Frequently Asked Questions

The basics:

1. Fun
2. Hands change together
3. Feedback
4. Extend senses
5. Conditioning

The amount of energy needed for Internal Development is tremendous. Physical yes, everyone assumes that it will be arduous and bitter, but the mental requirements exceed, by far, the body part of MInd-Body Training. Rest AND recovery is essential. I have a specific program of self-care that helps students' understanding of active and disciplined recovery, not just hitting an arbitrary sleep duration target.

How Sleep Flushes Neuronal Tissue - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glymphatic_system

I teach that fascia is important. If you break it, you suffer greatly, so follow instructions.

Student asks,

"Can you do things with the fascia? Can you fight with the fascia, can you feel the fascia? etc"

I answer,

"Everything you do relies on the fascia, but you can't manipulate it directly. Besides, the indirect experience of the fascia doesn't feel anything like how the anatomy looks."

Here's an excerpt from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10135675/

"...2. Role of Fascial Tissue and Pathological Reactions Fascia is widely distributed from head to toe; it encases and permeates muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs, constitutes various layers of different depths [25], and is a connective tissue composed of irregularly arranged collagen fibers, clearly different from the regularly arranged collagen fibers found in tendons, ligaments, or periosteal sheets [26]. Additionally, it supports important functions of the human body, such as posture, movement, and homeostasis [25,26,27,28], and also contains various sensory receptors for proprioception, nociception, and even hormones [28]. Structurally, fascial tissues are composed of various cell types (fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, myofascial cells, and telocytes), as well as fibrous (type I and type III collagen fibers, elastin, fibrillin), aqueous (a complex mixture of water and glycosaminoglycans) components, and neural elements (free nerve endings and mechanoreceptors) [29,30]. The fact that the fascia can transmit tension far is the basis of the “biotensegrity” framework [31,32]. Biotensegrity is the application of the principle of tensegrity to the understanding of human movement, where tensegrity is an architectural principle according to which a structure (or tensegrity system) is stabilized by continuous tension with discontinuous compression and functions as a single structure [32]. As the tension in the fascia increases, the connective tissue can disperse the force around it and propagate it along the fascial system [31,32,33,34]. Forces passively imposed on the muscle by stretching are distributed throughout the tissue via the intramuscular connective tissue [33,34]. Fascia transmits tension, influences other muscles, plays a role in the proper coordination of body movements, and can reflect the direction of force vectors. Fascia can actively contract, and changes in tension are caused by contractile cells [35]. Myofibroblasts are present in developing and normal adult tissues and are responsible for altering tissue tension [35]. Normal fibroblasts are highly sensitive to physical stimuli. The transition from fibroblast to myofibroblast is influenced by mechanical stress. Upon mechanical tension, fibroblasts differentiate into proto-myofibroblasts, which contain actin stress fibers in their cytoplasm that terminate in a fiber bundle adhesion complex [25,36,37]. The adhesion complex bridges the internal cytoskeleton and integrins of myofibroblasts with extracellular matrix (ECM) fibronectin fibers. Thus, this allowed contractile forces to be generated in the nearby ECM when traction is applied; moreover, forces within the ECM are maintained over time and are further enhanced by remodeling and collagen deposition [37]. In addition, chronic strain, such as sitting or overuse of muscles [38,39,40], infection and inflammation [40], and immobilization of the limb by trauma, fracture, or casting [28,29,30], can produce further contraction of myofibroblast smooth muscle actin fibers and contribute to joint contractures. These environments make it difficult to maintain a relaxed state, resulting in decreased mechanical tension, and consequently, myofibroblasts either dedifferentiate or undergo apoptosis [37]. The tipping point between exercise and rest is unknown; however, multiple repetitions of the contraction cycle may result in graded and irreversible tissue contraction [37]..."
- Response to Mechanical Properties and Physiological Challenges of Fascia: Diagnosis and Rehabilitative Therapeutic Intervention for Myofascial System Disorders - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10135675/

