What if you could navigate life’s challenges with the grace and strength of water?
Through the flowing, fluid movements of Liu He Ba Fa, an ancient Chinese internal martial art, you can harmonize your inner Qi with the Qi of the natural world — cultivating physical strength, flexibility, mental clarity, and emotional balance.
Taoist philosophy tells us that just as water can surge through obstacles like a tsunami OR peacefully flow around them, you too can remain grounded through adversity if you flow with whatever life brings.
This sense of balance and harmony is possible with a regular Liu He Ba Fa (LHBF) practice, says Master Helen Liang, world-renowned Tai Chi & Qigong martial artist and vice president of SYL Wushu Taiji Qigong Institute.
Liu He Ba Fa, a 1,000-year-old Chinese martial art form that’s translated as “Water Style” (六合八法), blends the principles of Qigong, Tai Chi, Xing Yi, and bagua with physical training and spiritual cultivation.
Liu He Ba Fa gives you the inner resilience, flexibility, and calm to take charge of how you feel — no matter what life brings your way, physically, mentally, or spiritually.
The movements of LHBF focus on balancing yin and yang, integrating softness with strength, and intentionally cultivating a more balanced and spiritually fulfilling life.
For more than a thousand years, LHBF was passed through the generations to a select handful of gifted students with exemplary courage and moral character. As a result of this closed-door system, LHBF has emerged into the world veiled in mystery...
... but now, you’re invited to spend seven weeks with Master Helen as she guides you through the movements and the philosophy behind this practice.
Each week, you’ll learn new movements and practices to encompass its essential features and principles, culminating in 12 carefully chosen movements from the complete form that represent its essence.
LHBF is translated as Six Unities, Eight Principles.
Master Helen will take you through each of the Eight Principles in detail to help cultivate a balance of strength, flexibility, fluidity, and mindfulness:
- Qi (Energy) to build inner strength and vitality
- Gu (Bone) to strengthen structural integrity and stability
- Xing (Shape) to enhance posture
- Sui (Follow) to encourage adaptability and flow
- Ti (Lift) to stay balanced and agile
- Huan (Return) to more easily recover from movement
- Le (Rein in) to foster control and precision
- Fu (Hiding) to conserve energy until the right moment
You’ll also delve into the Six Unities/Harmonies, which come together in a profound framework for integrating mind, body, and spirit, enhancing both martial art skill and personal growth.
You’ll learn how:
- The Body unites with Heart-Mind to merge physical awareness with intention in your practice
- The Heart-Mind unites with the Logical Mind for a balanced, clear-headed approach to movement and decision-making
- The Logical Mind unites with Qi so your thoughts can direct energy
- Qi unites with Shen (Spirit) to tap into wisdom and insight
- The Shen unites with action for authenticity and purpose
- Action unites with emptiness for a state of non-attachment and openness to help you respond fluidly to any situation
As you’ll discover, virtually any amount of consistent practice will help you build the strength, mental clarity, and emotional balance you’ll need to meet whatever life brings with strength and grace. So, no need to worry if your day is already fully packed, you’ll still reap innumerable benefits.
This practice teaches you how to not only navigate calm waters — but also how to respond to the more chaotic, unpredictable challenges of life.
In this live 7-week video course, you’ll:
- Discover how LHBF’s 8 Principles embody the natural unification of the 6 Unities as a martial arts practice and discipline
- Add new LHBF movements each week, culminating in 12 carefully chosen movements from the complete form that represent its essence
- Embody the Taoist teachings of water so you move through life in a way that’s harmonious, adaptable, and wise — for physical strength and flexibility, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth
- Facilitate a deep connection between your internal Qi and the Qi of the natural world so you’re in harmony with your surroundings and with the Universe — reducing stress and anxiety, and enhancing focus and emotional stability as well as strength and coordination
- Integrate the mind, body, and energy to create a powerful framework for cultivating Shen (which means “Spirit” or “Mind” in Chinese thought)
- Discover the importance of practicing each movement slowly, so your mind becomes highly aware of not just the external movements but also the inner movement of Qi
- Develop practices that will help you feel more physically strong, coordinated, flexible, and self-aware, with a sense of inner harmony
- Incorporate the natural elements into your LHBF movements to facilitate a deep connection between your internal Qi and the Qi of the natural world
- Discover how each movement can follow what your mind directs, with the end of one movement and the beginning of the next echoing each other, constantly moving in 4 directions in a smooth fashion
- Explore the yin-yang theories, including how yin and yang harmonize each other through movements, resulting in the natural unification of body, mind, and spirit
- The concept of Qi from various perspectives and how Qi is cultivated through the practice of LHBF
- And much more...
