Taiji & Qigong

Tàijí

Tàijí (Tai Chi) and Qìgōng (Chi Gong) might seem like two different things but at their heart, they are the same.  Whilst Qìgōng mostly involves a range of movements that are performed in repetitions of any number (but four - eight is typical), Tàijí follows a set, choreographed sequence of movements.  Tàijí has its ancient roots in martial arts and has spawned multiple other arts in China and elsewhere.  But we practice the slow and pensive form that is called the "Internal Martial Art", which is very different from its more physical cousin.  It evokes and circulates Qì (chi) through and around the body, to enhance our health and wellbeing in many ways. 

You can view a set of nine videos in a tutorial series on how to perform the basic Yang Tàijí Ten Form.

Qìgōng

Developed thousands of years ago in ancient China, Qìgōng was only re-discovered in the late 20th century with the unearthing of long-lost paintings, depicting people performing specific exercises.  There are too many varieties of Qìgōng exercises to count, but they all share a common foundation called the three regulations, as does Tàijí:

Regulate breathing - A cardinal benefit is gained from abdominal breathing, also called "belly breathing".  This engages the diaphragm more, opening up more lung capacity, thereby enhancing the intake of oxygen.

Regulate body - The slow, precise, integrated and continuous movements of different parts of the body are a key characteristic of Tàijí and Qìgōng.

Regulate mind -  To accomplish integration of breathing and movement requires a certain mental state, disregarding mental "noise".  The mind needs stillness and calm.  So our practice if often called a "moving meditation".

You can watch the video that demonstrates the Shibashi Set 1, which we practice in our beginner classes.