I do talk about qi, and FaJin, and other esoteric phenomena. However, only as an aside to the training methods that actually produce the effect. For a number of years there's just no point. After a certain stage of development, you will come to me and say, "There's this feeling that I get. What's up with that." I will answer, "Oh, that's not important, keep training exactly as directed." Later, at another stage, you will tell me, with some confidence, what it is. "I will answer, Oh, yes that's another thing that's not important, keep training exactly as directed." Much later, you will come to me and say, earnestly and with some disappointment, "Yeah, these esoteric feelings really don't matter and aren't a thing that can be trained." I will smile and say. "Excellent job! Keep training exactly as directed." You won't need to ask again. :)

When force passes throught the body, there are 5 areas of the torso that respond. These responses each have specific and unique 'interoceptive' characteristics. This is the source of the 5 Elements phenomena. Based on this phenomena, principles have been codified and labeled 'Internal'. Movement that is 'harmonized' according to these internal principles means having clear inner mental expectations and their resultant outer physical manifestation. There is nothing exotic here, only a specific approach to training. The 6 Harmonies training follows the process of change established by the concept of Yi -> Qi -> Li.

External Harmonies

1. Elbows -> Knees
2. Shoulders -> Hips
3. Wrists -> Ankles

Internal Harmonies

1. Xin (heart)  -> Yi (intent)
2. Yi -> Qi
3. Qi -> LI

There are many different kinds of meditation. You probably know about mindfulness. However, mindfulness training is not really the best for high performance. After 6 weeks of light practice, it helps with conflict resolution and general stress reduction. Mindfulness doesn't appear to assist with intentional learning methods like internal martial arts.

To learn deeply there must be intention and focus. The more focus, the better the learning experience. Concentration supports focus. Stress increases concentration. This is exactly the opposite of mindfulness. My approach is to help learners find their personal balance between mindfulness and concentration. Unfortunately, it takes longer than 6 weeks of light practice to see meaningful results. For those learners with mettle and perseverence, a lifetime of benefit is possible. I seek to make permanent changes to your structure through posture and directed breathing.

From Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couple_(mechanics)

In mechanics, a couple refers to two parallel forces that are equal in magnitude, opposite in direction and do not share a line of action.

A better term is force couple or pure moment. Its effect is to create rotation without translation or, more generally, without any acceleration of the centre of mass. In rigid body mechanics, force couples are free vectors, meaning their effects on a body are independent of torque. This is not to be confused with the term torque as it is used in physics, where it is merely a synonym of moment.^[1] Instead, torque is a special case of moment. 

Tensegrity - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensegrity From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For the movement system created by Carlos Castaneda, see Tensegrity (Castaneda). Tensegrity, tensional integrity or floating compression is a structural principle based on a system of isolated components under compression inside a network of continuous tension, and arranged in such a way that the compressed members (usually bars or struts) do not touch each other while the prestressed tensioned members (usually cables or tendons) delineate the system spatially.[1] The term was coined by Buckminster Fuller in the 1960s as a portmanteau of "tensional integrity".[2] The other denomination of tensegrity, floating compression, was used mainly by the constructivist artist Kenneth Snelson.

From Wikipedia - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_martial_arts

1. Please txt (520) 770-1200 (US) to arrange for an intake interview. 
2. Pay tuition  - Contact me with questions. Txt is best.
3. Train and contribute the our community.

From Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhan_zhuang

Zhàn zhuāng, literally: "standing like a post", is a training method often practiced by students of neijia(internal kung fu), such as Yiquan, Xing Yi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan. Zhan Zhuang is sometimes translated Standing-on-stake, Standing Qigong, Standing Like a Tree, Post-standing, Pile-standing, or Pylon Standing. It is commonly called a form of Qigong, despite the differences from other Qigong methods in Zhan zhuang's orientation.^[1]

Plex Media Server is used to deliver archived classes. Here's how to get access. 

1. You must be an 'Ongoing' or 'UCB Live' student or have been personally invited by Sifu Kelley.
2. Go to http://plex.tv and create an account, do not install a Plex Server (unless you want one). You should sign up for their excellent PlexPass to get all features like video scrubbing and multiple streams and most importantly, downloads for offline viewing.
3. Contact me with the email address or username you provided to create the Plex account.
4. I will send you an invite via Plex.
5. Login and 'Launch' the web app. There's a big button.
6. Approve my invite.
7. Find your content. Look for a server called 'KG's Media'.
8. Enjoy your training!

