The Damo Mitchell Podcast

Damo Mitchell looking at the development of the group here in Bali over the course of the third semester. This is a talk about the overall plan for student development over the previous 18 months and then onwards into their future. The students development is based on working through external mechanics, then on into Dan Tian and Qi development followed by learning to develop the 'internal body' of arts such as Taijiquan and Xingyiquan.

Adam Mizner and Damo Mitchell dive into the dynamics of push hands and internal aspects in Tai Chi, emphasizing genuine internal power and chi mobilization over external techniques. They discuss the evolution of Chinese martial arts from tradition to health-focused practices and explore transformative training in martial arts seminars. The conversation also touches on generating power independently, finding stability and rooting in Tai Chi practice, and the power of the spine in Taijiquan.

Damo Mitchell, an expert in Xingyiquan, delves into the core principles of Dan Tian development and the 'Six Harmonies'. Topics include San Ti standing posture, breathing techniques for Dantians development, and harmonizing mind and intent in Xingyiquan practice.

In a slightly more serious (sometimes) podcast episode, Adam Mizner and Damo Mitchell discuss some of the hate that comes their way. Damo reads out an online article which paints himself and Adam as s3xually deviant, criminal cult leaders and the two of them respond.Being in the public brings a lot of hatred these days and the two shine a light on the kind of attacks which are an almost daily part of their teaching lives.Trigger warning: If sensitive, you should know that some dark topics are discussed.

Exploring the transformative stages of Qigong practice, focusing on building surplus energy and filling body cavities with chi. Discussing the balance of tension and relaxation in martial arts and Qigong training. Delving into harnessing chi energy through Dantian connection and the essence of self-expression in movement. Discovering the depths of Qigong practice with alignment, Dantian, and pressure chambers.

Shkar Sharif, a martial artist from London, shares his expertise in Tiger Crane style Gong Fu and Shuang Yang Taiji. They discuss the San Zhan form/system, Sufism, the Dan Tian, Hermetics, exploring the three battles in the Tiger Crane system, the role of the Dan Tian in martial arts practice, balancing tradition and innovation, spiritual paths, staff training significance, and establishing a full-time martial arts center in London.

A short talk on the nature of teaching the mechanics of the inner arts (such as Qigong, Yoga and Meditation) versus claiming to be a spiritual teacher. The term 'spiritual teacher' is a term Damo does not apply to himself at all and increasingly is a term that he deems less relevant in the wider picture of spiritual cultivation. 

Exploring the commercialization of Qigong turning into contemporary Yoga with short-term online teacher training courses, the risks of diluting the authenticity of the practice, pitfalls of quick certifications, and the importance of ethical considerations in teaching these traditional arts.

Exploring teaching approaches in Qigong, highlighting core principles and differences between systems. Discussing WUJI posture, traditional practice, and building the dantian. Emphasizing gradual chi development over quick energy boosts and critiquing short-term teacher training.

Dr. Cindy Engel, a therapist specializing in somatic empathy, discusses understanding others through felt-knowing, visual phenomena in therapy, and the complexities of using somatic empathy in life. They explore the embodied sharing of emotions, subliminal perception, non-verbal communication, emotional contagion, brain coupling, bioelectricity, emotional responses, and the intersection of somatic empathy and compassion.