The Damo Mitchell Podcast
Damo Mitchell and friends discuss various aspects of the martial, medical and spiritual arts of the East, as well as life in general. The podcast is sometimes serious, sometimes not so much, and always rambling. It is intended for those interested in discussion of the inner arts of all kinds.
Episodes
DMP #58 - Just Start Qigong!
Damo chatting about various topics including:How to start Qigong and Martial ArtsHow to choose a teacher or lineage Why the systems don't matter as much as you thinkWhy people are so sure their system is bestThe path of cultivation 'Local' classesThe end of Spiritual TeachersWing Chun!
DMP #57 - Sinew Changing (Yi Jin Jing) - Damo Mitchell
A personal chat by Damo Mitchell on the nature of the Yi Jin Jing (Sinew Changing), Nei Gong and Internal Arts in general. He also chats about the nature of abuse online, arguments within the Qi Gong world and the importance of the early stages of Nei Gong being improving your health and dealing with characteristics such as self-entitlement. Nei Gong is looked at in relation to both Martial Arts a
DMP #56 - Merry Christmas! - Damo Mitchell
Happy Christmas to everybody out there and much love to all those who have enjoyed my podcasts! Hope you be a great holiday period and a happy new year! In this episode, it’s just me talking about love, forgiveness and meditation.
DMP #55 - Adam Mizner - Nei Jia Chat
Adam and Damo are chatting about Taiji principles, internal arts and Adam's thoughts on Taiji 'in the cage'. The podcast was filmed in a hotel room so not in the usual studio in Bali.
DMP #54 - Too Slow For The Cage
Damo Mitchell discussing that tired meme of "would Gong Fu work in the cage?". He compares Western fighting systems and combative arts to traditional or forms-based systems of martial arts training. He looks at the level of respect/disrespect people have for the other form of training and the nature of insecurity in Chinese Gong Fu.
DMP #53 - Xingyi Addiction
Damo is joined by Ben Manns to discuss his experience of studying Hebei Xingyiquan and other internal arts with Lotus Nei Gong. Ben is a student and teacher who is currently focusing much of his efforts on Xingyiquan and Nei Gong in Bali for the last few years. This is maybe more of a niche episode as it may not make much sense to those who don't study Xingyiquan.
DMP #52 - Spiritual Obsession
Damo discussing the nature of Spiritual practice and its place in relationship to arts such as Taiji and Qigong. He looks at striving versus non-striving, enjoyment for practise and the dangers of obsession becoming a driving force for what we do.
DMP #51 - Adam Mizner on Taijiquan
Damo in conversation with Adam Mizner in Bali. In this episode, Adam is sharing his take on many aspects of Taiji and related subjects. Damo in conversation with Adam Mizner in Bali. In this episode, Adam is sharing his take on many aspects of Taiji and related subjects.
DMP #50 - Power in Xingyi, Bagua & Taiji
Damo discussing the differences between Xingyiquan, Baguazhang and Taijiquan. This is in response to the common question on how these styles differ in power, principles and inner-mechanisms. These arts are discussed in reference to Damo's personal experience and studies.There is the common view that all three of these 'internal arts' are the same as one another but Damo's view is that they are qui
DMP #49 - Taiji and Soulless Buddhists
In this episode Damo Mitchell and Adam Mizner once again get together to chat about various topics, including Taiji frames, Bagua mechanics and much more
DMP #48 - 20 Years of Teaching -
A more personal podcast by Damo Mitchell reflecting on 20 years of teaching the Lotus Nei Gong School. He discusses the various phases he has been through as a teacher, how Lotus Nei Gong has changed, the conflicts involved in a school and various other topics related to teaching. This episode probably only relevant or of interest to those who are in Lotus Nei Gong itself as it's not an instructio
DMP #47 - Weight Lifting & Internal Arts
A podcast by Damo Mitchell on the common question of 'should you lift weights alongside practicing internal arts such as Taijiquan or Qigong?' Many past and contemporary masters of Taiji have said that you should lift weights at all when practicing Taiji whilst an equal amount of teachers have said the opposite. This can cause confusion and so Damo attempts to answer this question from his own per
DMP #46 - Classical Martial Arts - Paul Mitchell
Damo chatting with his father, Paul Mitchell, in Somerset, UK. They discuss the nature of classical martial arts training, the modern movements towards sports fighting, the history of Japanese Karate and approaches to both learning and teaching these systems. Paul has practiced and taught Japanese and Chinese systems of practice for many years in the South of England.