As of January 04, 2025 we have 1415 hours of class archives and each week adds more. You will have limited access. As a student, you have a library containing any private lessons and one or more class libraries. Archive access is granted according to skill level and understanding. Sharing experiences to our community is required.

Our training community is to share an authentic process of self cultivation. As such, all sharing should be about process, not so much about any members. Consider carefully before posting, "Does what I am posting qualify as gossip, heresay or intentional provocation?" If so, edit carefully and review. Videos, blog posts or social media contributions are all subject to this policy.

For example, any compliments directed to me personally, my skill or lack thereof should be designated as unimportant background information. I will, however, accept compliments as to the effectivenes of this site as a tool for learning. :)

NeiJia refers to 'Internal Martial Arts'. NeiGong means 'Inside Development' and QiGong exercises are a kind of NeiGong. Anyone can practice NeiGong. Authentic methods energize the body while calming the mind.

Benefits include:

• Relaxation
• Flexible Core Power
• Increased Flexibility
• Increased Concentraion
• Increased Energy
• Better Immune Function
• Improved Digestion

The most important thing for a beginner to keep in mind about NeiGong is that the breath and movement are complimentary. Safe training using authentic methods follows a specific detailed process of progressive refinement. You will safely change if you train exactly as instructed.

Wikipedia Entry ( ed. note: very broad generalizations, but an ok place to start )

Spinning hand training comes from Zhong Xin Dao (ILC), The Martial Art of Awareness. Other martial arts practice similar movements, but call their practice rolling arms or pushing hands. Spinning Hands training results in highly refined awareness and powerful concentration. Spinning hands partner practice provides a foundation for martial application resulting in natural fighting skill. Please read more from the Zhong Xin Dao (ILC) international website.

Methodology

Fa means to 'throw' in the sense of 'releasing a kite to the wind'. 'Jin' simply means 'Refined Force'. The question is, What is being refined? What is being thrown? This can be a productive metaphor upon which to dwell. Training progresses from big movement, to small movement, to 'no movement'. The tendons must become strong and supple. Relaxation must be present in order for beginners to 'sink the chi' and, later, for the bones to play their proper role in all movement at all times. Fajin is the natural product of this specific awareness.

Understanding the structure means to be able to agree with gravity. There are no shortcuts. To cultivate 'the energy' without a deep understanding of structure and relaxation, leads to 'artificial power'. Artificial power is easily defeated by natural power. This arises from the differences of the quality of the awareness produced by differing training approaches.

More on Internal Practice

Over the years I have heard questions like this many times:

I do the form. Since joining Sifu On Demand, I can't do the form with the same shapes because it feels very disconnected. My form looks bad but it is starting to feel better. Why does it feel so disconnected?"

This is great news! Congratulations on being able to look deeper into your movement by applying Tai Chi principles and experiencing the beginnings of internal power. This is how we begin to change our mental reference. The body is always in the present, it's an illusion we hold that the mind can be aywhere but the present. A useful illusion, but an illusion nonetheless. Another way to look at this is the way a tool is not the task. Our movements, whether forms, drills or partner training, are the tools, the task is to be more in the present moment.

The classics refer to the relationship between formal movements and the internal feel as 'shape and secret' or 'posture and energy'. In outer door or public instruction the shape and the secret are not closely aligned. With inner door methods the shape and secret are closer. This is ok, but how to use this concept of shape and secret as a training tool?

The words 'shape and secret' refer more to a vague static condition and do not help us train better. Tai Chi cannot be static. The internal feel that arises from following Tai Chi principles is dynamic and constantly cycling through yin and yang. However, this still does not really help us to understand why our movement feels disconnected and how to be connected.

If we use the idea of posture and energy, rather than shape and secret, it becomes more clear what's going on in your practice. If the posture is correct, you can begin to feel the energy. If the posture is incorrect, the energy is obscured. We can safely assume that outer door methods are designed to deliberately protect the 'secret' or essential internal feel by using postures that do not align closely to the energy.

The are many reasons for obscuring this energy, to me it's simple:

• When posture and energy align closely, changes occurs in perception. These changes cause agitation.
• Teacher and outer door student have not agreed to the Sifu - Student relationship that can address this agitation.
• Without the close guidance of Sifu, the agitation can cause harm.

