History

We can trace the roots of most Gung Fu back to the Shou-lin monks of China. The Shou-lin monks were composed of Taoist and Buddhist monks who among their studies developed martial systems for health and defense based on the observation of animals. This may have been influenced by Taoist traditions common in that time and region of China. As an esoteric school, Taoism emerged in the 5th century BC, although its origins go far back into pre-history. It is from the native shamanic tradition that Taoism received its strength to became a primary tradition of the Chinese people, revolving around divination, magic, medicine and everyday ceremonies of life. As a student of both Gung Fu and ancient healing traditions, Sifu Cassell has developed an art which combines the dynamic power development techniques of Gung Fu with the healing knowledge of the ancients to assist people to live and walk in power

The Disciplines

The 1st discipline:
The rule is, there are no rules.
In order to argue your case in the future you must first survive the present. To that end all means are justified.

The 2nd discipline:
To engage in action, you must become active.
The systems we teach allow the individual to get in touch with their primal animal and activate their personal power.

The 3rd discipline:
Victory over anything is possible only if, victory over the self is first achieved. In order to find yourself, you must first take responsibility for yourself and all circumstances that you have created. In this way the victim mentality is left behind and self-empowerment is possible.

The 4th discipline:
What the mind can conceive the body can accomplish. The classes are focused on developing the individuals ownership of their strengths and weaknesses. In this way we accelerate the students fighting ability by adding to who he/she is rather then recreating them in our own image. Later once the students have discovered who and what they are, all methods of self improvement are made more effective.

The 5th discipline:
Constant Vigilance is the price of Freedom.
The study of the Martial way was intended from it's beginning as an exercise in freedom. The power sought in the study of Martial Arts is the power to say "No". A person who possesses this power is said to be able to control their own destiny

The Systems

Walks In Power begins by identifying the individual student's guides and teaching the associated classic animal form which will assist in developing the relationship between the student and his/her guides. Some of the classic systems are as follows, each teaches a variety of lessons necessary for Defense and Self Discovery.

The Dragon:
In the Dragon is found the widest variety of movement. The Dragon being a mystical creature, is able to combine grace and

strength along with redirection or power to over come an opponent like lighting from a Storm Cloud.

The Tiger:
In the tiger we see raw strength combined with fluid feline motion. The Tiger is the unlimited power of the body forged in the fire of the untamed will. The hunger of the Tiger devours the opponent's attack and returns the energy gained, in rage.

The Leopard:
In the leopard the elements of stealth and cunning join with speed and tenacity to find and use any weaknesses the opponent has to it's advantage. There is nothing nice about the cat systems.

The Snake:
In the Snake redirection and motion find speed and endurance. Attack the head and be lashed by the tail. Attack the tail and be bitten by the head. Attack the body and be both lashed and bitten.

The Crane:
In the Crane grace and balance are highly prized. Both in combat and life. The Crane is effortless motion, unbalancing an opponent and striking vital areas before gently removing itself from the range of attack.

Mental and Physical conditioning

Along with strengthening and teaching the body, so too must the mind and spirit be conditioned. Walks In Power utilizes a unique system blending Chi in it's many forms with actions designed to unite the mind body and spirit. "The Seven Sacred Techniques of Chi-Gung" handed down from master to student, can be preformed at different intensities and lengths making it ideal for all students ranging from the beginner to the seasoned practitioner.

The Seven Sacred Techniquesof Chi-Gung

1st Technique: The Bowman
The Bowmen so called for when done correctly, the student's stance will be as an archer reading his bow for combat. This technique helps increase awareness of Chi while working the upper body and thighs.

2nd Technique: Ball of Light
Ball of Light focuses on the ambient Chi around the student. This technique further increase the student's awareness of Chi and its flow within the body, resulting in both cleansing and stress relieve.

3rd Technique: Willow in the Wind
Willow in the Wind is both highly meditative and ideal for loosen up the body. As a willow in the wind is not tossed about violently, but rather flows and merges in harmony, so too does the students body find an inner balance to qualm the turmoil of the mind.

4th Technique: Roots
Roots is just that, this technique will increase the students balance, and form, strengthening lower body and adding power to kicks.

5th Technique: Fire Hands
Fire Hands helps to strengthen the fore arms, biceps and triceps, resulting in faster more powerful strikes. It also builds on the student's stance for all five animal forms.

6th Technique: Water Walker
Where Fire Hands focused on the burning intensity of Chi, Water Walker shows the student the soothing properties. Through this technique the student will learn to flow in movement and thought, finding that a small ripple can cause tidal waves.

7th Technique: Iron Man
The Iron Man is an ancient technique prized for its ability to work the entire body and spirit. This is a rigorous technique which is best understood through experience.