What You’ll Discover in These 7 Weeks
In this 7-week transformational course, Helen will guide you to successfully practice the flowing, fluid movements of Liu He Ba Fa so you move through life in a way that’s harmonious, adaptable, and wise.
Join the Livestream — or Stream Later to Watch at Your Convenience
You’ll connect with Helen and experience her teachings through livestreaming video via any connected device. This connection is easy to use and will enhance the impact of Helen’s transmissions. Can’t make it live? After each class, you can stream the video and audio recordings to enjoy anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
Weekly Sessions Thursdays at 1:00pm Pacific
This course will feature LIVE teachings, interactive sessions, experiential practices, and Q&A with Helen. Each session will build harmoniously upon the previous ones, so you’ll develop a complete holistic understanding of the practices, tools, and principles you’ll need to experience the way of water for inner power and flow.
Module 1: Way of the Water - The 6 Harmonies/Unities and 8 Principles for Better Circulation, Stronger Joints and Muscles & More Powerful Qi Circulation (2025-01-09 1:00:00 pm)
The living are soft and yielding; the dead are rigid and stiff.
— Lao Zi, Tao Te Ching
Liu He Ba Fa/Water Style, an internal Chinese martial art style, is translated as Six Unities/Harmonies and Eight Principles.
It was created more than a thousand years ago by a Taoist hermit named Chen Tuan who lived on Hua Mountain located in northern China. Chen Tuan was granted the title “Master Xi Yi” by the first emperor of the Song Dynasty.
Aside from its martial art applications, LHBF was created by Master Xi Yi to primarily benefit health, strengthen the body, dispel sickness, and increase longevity.
As Master Helen explains, LHBF incorporates the qualities and strengths of the three Internal Chinese martial art styles of Taichi, Xingyi, and Bagua — yet it’s in a class by itself, a unique form of internal martial arts.
In this opening module, you’ll explore:
- An overview of LHBF history and philosophy
- Liu He, the 6 Unities/Harmonies, and Ba Fa, the 8 Principles
- How LHBF embodies profound Taoist philosophies and presents the central theme of Taoism
- The yin-yang theories, including how yin and yang harmonize each other through movements, resulting in the natural unification of body, mind, and spirit
- How the 8 Principles embody the natural unification of the 6 Unities as a martial arts practice and discipline
- An introduction to fundamental stances and their health and fitness benefits
- A guided standing practice that includes posture and deep abdominal breathing to promote calm and relaxation and establish proper body alignment for smooth circulation, balance, and strength
Module 2: Balance Your Intuitive Mind (the Sacred Gift) and Your Rational Mind (the Faithful Servant) for a Harmonious Practice & Life (2025-01-16 1:00:00 pm)
Master Helen shares the first unity: “Ti (Body) Unites With Xin (Heart-Mind),” where the Heart-Mind is yang and the Body is yin. Heart-Mind is in motion; it’s easily active and emotional. The Heart-Mind controls the actions and functions of the Body.
Master Helen also introduces the second unity: “Xin (Heart-Mind) Unites With Yi (Logical Mind),” which holds that the xin is emotional and hard to keep steady, whereas yi is logical and can keep you calm. These two minds interact to keep one in balance.
When in harmony, the relationship between Heart, Mind, and Body is natural and intuitive.
In this module, you’ll explore:
- How the Body follows the Xin (Heart-Mind), and the relationship between your Heart-Mind and Body is natural and intuitive
- How the Yi (Rational Mind) can keep you calm
- How the standing posture channels the yin and yang energies of the Earth and Heaven into the Body — and activates important energy centers and acupuncture points to allow smooth circulation of Qi in the major meridians and vessels
- The “Stop the Wagon to Ask for Direction” movement and its Taoist cultivation implications
- Building proper body alignment, strengthening the muscles of the extremities and the core muscles of the abdomen and back with the “Empty Stance”
Module 3: Lead the Flow of Qi in Your Body to Improve Your Posture & Build Strength (2025-01-23 1:00:00 pm)
Master Helen introduces the third unity: “Logical Mind Unites With Qi,” so your thoughts can direct energy.