The traditional outer door response from teacher is: "Just keep training, understanding and skill will come eventually." This is fine if you are willing to accept that 1 student out of 1000 will succeed. The outer door approach is fine if the student is not interested in deeper understanding, many are happy with the benefits of superficial practice. The level of committment required to successfully pursue inner door methods is very high. This is why outer door methodologies exist, nothing is wrong with this approach.

Inner door methods are for family members, it is not acceptable that the student 'not get it'. It's just not an option. The family member must receive the full, clear and precise understanding of shape and secret, posture and energy, or better still, movement and purpose. 

I prefer to use the words 'movement and purpose'. Any movement can be useful if the purpose is clear. Clear purpose leads to better training that reliably leads to high skill and deep understanding.

Ask yourself one question: "When all is practiced and perfected, will I want to move like this teacher?"

The UnCarved Block Program is designed expressly to help you avoid wasting money, time and effort on a training system that does not fit you and your specific needs. Committing to a path of authentic self-cultivation requires a teacher. My role is that of Sifu, which means 'Teacher-Father' and this traditional relationship assists with fuller understanding. If you are on the fence about joining, consider that finding a good teacher is difficult is when you know nothing about your intended study. My 'Standing Meditation' course can give you some basic experiences to know if what someone is offering is of interest. Also, you will have direct access to me and all the training journals of student's going back a decade or so. 

Use the link on the bottom of each page. Login first. Enjoy!

My curriculum has many meditations, drills and exercises to help you change and, more importantly, understand why such change matters. Training for health or martial is really a question of emphasis. Both martial ability and health are byproducts of the training, not goals in themselves. Ultimately, we train for insight into ourselves, our relationships, to enrich our life, and because we enjoy it.

Consider your health, if it's poor, you address the cause not the symptom. Martial ability and health are both symptoms of practice. Expectations of any outcome or end result limits your immersion in the present moment and diminishes your ability to respond. This method is to help you maintain a direct connection to 'What is happening now'. This applies to all of life, not only the training floor.

'Eating Bitter' refers to the effort and energy required to change your condition and is an important concept in authentic Neijia methods. Instruction challenges you on many levels, without hard, bitter training you cannot come to know your limits, much less expand them. We eat bitter to taste sweet.

We pursue wisdom as a lifelong process of self cultivation. To commit to this insight path is to commit to greatness. As for how long it takes, it depends on what you commit. As a rule of thumb, three good practice sessions per week will enable reasonable progress. If you can only get two sessions in, you will maintain your level, but slip over time. Four sessions is best. So much depends on how you define 'Proficiency'. I seek to help you change your condition.

When refining and softening the body, progress can be easily measured in terms of range of movement, pain relief and raised energy levels. Structural accomplishment is similarly easy to quantify. You are clearly stronger.

Measuring mental development is not so simple. I have spent decades developing a method to train the mind in such a way that you know exactly what the training gets you and why it is important to get it. This training progression is transformational by design.

"You do the training and it does you."

That having been said, a reasonable level of physical integration can be reached in three years of dilligent practice. You will notice immediately more relaxation and increased energy. Going beyond this, it's hard to say how long it will take since students are so different and have such wildly different expectations. Besides, it's the journey, not the destination. Try to manage your expectations. This is one important aspect of "Empty Cup, Beginners' Mind".

A question was asked:

I've been thinking about 'grace'. 

'Grace' (capitalized) represnts some kind of spiritual experience; 'grace' has something to do with harmoniously integrated movement.

What do you consider to be 'Natural Grace', is it both of these or one? "

Sifu Kelley responds -

Yes to both. I chose that word carefully. The meaning depends on the student's expectations. Mind-Body training enriches all aspects of life. For those on a spiritual path, my training is useful. For those who are not, my training is useful. The method I use emphasizes the ability to contact and, more importantly, develop the parts of the brain associated with consciousness, insight and bare awareness. The result of this process is that a person behaves well and in accordance with the highest standards in, hopefully, any context. Professional, personal, private, spiritual, physical... Whatever the conditions, 'natural grace', is apparent in all movements and decisions. 'Natural' means it's already there - part of our primary inheritance - only to be realized or uncovered for expression. Hard work is needed. Much bitter to get the sweet. 'Grace' connotes dignity and composure under stress. especially when taken in context with 'Power'. This is large topic. :)