personal history - qigong

The medical side of qigong is fascinating; there are countless recorded cases of remarkable beneficial effects on health through the study and practice of this ancient art.

My introduction to qigong was with 'The eight pieces of brocade’ as taught by Sifu Edward Jardine in Johannesburg, exercises which strengthen and develop the internal organs.

I encountered the ancient 'The Eighteen Luohan' (18 Buddha Hands - a shaolin qigong system) at the Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu Academy in Sydney, Australia.  Practising the form, postures and energy centres of this system was quite extraordinary in its effects: the energy centres and internal organs are stimulated literally, by the form wherein continuous stretching and release aids muscle development and the ability to nourish chi.

I coincidentally discovered Master Sun who taught Wudang Qigong and continue to practise these exercises. Gentle twisting of the internal organs helps to balance the body. These principles apply to Pa Kua also.

Training this system means that continuous opening and closing of the joints allows energy to travel freely through the body where healing takes place.   

A meditative aspect arises through co-ordination of breath and movement.

I include exercises from these different systems in my teaching of taiji as a means of introducing students to qigong and as a complementary bridge between the two arts.

Once introduced, students who wish to pursue qigong solely are encouraged to investigate other schools which teach it exclusively.