As she explains, yi symbolizes yin. Qi is flowing, and by being in motion it symbolizes yang. Our mind leads the flow of Qi in our body, and where our minds go, our Qi follows.
She introduce the first principle, Qi (Energy): “Circulating Qi to Gather the Spirit,” and the second principle, Gu Jin (Bone Strength): “Supporting the Movements to Build Posture & Strength.”
Master Helen shares how Gu Jin encompasses a humble kind of strength that’s never flashy and outwardly displayed, but is conserved and steadfastly guarding your body’s structure.
In this module, you’ll explore:
- The concept of Qi from various perspectives — and how Qi is cultivated through the practice of LHBF
- How when Heart Mind and the Rational Mind harmonize, you can direct Qi smoothly throughout the body
- The movements “Rein the Horse at the Cliff” and “Angry Horse to Turn its Head”
- “Training Bow Stance” and “Half Horse Stance,” to strengthen the legs, hips, and lower back — allowing for the smooth circulation of Qi in the yin and yang meridians of the foot, liver, kidneys, and bladder meridian
- The “Training Cross Resting” stance to build leg flexibility, strength, and agility
Module 4: Build a Connection Between Your Inner World & the Universe for Harmonious, Holistic Wellbeing (2025-01-30 1:00:00 pm)
You’ll learn about the fourth unity: “Qi (energy) Unites With Shen (Spirit).” Qi is yang while Shen is yin. Heightened spirit allows smoother flow of Qi and blood in the body. Conversely, a smoother flow of Qi and blood raises the spirit.
You’ll discover the third principle, Xing (Shape): “Transcend the Forms through Mimicking the Shapes and Movements,” exploring how many movements in LHBF mimic the shapes and movements of animals, plants, or other natural phenomena.
However, as Master Helen explains, while practicing these movements, you won’t simply mimic the physical shapes and movements — instead, you’ll dissolve into the phenomena, striving to attain unity in its shape and spirit.
According to the fourth principle, Sui (Follow): “Coherence Coupled with Fluidity,” you’re expected to practice the entire form of LHBF with continuity, never breaking the flow of Qi, power, or movements.
In this module, you’ll explore:
- How the practice of LHBF cultivates Shen (Spirit) through harmonizing the body, mind, energy, and spirit to achieve a state of mental clarity, emotional balance, and inner calm
- New movements to add to your flow: “Flower Drop From a Vase Onto an Ink-Stone” and “High Mountain Flowing Water”
- Incorporating the natural elements into your LHBF movements to facilitate a deep connection between your internal Qi and the Qi of the natural world
- Ways to ensure that each movement follows what the mind directs, with the end of one movement and the beginning of the next echoing each other, constantly moving in 4 directions in a smooth fashion
Module 5: Come and Go in a Continuous Flow So You Can Embrace Life's Constant Motion & Change (2025-02-06 1:00:00 pm)
Master Helen introduces you to the fifth unity: “Shen (Spirit) Unites With Dong (Action).” She explains how Shen is yin, and Dong refers to movement and is classified as yang.
As you explore the fifth principle, Ti (Elevating, Lifting): “Head Suspended in Emptiness,” you’ll learn how it refers to the way the body is relaxed while practicing the form. This kind of relaxation is not flaccid; one’s spirit should be lifted and body postures correct.
The sixth principle, Huan (Return): “Coming and Going in a Continuous Flow,” mirrors the cyclic nature of the Tao’s endless motion and change. Once you learn to embrace this nature of cyclical change and act with spontaneity, you’ll thrive.
In this module, you’ll explore:
- How a heightened Spirit generates better action and more effective body movements
- How the principle of Huan (Return) refers to the idea that everything around us is undergoing a constant flow of transformation and change
- Practicing the movements of “The Wild Geese Flying in Formation,” “The Yellow Dragon Turns Its Body,” and “Five Saints Visit the Kingdom of Heaven” to depict the principles of Huan and Ti
- How these movements stimulate Qi/energy flow in the meridians of the feet and hands and benefit the internal organs
Module 6: Cultivate Mental Calm, Adaptability & Inner Stillness With the Art of Concealing (2025-02-13 1:00:00 pm)
The seventh principle, Le (Rein in): “Keep the Still and Guard the Empty,” refers to your ability to take the reins of control in your practice and your life.
Because the movements of the form are ever-changing, coming and going continuously, the cultivation of a still, calm mind is crucial to fully master these movements and act with spontaneity.
