"Birds can fly but will fall at the hunter’s arrow. Fish can swim but will be hooked by the fisherman. Beasts can run but will drop into people’s nets and traps. There is only one thing that is out of man’s reach. That is the legendary dragon. A dragon can fly into the sky, ride on the clouds, dive into the ocean. A dragon is powerful yet so intangible to us. Lao Tzu is a dragon, and I’ll never understand him."
CONFUCIUS
ABOUT
I began my formal training in Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate, Aikido, and Muso Shinden-ryu Jojutsu in 2005. My transition into the Chinese and Vedic practices came in the wake of a crippling spinal injury I suffered around 2008. After exploring various modern modalities to no avail, and having starved down to a little over 100 pounds (at a height of 5’11”), I providentially crossed paths with a practitioner from China who was able to quite quickly reverse the course of my problems through acupressure and cupping.
Not only was this life saving, it was life changing. Despite having practiced more mainstream martial arts for some time at this point, I had not (as most people in more mainstream systems) encountered true internal power. This experience ignited a flame of curiosity as to what this power is and how to develop it. All this led me to explore deeply into the more ancient esoteric systems of martial arts, energy work, and alchemy found in China, India, and even into the Middle East and Europe.
My training in the internal arts began with Chen Taijiquan in the lineages of Grandmasters Chen Xiaowang and Chen Zhenglei. Through my teachers in these lineages I also began to train Xingyiquan and Baguazhang. I later became involved in Shaolin, particularly Bai He Quan and Hou Quan Men. While developing in these practices I continued into a deeper study of Daoist alchemy and thunder magic. These remain the core focus of my practices to the present day.
Although taiji, qigong, and meditation have become increasingly popular in recent years as numerous medical studies have come to support their many health benefits, it can be difficult to locate instructors who teach at the deeper levels necessary to achieve the best results. Sadly, most "tai chi" classes amount to little more than follow-the-leader group aerobics classes with little to no real instruction involved. The true essence of the ancient martial arts, energy practices, herbal medicine, astrology, and alchemy have been lost in our modern world. As a result, each of these disciplines have been watered down to the point of minimal effectiveness and have fallen to the wayside of skepticism.
It is to remedy this situation that I have set out to offer my knowledge which is the accumulated -- and ever-growing -- result of over 15 years of study and research across many different styles and systems spanning Chinese, Japanese, Vedic, and other Indo-European traditions along with my studies with the International Sports Sciences Association and the National Academy of Sports Medicine in the areas of fitness training and nutrition. It is my hope that I might be able to spare the student much confusion and wasted time by presenting here a full-spectrum approach to learning these ancient arts and sciences gained from the numerous great teachers I have had the honor and privilege of discovering and learning from along my own journey.
Josh Goheen, C.P.T., C.N., S.S.C., H.M.S.
Hello and welcome to Thunder Dragon Neigong and Alchemical Arts. This site represents my efforts to gather, synchronize, and disseminate the knowledge and wisdom that I have accumulated over the past 15+ years as I have studied and practiced various paths of energy work, martial arts, ancient philosophies, and natural lifestyle. It is my intent to take the essence of the disciplines I have learned and to make it easily accessible to those who might be benefited by it, with particular focus on practical applications to achieve real results.
The information and instruction presented on this site and in person is designed to guide the student into a firm understanding not only of the techniques involved in these disciplines but also of the deeper knowledge, purpose, and applications.
BASIC CLASSES
CHEN TAIJIQUAN
Chen style Taiji originated in Chen Jia Gou and is the oldest extant style of Taijiquan. Unlike many of the more modern styles, it has retained much of the original essence of Taijiquan as a functional martial art. It is generally characterized by a strong focus on the concept of chán sī jìn (纏絲勁) or "silk reeling," which refers to the incessant coiling and spiraling woven into all movements of the form.
HUANG TAIJIQUAN
Huang Style Taiji is characterized by its emphasis on softness, relaxation, and using minimal strength to overcome opponents. Movements are typically slow and continuous, with an emphasis on circular and spiraling motions. Practitioners focus on developing internal energy (Qi) and cultivating a deep sense of relaxation and mindfulness.
BAI HE QUAN KUNG FU
Bai He Quan (White Crane Fist) is a classic style of Shaolin kung fu which many believe may be one of the roots of Okinawan karate. It is a graceful yet powerful style which emphasizes the movements of the crane, with its flapping wings and striking beak. This style requires a strong physical body and its training system is designed to build powerful yet flexible tendons and ligaments. Also taught in this system are the foundational qigong sets which help to prepare the physical and energetic bodies for further training.
XINGYIQUAN
Like taiji, xingyiquan (or hsing-i chuan) is one of the three great internal martial systems of China. Thought to be one of the forerunners of Okinawan karate, xingyi is the most militaristic and aggressive of the great internal arts. Forms are simplistic and precise, with the intent of plowing relentlessly forward through enemies on the battlefield. Rooted in five element theory, it is a discipline of the mind as well as the body, developing an unyielding sense of direction and determination in all endeavors.
QIGONG
Classically practiced for thousands of years to promote the overall health and wellbeing of body, soul, and spirit, Qigong (translated literally as "energy work") is now gaining increasing popularity in our modern times as scientific research supporting its many profound benefits continues to grow. A gentle and flowing practice, it is well suited to practitioners of any age or physical ability and can be modified to fit any special needs or time schedule. Learn the foundational concepts of this ancient energy practice and how they correlate to modern medical science, along with a wide array of individualized movements and routines to support the health and longevity of the total being.
All classes are one-on-one for personal, individualized training. Check out the Facebook page (link at the top of the page) for announcements on public classes and group events.
All class fees listed are per person for one standalone class period, unless otherwise noted.
ADVANCED CLASSES
WAY OF THE THUNDER DRAGON
An in-depth disciple course for committed students looking to train in a proper path of discipline. This includes full body, soul, and spirit training. Learn the ancient Indo-european science of the Thunder Path, including runes, postures, mudras, mantras, and seed sounds which are designed to focus, revitalize, and empower the total being toward its fullest potential. Learn to practically apply the disciplines of yin and yang, the three minds, the five elements, the eight directions, and the nine worlds to live a stronger, healthier, and more determined life. Gain functional knowledge in herbalism, jyotish, alchemy, and philosophical principles for transforming the self at all levels.
OTHER SERVICES
ALCHEMICAL ASTROLOGY
Each individual is born with their own natural energy alignments which guide their personalities, talents, and patterns of health. Much of the challenges and difficulties we experience in life stem from a lack of awareness of our true nature. Learn the ancient science of working with these energies to empower and master your unique path. Each session will go over specific areas of your unique chart, with focus on reaching a deeper understanding of the self and exploring the tools to actualize your highest potential
HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONSULTATION
A consultation session where we will discuss the various aspects of health, wellness, and fitness and methods of naturally supporting the body's own innate intelligence with diet, exercise, spirituality, and herbs.
DISCLAIMER:
As with any diet or exercise program, always consult a qualified physician prior to beginning any new routine, especially if you have any health issues. The training and information provided on this site and in person is for educational consideration only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease, nor is it to take the place of any qualified medical treatment.
All original material presented represents the thoughts, opinions, and experiences of the author and is intended to be taken as such. All quoted or shared material is the property and responsibility of the original author/source.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or wish to set up a free initial consultation call, feel free to send an email using the contact form to the right. Most messages will be answered within 24 hours.
Initial consultations will be scheduled over video call via Discord or Skype. During the consultation, we will get acquainted, answer any questions, and discuss your goals, needs, and what steps or services will be best for you.