DMP #45 - Qigong & Madness
Damo Mitchell in the forests of Sweden, chatting about the recent explosion of poor mental health which resulted from the Covid era. He looks at the nature of believing ones own mind as well as how extreme visualisation within the internal arts may contribute to a loss of sense of reality. The main section of the podcast talks about the difference between the paths of 'sensation' and 'cultivation'
DMP #44 - Principles of Baguazhang
A podcast (as requested) on the topic of Baguazhang and the underlying principles of the system. Damo Mitchell discusses the similarities and differences between Baguazhang and Taijiquan. Further discussion then looks at the following principles of Baguazhang training:- Yi and Qi- The Baguazhang body- Static postures- Circle walking- Common errorsThe discussion covers the theory of developing the
DMP #43 - Quality of Touch in Taiji
A very niche podcast here. This one is looking at the quality of touch in Taijiquan pushing hands. Damo discusses the difference between 'grappling' style push hands and 'subtle Qi type' push hands practice. The mechanics behind pushing hands and the internal arts in general are looked at as well as the nature of Qi within these arts, the place of 'somatic empathy' and the problem with 'empty forc
DMP #42 - Speaking in Tongues in Qigong
Damo Mitchell discussing the phenomenon of 'speaking in tongues' which is commonplace within many Christian traditions but also within Qi Gong and Nei Dan schools. He discusses the nature of religion, his own approach to religious practice, the idea of attachment and the necessity for recognising transience when approaching the spiritual path. Another random chat whilst Damo is on the road in the
DMP #41 - The Pain of Spiritual Awakening!
Damo Mitchell doing a late night podcast on the idea that 'a spiritual awakening is a painful and chaotic process'. Damo explores this idea and explains why he doesn't see this as an accurate statement as the suffering is unrelated to the awakening process itself. He also looks at the nature of suffering when on the internal path, the nature of 'going inside' as well as a common form of Qi deviati
DMP #40 - Semen Retention & Sexual Qi Gong
Damo Mitchell responding to many of the questions he is asked on semen retention and sexual Qi Gong. He discusses two different reasons for semen retention - rationale from an alchemical/energetic perspective and then rationale from a meditation perspective.As a rule, he is anti the practice of long-term semen retention for the sake of it. What is important is the correct intention behind it, unde
DMP #39 - Internal Arts in Bali
Damo Mitchell looking at the development of the group here in Bali over the course of the third semester. This is a talk about the overall plan for student development over the previous 18 months and then onwards into their future. The students development is based on working through external mechanics, then on into Dan Tian and Qi development followed by learning to develop the 'internal body' of
DMP #38 - Taijiquan Chat - Adam Mizner
Adam Mizner & Damo Mitchell chatting about various aspects of Yang Taijiquan...
DMP #37 - Xingyiquan & The Harmonies
Damo Mitchell talking on one of the most requested podcasts which is an episode on the subject of Xingyiquan. It's quite a niche subject, so maybe not of interest to many, but this talk looks at the core principles of Dan Tian development and the Liu He or 'Six Harmonies' in Xingyiquan and the San Ti standing posture. The episode concludes with a discussion of the true meaning of the style's name:
DMP #36 - Criminal Cult Leaders
In a slightly more serious (sometimes) podcast episode, Adam Mizner and Damo Mitchell discuss some of the hate that comes their way. Damo reads out an online article which paints himself and Adam as s3xually deviant, criminal cult leaders and the two of them respond.Being in the public brings a lot of hatred these days and the two shine a light on the kind of attacks which are an almost daily part
DMP #35 - The Qigong Body Method
Chatting about the process of changing the body in Qigong. Damo is explaining how he views the moving exercises of any traditional Qigong system as being tools which are used to take the body through a series of transformational stages. The use of the Dan Tian and the palms is discussed along with the meaning of Yi Dao Qi Dao.
DMP #34 - Shkar Sharif - Tiger Crane Cultivation
Shkar Sharif is a martial artist from London. He teaches Tiger Crane style Gong Fu and Shuang Yang Taiji to his students from his full-time school in Islington. He sits down with Damo to discuss his training background, the San Zhan form/system, Sufism, Shuang Yang, the Dan Tian and Hermetics.
DMP #33 - No Spiritual Teachers
A short talk on the nature of teaching the mechanics of the inner arts (such as Qigong, Yoga and Meditation) versus claiming to be a spiritual teacher. The term 'spiritual teacher' is a term Damo does not apply to himself at all and increasingly is a term that he deems less relevant in the wider picture of spiritual cultivation.
