Yi Gun Gin by Randy Elia

Yi Gun Gin , which means classical tendon exchange, is a rarely known system of exercise kept secret by the Shaolin priests for generations. It is not an exaggeration to say that the reputation in the martial arts earned by the Shaolin Temple is mainly attributed to this simple and easy-to-learn system. It is exactly this secret exercise that made the Shaolin priests almost indestructible, having the ability to protect themselves even from knife stabbings.

This exercise strengthens the entire body, inside and outside, physically as well as mentally, by developing the internal power of the body, called chi. As a result, the practitioners seem to substitute their old bodies with a whole new set of tendons, muscles, and bones that are much stronger than before. That is why it was named Yi Gun Gin by Da Mar, the creator of this exercise. Da Mar also erected the famous Shao Lin Temple and originated Kung Fu.

Yi Gun Gin was not revealed to anyone until one hundred years after the death of Da Mar, when a notebook describing these exercises was accidentally discovered inside the deteriorated wall in the bedroom where Da Mar used to live. Although the Shao Lin Priests were enjoying the invaluable benefit of these exercises for thousands of years, nobody in the outside world had the privilege of learning them until the modern age.

Yi Gun Gin can be practiced by anyone of any age and in any physical condition. No equipment of any sort is required. It requires space only big enough for a person to stand, and can be performed at any time of the day.

Yi Gun Gin consists of twelve simple exercises. Each can be performed any number of times, in accordance with one's physical condition; as the practitioner gets stronger he may increase gradually up to a maximum number of 49 times for each exercise. For those who practice seriously, Yi Gun Gin can be run three times a day: in the morning, noon (before lunch), and evening, with each exercise being done a maximum of 49 times. In that time, even a knife cannot penetrate the body due to the protection of chi (inner strength).

In conformity with the Taoist of self-preserved strength through the perfect inner control of ones physical posture, special attention should be paid to the posture in performing Yi Gun Gin. The spine, including the neck and head, should be kept straight, upright, shoulders sinking down, with the tongue lightly pushing up against the upper roof of the mouth. Eyes should stare straight ahead at a point slightly above eye level. Breathing should be abdominal in a deep, slow manner by movement of the diaphragm.

"Ancient Health Teachings of the East" by Randy Elia, Master