You’ll also discover the eighth and final principle, Fu (Conceal): “Illusive in Concealing Strategies.” Many martial arts techniques are concealed beneath the surface, hidden within the movements and postures. The applications are wrapped in a veil of ever-changing and unpredictable movements, making them hard to detect, thus befuddling the opponent.
In this module, you’ll explore:
- How the movements of the form are ever-changing, akin to the ebb and flow of life itself — and how the cultivation of the mind becomes paramount in achieving mastery over these movements
- How the principle of Fu, which embodies the concept of “hide” or “conceal,” extends beyond mere physical concealment — it entails the art of masking your intentions and actions, fostering an aura of unpredictability and mystery
- Cultivating adaptability and resilience, as well as the ability to remain calm and responsive in the face of challenges
- Two movements to embody the principles of Le and Fu, “Crouching Tiger Listens to the Wind” and “Pushing the Boat Along With the Current”
- How “Crouching Tiger Listens to the Wind” also cultivates the conception vessel which governs all the yin meridians in the body — and how cultivation of this yin energy nourishes the body’s Qi and blood
Module 7: Embracing Emptiness & the Adaptability and Strength of Water as You Practice Your Full-Length Form (2025-02-20 1:00:00 pm)
In this final module, you’ll practice your full-length practice that bears the essence of the water form.
You’ll also receive the sixth and final unity, “Dong (Action) Unites With Kong (Emptiness).”
Kong is referring to a state of stillness. In this practice, Kong acts as yin and dong acts as yang. The movements heighten your concentration and unify your outer and inner Qi. You’ll maintain stillness while engaging in myriad movements using a “doing not doing” state of body-awareness where the movements happen by themselves effortlessly.
In this closing module, you’ll explore:
- How “Kong” is not just a martial arts principle, but also represents a high level of mental and physical cultivation
- How “Kong” can manifest as lightness and natural flow, effortless power, or balancing of solidity and emptiness, or balancing of substantial and insubstantial movements.
- How your state of inner calm and stillness is cultivated through continuous practice.
- The final movement of your form, “Opening and Closing, Store Qi”
- A guided review and practice, featuring all the movements you’ve learned
- Weaving together the essential features of LHBF to experience a free flow of the movements
The The Internal Martial Art of Liu He Ba Fa Bonus Offering
In addition to Helen’s transformative 7-week online course, you’ll receive this special bonus offering to complement the course and take your understanding and practice to an even deeper level.
Nourishing Shen With 5 Hearts
Video Teaching From Master Helen Liang
In this video teaching, Master Helen guides you through a Qigong exercise that teaches how Shen can be nourished using five hearts. The entire form of Liu He Ba Fa is led by Xin and Yi, meaning the Heart-Mind. The practice emphasizes the unity of Body and Heart-Mind, Qi and Shen (Spirit). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese internal martial arts like LHBF, Tai Chi, and Qigong view the heart as the residence of Shen, the monarch that governs mental and emotional processes. Master Helen will explain how a balanced Shen reflects a clear, calm mind and a peaceful demeanor.
Liu He Ba Fa/Water Style
Article by Master Helen Liang
Master Helen’s article offers a deep dive into the ancient art of Liu He Ba Fa, revealing its rich blend of fluid movement, mental clarity, and spiritual depth. Through exploring its core principles, unities, and practical benefits for both health and martial arts, you’ll discover how this timeless practice cultivates balance, strength, and harmony. Whether you’re seeking to master martial techniques or improve overall wellbeing, Liu He Ba Fa offers a path to unlock your fullest potential.
What Graduates of Helen’s Courses Are Saying...
— Michael Davidson: “Master Helen Has a Really Special Way of Bringing People Together”
— Manny Kiesser: “It’s Very Rare to Find a Teacher Like Helen”
— Faith LeLievre: “Helen Is Such a Gifted Teacher of This Beautiful Art”
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Join the Global Community
The Internal Martial Art of Liu He Ba Fa offers some of the most transformational online teachings available, within a thriving global community of learning and practice.
Join fellow students and practitioners to support and inspire each other as you integrate the teachings and practices Master Helen Liang will share in this powerful program.
You’ll join an international community on the leading edge of manifesting a world grounded in the principles of cooperation, harmony, and reverence for all of life.
