Lohan Qigong 

The Lohan style of Qigong, documented in the Pali Canon in 29 BCE as a rare form of yoga that was once practiced by the Buddha. The name "Lohan" was given by Bodhidharma, an Indian monk, and it refers to large flow patterns in this style of health and spiritual development. In Chinese, "Lohan" corresponds to the Sanskrit word "Arahant" (अर्हत्), which is a term used to describe individuals who are far advanced along the path of Enlightenment but may not have attained full Buddhahood.

While learning Lohan may not guarantee enlightenment, it promises a unique experience. It is an ancient practice with historical and cultural significance, and it offers practitioners the opportunity to explore a form of Qigong that has been associated with the Buddha himself. By practicing Lohan, one can connect with this ancient tradition and potentially deepen their understanding of the human body and its connection to Buddhist teachings.

The style of Lohan is a practice of "Life Energy Cultivation" that involves movement, breathing, and meditation for health and spirituality training. It is rooted in Chinese medicine and Chinese philosophy, and is traditionally seen as a way to cultivate and balance life energy or Qi. According to Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian philosophy, Qi cultivation can lead to higher realms of awareness, awaken one's true nature, and develop human potential. Lohan has a history dating back over four centuries, with various forms of Qi cultivation practices developed in different segments of Chinese society.

The most widely known forms of Lohan are said to have been created by Bodhidharma, and include Yijin Jing (Tendon Changing), Wuxíng (Five Animals), and Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), which are variations of the original "Eighteen Hands Lohan". The complete Qi cultivation teachings of Bodhidharma are referred to as Lohan. It is mentioned that Niel, the founder of your organisation, learned the complete Lohan system from his teachers Grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong and the last keeper of the most direct lineage of Lohan, Chan Sun-Chiu. After Chan Sun-Chiu passed away, Niel renamed your organisation to Lohan in dedication to his late teacher's wish to spread the complete Lohan system and give it a modern context.

Qi cultivation practices, including Lohan or other forms of Life Energy Cultivation, can vary among different lineages, traditions, and schools. It's important to approach these practices with respect and mindfulness, and to seek guidance from qualified teachers who can provide proper instruction and guidance. As with any form of physical and spiritual practice, it's essential to be aware of your own body, limitations, and level of comfort, and to practice in a way that is safe and beneficial for you. Listening to your body, practicing with mindfulness, and being aware of any physical or emotional sensations is crucial in order to cultivate a balanced and harmonious practice. It's also important to be open to different interpretations and approaches, and to respect the diverse perspectives within the realm of Qi cultivation practices.

Krishnamacharya, known as the father of modern Indian yoga, traveled to China to learn yoga poses (asanas) from Buddhist Yogis there. It is mentioned that the Buddha created a Yoga practice as documented in the Pali Canon, which consisted of poses and practices, and that this practice was passed down orally from master to student. The lineage of this practice was said to have been inherited by the top student of the Buddha, known as the Patriarch of Buddhism, and passed down through 27 generations until it reached Bodhidharma, who then traveled to China and created Zen Buddhism. Bodhidharma taught the yoga practice called Lohan to the monks in a new temple in China called Shaolin, and the lineage was passed down from Abbot to Abbot over the next 1200 years. The lineage eventually reached Chan Heung, who studied in hiding with the last Abbot for over ten years and then created a Kung Fu style in King Mui village, keeping the Lohan practice a secret and passing it down to his great-grandson Chan Sun-Chiu, known as the last Keeper, and then to his only living student Niel Willcott, who founded your school.

Lohan, a unique and dynamic practice that incorporates elements of traditional methods such as static poses, flow patterns, meditation, massage, and breathing techniques. It's interesting to note that Niel has studied other yoga and Qigong styles, such as Ashtanga Yoga, under renowned teachers like Kino MacGregor, and has found that Lohan encompasses everything that can be found in Ashtanga Yoga and other Qigong systems.

The foundation of Lohan is based on the Eighteen Lohans, a pattern of flowing movements that form the core of the practice. Niel's role as a teacher is to provide detailed instruction on these foundation movements and patterns, and then assist students in their journey of expansion and interpretation. This approach allows practitioners to develop their own unique expression of Lohan, releasing and realising their inner self through their personal vision of the practice.

Niel's recommendation for private lessons with him, especially at the beginning or intermediate level, highlights the importance of personalised instruction and guidance in developing a deep and meaningful practice. Private lessons can provide individual attention, tailored instruction, and a deeper understanding of the practice, allowing students to progress in their Lohan journey in a way that suits their unique needs and abilities.

Niel's search for authenticity and traditional Lohan Qigong began at a young age when he developed a deep fascination with Asian culture. His quest for authentic Qigong was sparked by a documentary that told the life story of the Buddha and described the Buddha's own Yoga style as outlined in the Pali Canon. At the age of twenty, Niel started learning Japanese Reiyukai Buddhism from Mr. Hiromi Hasegawa.

His journey continued when he came across an article in Chi Power Magazine written by Jane Hallander, which described the Buddha's Yoga in the form of the Eighteen Lohan as taught by the Bodhidharma. Intrigued, Niel traveled to the US, Hong Kong, and China to learn the Lohan system. Over the course of fifteen years, he studied under three famous teachers of Lohan, with his final teacher being the Keeper of the style, who passed away in 2013. Niel is now the last living student of the old Keeper.

Given Niel's extensive knowledge and experience in Lohan, he is recommended as the ideal teacher for those who are interested in learning this precious and authentic practice. Private lessons with Niel are recommended to truly understand and embody the teachings of Lohan and contribute to spreading this knowledge. Niel's dedication to preserving the authenticity of Lohan and his role as the last living student of the Keeper underscores the significance and rarity of the opportunity to learn directly from him.