DMP #32 - The Yogafication of Qigong
A follow-up to yesterdays podcast on a comment Damo made concerning the way that Qigong is turning into contemporary Yoga and starting to offer short term teacher training courses of a month, two months or even, horribly, 10 days or shorter! These teacher training certificated courses are being offered online even with no interaction between teacher and student. This is likely to lead to a number
DMP #31 - Australia & Qigong Principles
Just a debrief and sharing of thoughts after teaching a three day long foundations event in Perth, Australia. This talk may not be of interest to 'casual listeners' and more for those who are interested in the school, Damo's thoughts and our system of Qigong in particular. Damo primarily discusses the differences between his method of teaching and the more widely practiced forms of Qigong that he
DMP #30 - Dr Cindy Engel - Somatic Empathy
Damo chats with his good friend, Dr Cindy Engel about her book: Another Self - How Your Body Helps You Understand Others. They look at Cindy's experience as a therapist and especially her use of 'somatic empathy' as a tool and how it functions as a part of human awareness. The nature of understanding others through felt-knowing, visual phenomena during therapeutics and the complexities of utilisin
DMP #29 - Shen Up, Qi Down in Qigong
A short chat from a bland hotel on the principle of 'Shen Up, Qi Down'. This was a teaching Damo was given early on in his Qigong journey that summed up the division of the mind and the Qi, two of the poles of Yin and Yang.Note that this is a fundamental principle that establishes the groundwork for more advanced mental qualities utilised within the world of the internal arts but an error that is
DMP #28 - Dr Lawrence Blair - Animism & Spirituality
Damo Mitchell chatting with famed explorer and film-maker, Dr Lawrence Blair at his home in Bali. The discussion looks at Indonesian culture, mythology, religion and even UFO's! Dynamo Jack is discussed along with the connection between subtle energy and spiritual experience. For more information on Dr Lawrence Blair, please visit his website at: https://www.drlawrenceblair.comWe highly recommend
DMP #27 - Dream Teaching & Sleep Visitations
Damo Mitchell discussing the mechanics behind teachers visiting students in their dreams, the nature of why we dream of teachers, ascended masters and deities. Some of the misconceptions are looked at as well as canvassing for new students via dream visitations!
DMP #26 - Disciples & Bai Shi
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
DMP #25 - Spontaneous Qi Flow
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 consc
DMP #24 - Qi Talks in Tokyo with Adam Mizner
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 t
DMP #23 - The Secret to Mastering Qigong
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.
DMP #22 - The Teacher/Student Dynamic
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.
DMP #21 - Lessons from a Year of Gong Fu - ⛩️
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 i
DMP #20 - Damo Mitchell - Changing Wounds to Scars
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.
DMP #19 - Joey Nishad - Zhong Ding, Sinew Changing & Tai Chi
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.
DMP #18 - Damo Mitchell - Jing, Cultivation & Subtle Anatomy
Damo in a lengthy talk on the subject of Jing (Yuan Qi) in Chinese medicine and inner cultivation. Over the course of nearly two hours, he discusses the difference between medicine and cultivation as well as the difference between gross and subtle bodily mechanisms. The final section of the talk concerns the things a practitioner should do to assist in cultivating the body Jing.
DMP #17 - Adam Mizner - Taiji, Qi & Integrity
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.
DMP #16 - Qigong & Porn Addiction
Damo (in a hotel in London) chatting about the effects of porn addiction on young men in the martial arts and Qigong world. He also looks at the effects of a lack of physical exercise in developmental years, the nature of video-gaming, online interactions and male competitiveness.
DMP #15 - Violence & The Martial Arts
In this episode, Damo is giving a more personal account of his views on and contact with the subject of violence. He looks at why violence should never be glorified and why it is a complex aspect of martial arts. In his own classes, violence is a part of the training but not the mental focus and in this episode, he explains why.
DMP #14 - USA Qigong Debrief & Cause and Effect
Damo chatting about his recent trip to the United States (Maryland, Washington DC and Louisiana) as well as his views on American/Western media. He also looks at one of the prime principles for developing within the arts - this is the principle of organising 'practice intent' according to the idea of Cause, Effect and Conditions. Not filmed in the usual Podcast spot due to being on the road in the
DMP #13 - Understanding Qi
A rambling podcast by Damo Mitchell on the various ways in which he understood Qi, the difference between belief and knowing, the impact of the internet and the danger of restricting yourself to fixed definitions. This is a talk that wanders around and looks at various topics, so dont expect a structured and systematic exploration of Qi so much as a loose chat on Qigong.