Here’s What You’ll Receive
Seven 90-Minute Class Sessions With Master Helen Liang
Experience a unique opportunity to be mentored by and learn from vice president of SYL Wushu Taiji Qigong Institute Master Helen Liang — from the comfort of your own home. Each class session includes a livestreaming video option and will guide you to explore how Liu He Ba Fa can provide you with fluid power and precision. Course sessions are on Thursdays at 1:00pm Pacific.
Seven Video Recordings of Class Sessions
After each class, the video will be available for you to stream in a high-quality format. You’ll never have to worry about missing a session, and you can watch anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
Seven Audio Recordings of Class Sessions
After each class, the audio will be available for you to stream. You’ll never have to worry about missing a session, and you can listen anytime and anywhere at your convenience.
Seven Transcripts of Class Sessions
You’ll also receive the entire class transcription after each session is completed. You can then review, print, and highlight the most important insights and practices you were given.
Interactive Exercises and Questions for Each Lesson
Between class sessions, you’ll have the option of completing related exercises, practicing new tools, and answering questions to accelerate your learning and integrate each week’s lesson.
Online Community
Our exclusive Facebook online community is the perfect place to continue your discovery process after each class. Here, you can continue the discussion about your course materials and interact with your fellow students to take your exploration to an even deeper level.
An Unprecedented Opportunity to Join the Online Course, The Internal Martial Art of Liu He Ba Fa
We feel honored that Master Helen Liang has chosen to partner with The Shift Network to offer this exclusive LIVE online course. This is a unique opportunity to interact directly with the vice president of SYL Wushu Taiji Qigong Institute whose powerful insights and pioneering work are helping us heal and awaken ourselves and our world.
If you’re serious about weaving together the essential features of Liu He Ba Fa to experience a free-flow movement sequence you can practice every day, then you owe it to yourself, your loved ones, and our world to take this one-of-a-kind program.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your own evolution, click the register button below to reserve your space now.
Your Satisfaction Is 100% Guaranteed!
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed! If you don’t absolutely LOVE The Internal Martial Art of Liu He Ba Fa — or don’t feel that it meets your needs — please submit your refund request form on or before January 23, 2025 and we’ll happily issue qualifying customers a refund.
More Praise for Master Helen Liang
President of the Beijing Wushu Academy and a 2008 Beijing Olympics torchbearer
Staff writer for YMAA Publication Center, YMAA.com, publisher of KungFuMagazine.com
Director, Research & Admissions, at BC Council on Admissions & Transfer
About Master Helen Liang
EDIT
Master Helen Liang is a world-renowned Tai Chi, Qigong, and Chinese Martial Arts master with more than three decades of teaching experience. She is vice president of the SYL Wushu Taiji Qigong Institute in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Helen is the author of numerous videos on Tai Chi, Qigong, Liu He Ba Fa (Water Style), and other internal styles of Chinese martial arts, including 24 Form Tai Chi... Beginner Tai Chi for Health... Tai Chi for Women... and Qigong for Cancer. Helen was featured twice on the cover of Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine in the United States. She was also featured in the books Chinese Martial Arts Elites... Contemporary Famous Chinese Martial Artists... and Extraordinary Chinese Martial Artists of the World.
In 2005, Helen and her father, Grandmaster Shou-Yu Liang, together with Channel M, Canada, created a one-of-a-kind instructional Tai Chi television series comprising 130 episodes for Canada’s multicultural community. The show, planned and written entirely by Helen and Grandmaster Liang, and hosted by Helen, has been picked up by stations across Canada and the United States. It was nominated for several Leo awards, including Best Lifestyle Series, Best Direction, and Best Host.
In 2017, Helen hosted another Tai Chi video for Canada’s national telecommunications company, Telus Corporation, to promote wellness to Canada’s diverse multicultural community. She has also been featured by many media companies, including Chinese Central Television (CCTV), Shanghai and Sichuan Provincial television in China, national pay-per-view features in the U.S., CBC, Fairchild Television, and Channel M in Canada, as well as numerous newspapers and magazines in the U.S., Canada, and China.
Helen was invited to demonstrate during the opening ceremony of the 10th World Wushu Championships in Toronto in 2009 and received the Special Contribution Award to Wushu. In 2013 and 2014 she obtained level 8th degree from both the International Wushu Sanshou Dao Association (IWSD) and the World Organization of Wushu Kung Fu Masters. She was also awarded Outstanding Martial Arts Achievements by IWSD.