自己和練習。從不懂到一步步進步，到自我懷疑、遇到瓶頸。有人會放棄，但有人會堅持，最後得以突破，然後領悟到精髓，悟出真理。真理不只侷限於一樣東西，我們可以廣闊地應用在生活各個領域。這就是「一理通，百理明」。

05/12/2026

Today I want to share with everyone the fundamental logic and way of thinking behind practicing Bagua. Most people think Bagua is simply about walking in circles, but the majority are trapped by the circle itself and the external movements.
In fact, we begin from our own body, then learn to feel the integration with space and the connection with the universe. Many people focus only on perfect-looking techniques or impressive postures, but that alone is meaningless. What is truly important is understanding the inner essence of the movements and the deeper meaning of the entire system.
The circle represents triangular geometry and has a direct relationship with how the body is applied and functions. First, it develops the body’s hormones, vitality, and spirit. Internally it nourishes essence; externally it strengthens the body. This helps protect the body from becoming weak, sick, or filled with pain as one ages.
This system of health cultivation and application is not an ordinary fighting method. It is a highly sophisticated art based on skill and the principle of borrowing and redirecting force, rather than simply attacking through circular movement. The foundation of this practice comes from the I Ching (Book of Changes). “Yi” means change; change creates trigrams and hexagrams, and these symbols represent continuous interaction and transformation. When you connect with another person, you are applying the principle of borrowing and redirecting force.
This method of training is different from ordinary practice and different from many other Bagua systems. It is not about following a particular school or constantly emphasizing lineage. If we do not understand the deeper reason behind the art, then we must return to its original essence.
This practice is not about violence or fighting for its own sake. We should approach it through logic and shift the way we learn, so that we can study the culture and wisdom of the ancient masters.

05/10/2026

今天我要和大家分享的是，練習八卦的基本底層邏輯與思維。一般人都認為八卦就是走圓圈，但大多數的人都被這個「圈」和動作本身束縛住了。很多人不知道，八卦的練習其實是身體與空間、與宇宙之間的連結。

大部分的人都被走圈的形式綁住。有些人的動作看起來很柔順、很靈活，但其實已經把動作練得很刻板，連思維也變得很僵化。其實，練習八卦不只是動作，它還可以啟動我們的思維與智慧。當我們把動作放開，它教導我們如何鍛鍊身、心、靈，如何從內在到外在達到一致，也就是「內外合一」。

我們從自己的身體開始，進一步感受與空間的結合，以及與宇宙的聯繫。很多人只注重標準動作，或者擺出漂亮的架式，但那其實沒有太大的意義。真正重要的是理解動作的內在，以及整個系統背後的內涵。

譬如說，圓圈代表的是三角幾何，它在身體上的應用與運作有著密切關係。首先，它是在鍛鍊身體的荷爾蒙與精氣神。內在養精，外在養身，可以保護身體，不至於年老之後全身病痛。這套養生與應用的方法，不是一般單純的打法，而是一種技巧性非常高的運用，講究「借勁使勁」，而不只是靠走圓圈來攻擊。

那麼，什麼是借勁？又該如何練習這些觀念？這並不是你我說了算。這套練習的本體其實來自《易經》。「易」就是變化，變化形成卦象，而卦象之間是不斷互相震盪與轉化的。當你與對方產生結合時，就是在運用借勁使勁的原理。

這種練習與一般的訓練方式不同，也和其他的八卦練習不一樣。它不是單純去看某個門派，也不是一直強調自己屬於誰的體系。如果我們不了解其中的道理，就必須回到它的本體去理解。再譬如說，圓圈其實代表化勁與引力。

而且，練習並不是為了打打殺殺。我們應該從邏輯出發，轉換學習的角度，去學習古人的文化。所謂傳承，就是古人留下來智慧的結晶。因此，一味盲目地複製動作，其實是沒有用的。

10/18/2025

Traditional martial arts originated from practices of health preservation and body conditioning.
It’s not just about learning forms — the training is tough, building perseverance, confidence, and a calm, humble spirit.
Especially in internal martial arts, every movement is based on health principles — improving balance, energy flow, and body awareness. Through this, we achieve inner peace, clarity, and wisdom in dealing with life. Martial arts also carry deep cultural and philosophical roots from Confucianism and Taoism, combining body, mind, and spirit.
When training, we should let go of rigid goals and instead feel the movement, the body, and its connection with the environment. True martial spirit arises from this awareness, not from external technique.
Different martial arts styles developed from different philosophies — for example, Shaolin focuses on Zen, while internal arts follow Taoist principles.
Ultimately, martial arts are not just physical moves but a way to harmonize the body with space, energy, and life itself.

How is our practice different?
The so-called “Yin-Yang Continuous Baguazhang” is practiced in a way distinct from ordinary Baguazhang.
Although the outward movements may look similar, the inner meaning is entirely different.
That’s what makes it unique — it cannot be mastered just by imitating its appearance.