DMP #12 - Adam Mizner - Cultivation chat
In this episode, Damo and Adam Mizner are in Bali, chatting about the nature of cultivation and what place the various arts such as Taiji, Qigong and Meditation play on this path. They discuss their personal entry into Taiji, the nature of pushing hands, Zhong Ding, meditation and more.This episode was filmed on a day off after they had been practicing together for the month of April in order to f
DMP #11 - Dodgy Dalai Lama Drama
In this episode, Damo is giving his personal opinion on the recent 'tongue sucking' scandal involving the Dalai Lama. The nature of cultural differences are looked at, along with public shaming, honest mistakes, red flags for abusive behaviour and the dangers of attributing divine qualities to humans, no matter how kind they may seem. It is important that people don't jump to sensationalised opini
DMP #10 - Five Year Internal Arts Retreat (1 Week In!)
Damo talks about his experiences of finishing the first week of a five year long martial arts retreat in Bali. Over five years, a group will be going deep into both external and internal martial arts, meditation and medicine. After the first week, Damo sits down and discusses his first impression of teaching the retreat and the mindset behind the people in attendance.
DMP #9 - Power Issues in Qigong
In this episode, Damo is testing out new sound equipment and talking about power issues in Qigong, Taijiquan and associated arts. He looks at the nature and difficulty of teaching, why teachers are so controlling and why they spend so much time badmouthing all of their rivals or perceived competition. Damo also discusses his experience of the politics of training in China and spending time with Ch
DMP #8 - The Shen (神) & Daoist Concepts
In this episode, Damo Mitchell is discussing both the benefits of a conceptual model such as that laid out within the Daoist tradition as well as its limitations. He then goes on to describe the Wu Shen (5 Spirits) in Chinese medicine and why they are a model of fragmented psychology rather than a model of spiritual divinity.
DMP #7 - Joey Nishad - Live & Uncut
In this episode, Damo is chatting to his good friend, Joey Nishad. Joey is a Yang Taiji practitioner who gives his view on training, teaching, the internal arts scene and the arts in general. The discussion then goes on to Joeys experience at the recent ‘Martial Man Camp’ held in Chiangmai before it gets personal with a look at mental health in the internal arts.
DMP #6 - Paul Mitchell - A Life in Practice
In this episode, Damo is talking to his father, Paul Mitchell in his personal training space in the South of the UK. They chat about Paul's training history, his views on the arts and how martial arts and inner training has served him over the course of his life.
DMP #5 - Damo Mitchell - The Death of Lineage ☠️
In this episode, Damo is on his own and chatting about the importance and weaknesses of lineage, systems and traditions. He looks at the nature of spiritual practice, awakening and how this takes place according to the various methods contained within traditional training.
DMP #4 - Male Cultivation - ♂
In this lengthy episode, Damo is discussing what it means to be a male in the martial and cultivation arts. He talks about his own insecurities and what he had to overcome to become strong and confident in himself. Many young males are feeling lost these days and this is looked at in this podcast. Please note that this episode is really aimed at younger males and may not be relevant to other group
DMP #3 - Asa Hershoff - Vajrayana Inside Scoop
The third episode of the Damo Mitchell Podcast features Asa Hershoff discussing his experience of many years in Vajrayanan Buddhism. Asa has spent over 40 years in the meditative traditions, completing his training as a full Tibetan Lama in 1989 including the full 3-year long personal retreat. For more information on Asa Hershoff please visit his site at: http://www.drasahershoff.com Or at: http:/
DMP #2 - Adam Mizner - Xmas Drinks
Damo sits down with Adam Mizner of Heaven Man Earth Taiji to smoke cigars, drink whisky and chat about various aspects of the internal arts after they completed a month of practice in Bali, Indonesia. This was an informal chat where various topics were covered BUT we had a couple of issues: Firstly, there was an issue with Adam's mic which meant that it cut in and out. We had to edit the footage b
DMP #1 - Damo Mitchell - Introduction
This is the short introductory episode to the new Damo Mitchell Podcast. Here, Damo introduces the new studio and talks about his recent move to Bali, Indonesia, the future of his school and his movement away from lineages and tradition.
