Clara Lohmann

Spirals of the Dragon - Power from the Center

 

In this workshop, we explore spiral movements as a source of power and ease. Inspired by the dragon principle from internal martial arts, we work on how rotation flows through the entire body—from the feet to the fingertips. Instead of muscular force, we utilize continuous connection. How does structure arise without tension? How does the body guide movement through rotations and release them again?

 

We work with:

Clear stances Weight shifts and hip movement Spinal waves and spiral movements through the spine Fluid transitions and a sequence The goal is no longer "output," but rather greater organization within the body. When the spiral is aligned, movement feels less like effort and more like continuity. Open to all levels. Dynamic Power - Arm Swings & Stings Here, expansiveness and precision converge. We work with the wide arm swings from Pi Gua and fluid, gliding movements from the Snake Principle.

 

The focus is on:

rooted stances + free torso dynamic power transfer elastic tension utilizing momentum instead of blocking it Fast – but not frantic. Big – but grounded. We play with rhythm, breath, changes of direction, and clear structure. The goal is movement that is both soft and strong. Push Hands & Sensitivity This workshop is dedicated to partner work from Tai Chi Chuan. Tui Shou (Push Hands) is training for perception, structure, and timing in contact. It's not about winning, but about receiving pressure, redirecting it, and staying connected. We explore: Stability without rigidity Staying grounded Structure in contact Yielding without collapsing Reacting instead of building resistance Tui Shou shows very directly where unnecessary tension resides – and how much more efficient movement becomes when you release it. No prior experience necessary. Clara Lohmann is a trainer for mobility, strength, and internal martial arts and part of the team at Bewegungskollektiv Berlin (Movement Collective Berlin). In her practice, she combines principles from Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu with modern movement practice. She was influenced by her full-time training at XUAN Gong Fu and by her collaboration with Kerem Shemi. At the heart of her teaching is the question of how strength arises without the body "shutting down." She works with spiral movements, clear structure, and the principle of not forcing tension, but rather organizing it meaningfully. Less forcing. More connecting. Movement arises when you stop trying to force it.

 

Workshops:

Spirals of the Dragon > Saturday, October 3rd / 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM

Push Hands & Sensitivity > Saturday, October 3rd / 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM

Dynamic Power > Sunday, October 4th / 4:15 PM - 6:15 PM