The Damo Mitchell Podcast

A talk by Damo on the subject of Bai Shi and the accepting of disciples. He looks at the difference between Bai Shi in the martial arts and the spiritual arts, the nature of having multiple lineages and the expectations of Bai Shi. Also explored are the implications of translating Chinese customs over into western culture and how these things may become misunderstood. Obviously, this is all based on Damo's personal experience and so different schools may interpret the Bai Shi ritual in their own ways. 

A short discussion of the nature of Zi Fa Gong or 'Spontaneous Qi Flow'. This is to help with some of the confusions around the topic. Spontaneous Qi flow is when the body moves free from conscious control and this is often something that manifests within practices such as Qigong, Yoga and Meditation. It should always be approached with a degree of mental detachment and freedom from overlaid conscious or subconscious models such as ideas of Kundalini or Deity involvement. 

Adam Mizner & Damo Mitchell chatting about Taijiquan, Japanese culture, Karate, Qi development and a bunch of other stuff whilst they are in Tokyo. Of particular interest is the distinction between three forms of 'internal force' within these arts - body level practice, mind level skills and Qi development. One is the key method and the others become close methods that are not quite the true thing. 

A discussion by Damo Mitchell on the subject of learning Qigong and the internal arts. He chats about transmission, the nature of learning subtle skills, the auric field of the Guru and how to master Qigong and associated arts. He also look at the nature of teaching online; its limitations and the nature of what can be learnt through solo study. 

An informal and yet frank discussion of the dynamics that may exist between teachers and students within the martial and internal arts world. These are thoughts in response to the recent year of full time teaching by Lotus Nei Gong and the ugly truths of keeping people happy in schools and the difficulties of teaching are looked at.

An informal and unplanned talk by Damo Mitchell on what he learnt after a year of teaching full-time. He shares his thoughts on transitioning from a 'workshop teacher' to a 'full time retreat teacher' and how these two are different. Damo also discusses the importance of continual learning for teachers of the arts, the danger of 'psychic' teachers and the complexity of providing a full education in these arts. 

A shorter talk by Damo on the idea of 'changing wounds to scars as wounds are debilitating and scars are character building'. This is just some general advice around how to sensibly approach managing ones own injuries and how to move beyond them so that the body may heal; an idea based in not over-identifying with the issue at hand. 

Joey Nishad chats about his Taiji training, weight-lifting as a part of Taiji, sinew changing principles and more. This conversation takes place over Zoom and so the sound quality reflects this. Joey Nishad has an eccentric take on life and a profound take on internal arts training. This is combined with a great sense of humour and so this talk should be both enlightening and entertaining. 

Damo Mitchell, an expert in Chinese medicine and inner cultivation, delves into the intricate concept of Jing, Yuan qi, and subtle anatomy, highlighting the differences between medicine and cultivation. He discusses cultivating the body Jing, the impact of teachers on practice, the exploration of subtle chi mechanisms, and the balanced approach to incorporating secondary foods in Chinese medicine. Mitchell also addresses the misconception of jing depletion through sexual activities and offers practical advice on overcoming hyperarousal in a stimulus-driven society.

Damo is joined once again by Adam Mizner in the studio in Bali. After a month's practice retreat, the two of them sit down with a cigar and whisky to discuss evolution versus religious views, Taiji, the concept of Qi, Zhan Zhuang training, integrity, politics and various other topics associated with the internal arts.