The Damo Mitchell Podcast

Damo Mitchell discussing that tired meme of "would Gong Fu work in the cage?". He compares Western fighting systems and combative arts to traditional or forms-based systems of martial arts training. He looks at the level of respect/disrespect people have for the other form of training and the nature of insecurity in Chinese Gong Fu.

Damo is joined by Ben Manns to discuss his experience of studying Hebei Xingyiquan and other internal arts with Lotus Nei Gong. Ben is a student and teacher who is currently focusing much of his efforts on Xingyiquan and Nei Gong in Bali for the last few years. This is maybe more of a niche episode as it may not make much sense to those who don't study Xingyiquan.

Damo discussing the nature of Spiritual practice and its place in relationship to arts such as Taiji and Qigong. He looks at striving versus non-striving, enjoyment for practise and the dangers of obsession becoming a driving force for what we do. 

Damo in conversation with Adam Mizner in Bali. In this episode, Adam is sharing his take on many aspects of Taiji and related subjects. Damo in conversation with Adam Mizner in Bali. In this episode, Adam is sharing his take on many aspects of Taiji and related subjects.

Damo discussing the differences between Xingyiquan, Baguazhang and Taijiquan. This is in response to the common question on how these styles differ in power, principles and inner-mechanisms. These arts are discussed in reference to Damo's personal experience and studies.There is the common view that all three of these 'internal arts' are the same as one another but Damo's view is that they are quite different from one another and so he tires to explain these differences here.

In this episode Damo Mitchell and Adam Mizner once again get together to chat about various topics, including Taiji frames, Bagua mechanics and much more

A more personal podcast by Damo Mitchell reflecting on 20 years of teaching the Lotus Nei Gong School. He discusses the various phases he has been through as a teacher, how Lotus Nei Gong has changed, the conflicts involved in a school and various other topics related to teaching. This episode probably only relevant or of interest to those who are in Lotus Nei Gong itself as it's not an instructional one at all. 

A podcast by Damo Mitchell on the common question of 'should you lift weights alongside practicing internal arts such as Taijiquan or Qigong?' Many past and contemporary masters of Taiji have said that you should lift weights at all when practicing Taiji whilst an equal amount of teachers have said the opposite. This can cause confusion and so Damo attempts to answer this question from his own perspective and experience. 

Damo chatting with his father, Paul Mitchell, in Somerset, UK. They discuss the nature of classical martial arts training, the modern movements towards sports fighting, the history of Japanese Karate and approaches to both learning and teaching these systems. Paul has practiced and taught Japanese and Chinese systems of practice for many years in the South of England. 

Damo Mitchell, an expert in mental health and internal arts, shares his insights from the forests of Sweden. He discusses the surge in mental health issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, linking it to isolation and media influence. Damo explores the tension between sensory experiences and cultivation in Qigong practice, warning against losing touch with reality through extreme visualization. He emphasizes the need for structured learning and genuine human connection to navigate the challenges faced by practitioners and those affected by mental health struggles.