Training subject - Stretching - Many traditional Gongfu teachers do not advocate regular stretching as part of their program.  Their premise is that as the Qi becomes stronger and circulates well, childlike flexibility will follow naturally.  This theory is quite sound but there is another side to the coin.  Some famous masters, such as Kuo Lien Ying and Chiang Yun-chung of San Francisco, make a lengthy daily stretching regimen a major part of their teaching.  My personal opinion is that regular stretching will speed the progress by relaxing the muscles, letting the Qi flow more freely through the meridians and thus contribute greatly to all aspects of Gongfu ability.  You can choose your exercises from any of the hundreds listed in martial arts books and magazines, from ones you have learned in the past, from yoga, or just invent them as the need arises.  The main points are:

1) Keep the muscles warm while exercising by wearing close-fitting warm clothes

2) Don't hesitated too long between exercises

3) Avoid "bouncing" the movements.  Instead, assume a position and hold at your maximum stretch for several breaths from Dan Tian

4) Very importantly, do them every day and as nearly to the same time as possible.

Excerpts from                    DRAGON'S                  BREATH

Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Newsletter

March 1980  by

Michael Alan Brown         President -  CYKFA

Edited by

W Kraig Stephens CYKFA Black Belt #68

PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION OF CHING YI KUNG FU ASSOCIATION