10/18/2025

傳承武術的動作是從養生和身體保健演變而來的。
其實武術它不只是練習套路動作這麼單純。練習武術的過程中是艱苦的，所以會形成我們刻苦耐勞的精神。除了可以強身健體和自我保護以外，它讓我們鍛鍊武術的氣質與精神。我們會對自己很有信心，也不畏強權。武術的精神就是不卑不亢。
傳承武術尤其是內家武術，每個動作都是以養生為基礎。每個動作都是讓我們了解和感覺自己的身體，調節身體的問題，保健所有的器官，平衡內在、改變氣血，讓我們神清氣爽。這不是一般所認為的氣功。當我們身心平衡之後，就可以達到安靜的狀態。我們變得處變不驚，變得更有信心與智慧地處理事情。再加上武術是古文化傳承的結晶，它是文化與哲學的結合。而東方的理哲學不只是思想，而是經由身心靈與生活體驗結合出來的智慧。譬如說儒家思想和道家思想都與我們的生活息息相關。
所以當我們練習的時候，要放下自我，去感受動作，感受自己的身體，感受動作與周遭環境的結合，而不是執著於「我要練什麼」、「我要達到什麼」。這樣我們才能產生不一樣的武術氣質與精神。
武術派別的產生，是因為有不同的觀念與思想。譬如說少林武術是修禪，內家則是道。
所以我們練習的並不是單純的手腳動作。人的身體可以改變時空，這就是身體的流離學與空間轉換的應用。
我們的練習又是如何不一樣呢？所謂的「陰陽連貫八卦掌」是與一般八卦不同的方式。外形看起來相似，但內涵不同。這就是它獨特的地方，並不是光看表面就能練成的。

09/14/2025

為什麼大部分的內家求注重練習圓圈？因為圓圈是自然旋轉的方向，例如地球和宇宙的旋轉都是圓圈。太極拳和八卦掌長也是以圓圈為主。 那我們要真正懂得圓圈的意思。圓圈是自覺，自然體的應用。但這不是亂動。是氣血流暢，達到身體和心靈上的結合。很多人都以為圓圈很單純或家加的動作很簡單，看了就會。但其實真真的意思是一層一層的不一樣。 中華武術也不是全拳腳功夫。

身為現代人的我們不一定比古代人差。我們得到古人的智慧，結合我們現代的科學， 我們可以發展得更好。譬如說古人說練習是練習精氣神。用我們現代的解釋。 就是把我們的身體練好，氣血流通，我們的細胞和身體得到滋潤， 那精神就會放鬆， 減少壓力。

傳承系統是每一代老師的經驗結晶形成的所形成的。每位前輩練習的特性都不一樣。董海川祖師教學是因材施教。程廷華的特長是摔法，四兩撥千斤。尹福的特徵是冷脆勁。所以我們要了解真正了解系統，而不是去逛練動作。 然後被每一個動作或圈套綁住。我們是有不一樣的特徵。身為現代人的我們是可以突破、超越的。

08/05/2025

Western culture generally emphasizes practicality. The Western approach tends to be very detailed, clear, and scientific in dividing systems, but sometimes this can lead to rigidity. For example, the boxing training system is straightforward—one punch is just one punch. How you train is how you apply it.
Western culture emphasizes "law, reason, emotion," while Eastern culture emphasizes "emotion, reason, law."
Eastern culture primarily begins with concepts and closely integrates systems with people's lives. It's a layered development, moving from the inner circle to the middle circle, and then to the outer circle.
Eastern martial arts aren't as direct. Each movement is not just a simple punch or kick—every form has its deeper meaning. Martial arts without inner content or personal cultivation are easily reduced to mere physical skills.
In particular, the traditional practices of Chinese internal martial arts fuse Chinese traditional culture, philosophy, and daily life. For example,"Yi" refers to change, it is profound, vast, and all-encompassing.

"Zong" refers to the root of a system—it's the crystallization of experiences passed down through generations, forming a complete system. Each school has its unique features and essence.

Internal martial arts training, like Bagua Zhang, includes throwing, striking, hitting, and grabbing. We should emphasize its unique methods of throwing and striking, rather than merging in techniques from other schools. This shows a lack of understanding of the essence of internal martial arts, leading to inconsistency in practice and application.

Nowadays, many people’s training has become impractical; they only know the forms but don't understand the wisdom within them. This is not just ordinary thinking, but rather a systematic structure. We often think that mastering the forms means we've understood them, but without delving into the underlying concepts, we can never truly grasp their deeper meanings.

We need to understand the holistic nature of movements. The so-called "wholeness" is about the use of counterforce, not brute strength. We need to recover the essence lost over time in traditional practices. Such training is suitable for people of all ages.
We should apply the wisdom we’ve learned to life and work, learning how to intelligently align with life and the environment, inspiring the growth of our body, mind, and spirit.

Our system of practice is not the conventional understanding of traditional martial arts by modern people. We pursue the practical application of principles, breaking through each individual's blind spots.

Address

Arcadia, CA

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dao Mind Internal Lineage posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category