Customer Reviews

Qi Dao - Tibetan Shamanic Qigong, Part One: Harmonious Culture of Movement

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This video is more of a marshal arts form than Qigong. It is hard to follow and requires a partner to do most of the moves since it shows you how to avert a blow or knock someone off balance. The quality of the video was also poor. If you are interested in Qigong looks somewhere else.

There doesn't seem to be a full description of this video, or Qi Dao for that matter - so to get a better idea of Qi Dao - visit the book page Qi Dao - Tibetan Shamanic Qigong: The Art of Being in the Flow. This DVD should accompany the book written in the same title. You can mimic the movements and use the stretching demonstration easily enough by just watching - but this video is meant to augment or accompany the book.

This video is very straight forward - Lama Tantrapa is demonstrating to two other individuals and goes over all the postures and movements described in the book. There are warm up demonstrations and stretching (range of motion exploration) procedures. Stabilization and alignment / destabilization and misalignment are all demonstrated to show that the techniques can be applied immediately and built upon as your abilities expand.

What you will not find in this video is an extended demonstrative practice routine. Everything is broken up into it's parts and shown separately. Many people who purchase tai chi and qigong videos may expect their familiar format with music playing in the background - but the nature of Qi Dao and it's directional movements allows this video's unique (segmented) format to work very well.

There are a few applications of self defense technique where Lama Tantrapa demonstrates several methods (depending on direction/alignment) dealing with grabs that end in throws or 'shucks'. There are also a few very short clips demonstrating Qi Dao in it's spontaneous form.


The video overall suits it's purpose - those who attempt to utilize the video without the book will may not rate as highly. I'm giving 4 stars instead of five because I would have liked to have seen more partner-based self defense applications, perhaps a full, non-segmented practice routine would have been valuable, also more demonstration of the spontaneous movements within the Qi Dao structure.

Tibetan Shamanic Qigong is just what I had in mind when I ordered this Video. Being able to work with direction and proper format is so important and so much better than just reading about the movements. Its indicative here that acttion is so much better than words.

WONDERFUL !!!

I found Qi Dao, Tibeten Shamanic Qigong to be a very thorough book that is easy to understand and follow. I have taken classes from Lama for several years and have always been impressed with his knowledge and understanding of Qi Dao and also his ability to make classes fun, informative and creative. His book is a great introductioin to Qi Dao. The book does a great job of explaining the movements and principles of Qi Dao, with photos that make it even easier to understand and follow. I think that anyone wanting to understand and experience Qi Dao will benefit from this book.

Part of a transformational home study course! The practice of Qi Dao is not just another exercise program. It is a journey along the way of being free and natural. I knew from the first time I met Lama Tantrapa that what he had to offer was very different from anything I had ever experienced before. To my surprise, practicing Qi Dao has far exceeded my expectations. I now live my life with more joy, freedom, and excitement than I ever dreamed possible. If you take the time for yourself, as I did, and continue your exploration of Qi Dao, I'm certain it will transform your life and empower you to manifest your dreams.

~ Kali Samaya Tara, JD, Certified Coach
Center for Conscious Living
[...]

I've been taking Tai Chi, Qigong & energywork classes (also teach) since the late 80's and yoga since the early 70's. I highly recommend this DVD for anyone who does energywork, has already taken classes in Qigong, Tai Chi or martial arts and for those who like unstructured learning. I say this because most Americans are taught to learn linearly and might find this format frustrating. The most powerful energywork is not linear so you're not in your head, you're in your heartspace. This DVD gives you the opportunity to awaken and grow spiritually as you exercise while staying connected to your heart. On one level it reminds me of the walking meditations I did at the Zen Buddhist Center --- only on steroids. Very powerful gateway--highly recommended.

The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating was that the production is amateurish. I took a series of classes to produce a local environmental cable show years ago and don't consider myself an expert, but know the value of something well-produced. This isn't. I found it less interesting and it didn't flow as well as the information was intended or could have been presented. Still the information and instructions are 5-star worthy.