Longfei-Taijiquan Association of Great Britain

The development of Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong in England
Longfei News Letters - Volume 2, Issue 2

by Mark Atkinson

Britain's connection with Professor Zhang Guangde and his creation Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong, began in 1993 when Mark Atkinson and his colleague Tina Borfiga made their first trip to China to extend their taining in Tai Ji and Qi Gong.

They were exceptionally lucky to be offered the the opportunity to become the first western students to be taught by Professor Zhang, who is one of the world authorities on health enhancing exercise.

So it was that when the group returned from China, Mark was able to offer taining not only in Taiji, but also in Dao Yin Bao Jian Gong (Dao Yin exercises for general health). At that time Mark was the only person in the UK permitted by Professor Zhang to teach this form.

A visit to Jersey by the Professor followed in 1994, and from then onwards the relationship has grown.

In 1995 Mark was made a senior judge of the China Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong Association, and was a founder member of the European Federation in 1997.

In April of this year following an inauguration ceremony in Beijing, when Mark was declared "an outstanding and close disciple" of Professor Zhang, the English Association of the European Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong Federation was formed. Now, with his acceptance as Professor Zhang's representative in England and the Channel Islands and one of his second generation disciples - one of only twelve outside of China - Mark's wish is to develop the English Association to spread Dao Yin Gong as a health system and as a complement to Tai Chin practice. For those unfamiliar with Professor Zhang Guangde, he was born in Tangshan City, Hebei Province, China in 1931. Coming from a traditional Chinese medical family background, he naturally developed an interest in Wushu, as a means of health promotion through exercise.

In 1955 he was enrolled in the Wushu Department of the Beijing Institute (now University) of Physical Education where he has remained ever since, progressing from student to Senior Professor of the University. 

In 1974, Professor Zhang was diagnosed as suffering from lung cancer. At that time he undertook a deep study of traditional Chinese medicines, in particular the methods of Daoyin (guiding and inducing the free flow of Chin (internal energy) inside the body) and also Tai Chi Chuan. Basing his work on this huge wealth of traditional knowledge, Professor Zhang developed a new style to combine the methods of Daoyin with physical exercise and mental cultivation - Yang Sheng. It was through the use of this health system - Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong Ü that it is claimed that the Professor overcame his own illness and offered hope to many thousands of patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions.

Since that time the Professor has continued his studies as well as sharing his knowledge through teaching visits to other countries. Though not yet well known in Britain, it is estimated that throughout the world in excess of 14 million students are involved in the practice of Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong. 

Combining traditional knowledge with modern medical theory, Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong itself is a comprehensive system of exercises characterised by gentle twisting motions and involving breath control, the stimulation of key acupressure points in the body and mental development. According to Professor Zhao Guoxin, Dean of Health Studies at the Beijing Teacher Training College, and celebrated TCM doctor and teacher, Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong is characterised by its deep foundations in traditional Chinese medicine, which makes 
it very different from most Qi Gong systems.

As an introduction to Dao Yin Gong, students begin by learning Dao Yin Bao Jian Gong (Dao Yin exercise for keeping fit). This consists of eight separate exercises each performed eight times. With consistent practice, Dao Yin Bao Jian Gong promotes general health with specific benefits to the heart and the lungs, the value of which, to those who live in a modern society, is significant. These exercises complement Taiji very well, and students of Taijin Quan would find them helpful in promoting 'flow'. 

Once familiar with Dao Yin Bao Jian Gong, one may extend one's study to the rest of the system according to need and interest.Because of its proven benefits to the health, Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong is held in high regard by the Chinese government. In recognition of its status, the opening ceremony of the first China international Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong invitational tournament and traditional Chinese health preservation cultural exchange meeting took place in the Yanwu Hall of the China Wushu Institute at the Asian Games Centre in Beijing China on 27th September 1995.

The event opened with more than 150 representatives of twelve countries presenting their respects to the organising committee of the Youth Union of China and the Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong Research Association. Mark was proud to represent England at the event, where he managed a creditable eighth in the Dao Yin Bao Jian Gong section from forty three competitors scoring only 0.2 less than the overall winner.

The concluding ceremony of the conference and prize giving was held a the Great Hall of the People, China's most prestigious venue.

Although in Jersey the club's greatest achievement was hosting Professor Zhang's visit in 1994, 1997 was also a significant time for us. It was then that Celina (Tina) Borfiga, Mark's co-instructor, took Dao Yin into the community, and from that time she has been working with groups at the local hospital and elsewhere. 

With her guidance, people with a range of debilitating medical conditions, whose mobility is less than they would like, have improved enormously through the practice of these exercises. Tina has had particular success with sufferers of Parkinson's Disease, many of whom have now been with her for two years. Now more than 100 people per week practise Dao Yin with her. In recognition of her efforts, Professor Zhang has invited her to become a third generation disciple. 

Professor Zhang performing Sleeping Buddha

Mark and Tina are proud to have been accepted as instructors with the Longfei Taijiquan Association, and even more pleased that Longfei now contains a number of instructors of Dao Yin Gong - particularly of course, Dick and Simon - accredited by Mark.

Mark is hoping that through his work, and the work of the other accredited Dao Yin instructors, Dao Yin Yang Shen Gong will become not just an integral part of Longfei but will also find a prominent place in the range of beneficial Chinese exercises available to the people of Britain. 

Mark would be happy to provide training or accreditation seminars in any part of the country. He can be contacted at Janvrin School, Mont Cantel, La Pouquelaye, St. Helier, Jersey. Tel. 01534 854323/Fax. 01534 285182 or e-mail marka@super.net.uk

A word on 'Closed Door Disciples'

The term 'close door student' (disciple) comes from Confucian discourse. It refers to inviting a guest into your home. The closer the relationship, the more intimate the rooms the guest is invited into.

In terms of a traditional Chinese house, this equates to first entering the gate of the courtyard, then entering the hall, then entering the inner rooms. 

The gate equates to 'What is it' i.e. open to those who are prepared to make some effort. The inner rooms equate to Extensive Practice and the study of theory, i.e. open only to those who have demonstrated their ability and willingness to promote Dao Yin beyond just for their own benefit. Mark is of the generation of 'Shun', the second generation after the family (Guang). Shun meaning 'to follow'. The third generation will be 'Tien' (Sky).

Eventually, Professor Zhang intends that there should be nine generations with 12 disciples in each.

Mark Atkinson

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