What are I Chin Chings?

I Chin Chings are a very ancient set of forty nine different isometric exercises. Each exercise focuses on a specific muscle or set of muscles, and if the entire set is performed, every muscle in the body will have been exercised. These exercises develop strength, increase flexibility, and cultivate the ability to accumulate and direct the flow of chi (or qi).

Origins of I Chin Chings

According to legend, Bodhidharma (or Damo) came to the Shaolin Temple to teach the monks how to meditate. He found that the monks were in such poor physical condition that they were unable to meditate for long periods of time. In order to strengthen them, Bodhidharma taught the monks the I Chin Chings, or "Book of Muscle Changes".

Breathing and Repetitions

Breathing is an important aspect of the I Chin Chings and a special sort of breathing is called for, which you will be taught in class.

According to tradition, every one of the forty nine exercises is done forty nine times. You will not be expected to do this. Even the beginning postures can be difficult to hold for more than ten repetitions when you first start. This may sound discouraging, but keep in mind that the purpose of these exercises it not to be able to do them NOW, but to develop the strength, flexibility, and body control to be able to do them. The I Chin Chings are usually shown in short sets, so don't worry about being rushed through all forty nine of them.