“QIGONG CANNOT POSSIBLY BE LEARNED ONLINE!!!” he wrote.

As I’m sure you already know, writing in all caps on the internet is the equivalent of screaming. But this person added 3 exclamation points, just in case I didn’t get his point.

This comment came from a qigong teacher — one who doesn’t teach online, of course.

Let’s call him Ken.

After he screamed all over Facebook, I decided to message him privately rather than try to engage him in a public discussion.

“Hey man, have you tried teaching online?” I asked.

“I don’t need to try,” he said. “I already KNOW that it can’t POSSIBLY be done!!”

“So you haven’t tried?” I asked.

“Qigong is an energy art that requires LIVE transmission,” he said, ignoring my question.

At this point, the conversation degenerated.

I tried to explain that you can teach live online, but it quickly became clear that Ken was not interested in having a discussion. Let’s just say that there were a lot of ALL CAPS in his messages.

Sigh.

I Was Wrong

The truth is that I was like Ken at one point, minus the ALL CAPS.

I thought, and even publicly stated, that qigong could only be reviewed via online teaching, not learned.

I was wrong. Dead wrong. And I’m not afraid to admit it.

I know I was wrong because I tested my theory.

I tested it for years, using the latest online learning technology and methods.

I experimented with live teleconferences, meditations that were recorded during a live event, live webinars, recorded videos, Facebook groups, guided meditations, and more.

With each new experiment, it became clearer and clearer that teaching qigong online not only worked — it worked GREAT.

In retrospect, I feel like an idiot for saying that qigong can’t be learned online.

It’s simply not true.

Qigong absolutely can be learned online — safely and effectively.

Click here to read a related article: 9 Reasons Qigong Can Totally Be Learned Online

That’s not to say that learning online is necessarily better than learning in person. They both have advantages and disadvantages.

As of this writing, I’ve taught thousands of students online, and many of them have later come to learn from me in person where I was able to confirm their progress.

With others, I’ve done live Skype calls or live webinars where I could see and hear them.

And most importantly, I’ve gotten feedback from hundreds and hundreds of students from all over the world. Their message is clear: Online learning works.

What Students Have to Say About Online Learning

These days, when people say that online learning doesn’t work, I don’t bother to argue.

Instead, I respond by sharing some of the comments I’ve received from students. I let their words settle the matter.

[Note: If you’re interested in learning qigong online, click here to look at my current programs.] 

Here are a just few comments from students who learned from me online:

“Learning qigong online is certainly possible! I have made more qi-related progress in the first six weeks of your Qigong 101 course than in 18 months of training at the local brick-and-mortar studio where I also take classes.” — Laura Kandziolka

“I credit not just qigong, but YOUR qigong for the turnaround in my health, and getting my stubborn body healing. Your method is actually enjoyable (unlike all other qigong or meditation I’ve tried) and shows results quickly. I noticed a difference in five weeks.” — Khela Baskett 

“I’m 22 days into the 30-day fatigue and exhaustion challenge, as well as doing the 5 Phase Routine every 2-3 days, and I think I can say it’s boosted my energy levels more than any other treatment –medical or alternative — that I’ve tried in the last two decades.” — Larry Pass

“All of Sifu Anthony’s online courses are great! I’ve done live in-person classes (with another instructor) and Sifu’s online classes.” – Marla Beggs Nargundkar

“Having your voice to guide the meditation was a wonderful addition. Your knowledge, skill, and wisdom are greatly appreciated. I look forward to each lesson. This was definitely your calling and the years you spent teaching in your brick-and-mortar studio prepared you for this. It is an honor having this opportunity to study with you. Thank you, Sifu Anthony.” — Cindy Cortez, qigong instructor

“I have probably seen at least 50 different qigong teachers, mostly on DVD, some on Skype and a few in person. From those that I have seen teach, I would say you would be the best for anyone who is a beginner.” – Steven Mehl

“I really find your teaching method easy to follow and understand. It is simple yet detailed.” –– Sharon Nepe, qigong instructor

“Thanks Sifu Anthony. My husband and I love your videos. I have had severe nerve pain in my left wrist and forearm for more than a year and since doing Lifting The Sky every day, I have noticed a reduction in pain. I cannot wait to heal other pain areas in my body as we move through the course.” — Dr. Linda Allen

“Thank you, Anthony. I was initially concerned about the challenges of following a course online, but so far I have been pleasantly surprised. So thank you for that. A great boost for my confidence!” — Susan Jenkins

“Face to face qigong instruction (good instruction) seems difficult to find in my area. Enter Qigong 101! After much thought, I decided to enroll. Now, after about 5 months, I can truthfully say, ‘I’m glad I did!’ The lessons are nice bite-sized chunks with good explanation of what we’re doing and why. Difficulty/complexity of material and exercises is nicely graduated, at least for my taste. I find myself eagerly awaiting each new lesson. Complements to the chef!” — John Bulharowski

“I wasn’t so sure that doing qigong online was going to work for me, but you have made it so easy and you are such an inspiration. You have helped me make so many changes. I thank you with the fullness of my heart!” — Carol Burton

“I found Flowing Zen about 4 years ago and kept coming back because Sifu Anthony not only is charismatic, but also passionate about this art. Many instructors teach the art, but I feel that Sifu Anthony lives it and that transfers to me, the student, also making me passionate about wanting to learn more. Here, I have realized that the true benefit of Qigong isn’t in the movement, it is in the heart and for that I am grateful and have not hesitated to recommend Flowing Zen to others.” — Salvador Garcia

“I appreciate your systematic way of teaching. I have tried learning qigong from two other instructors in the past without great results. With your method, I feel I am making real progress and things are starting to make so much more sense to me!” — Holly Blackburn

“Before finding Flowing Zen I had practiced qigong regularly for 8 years using DVD’s from various well known teachers. I have learned and benefited more from six months in the 101 class than I learned the entire combined time I practiced those 8 years. But the best thing is that through learning the 5 phase routine that Sifu Anthony teaches, I actually enjoy my practice now. My practice is deeper, richer, and more relaxed. I highly recommend both Flowing Zen and the 101 Qigong class that is offered.” — Marie Paullin

“Sifu Anthony has helped me overcome chronic pain, anxiety and depression. I thought I was going to be in pain for the rest of my life. After working with Sifu Anthony for just over 7 months, this belief has completely turned around. I am amazed at how not only my physical condition has improved, but my mental and emotional states as well. I am calmer, happier, have more energy, not to mention I’m not in constant pain anymore. I can’t say enough about qigong in general, and Sifu Anthony in particular.” — Lisa Halladay Billing

“Your teaching style and the weekly videos kept my motivation to do the practice. Around Oct 2017 I started getting some real results. My body became very flexible. My digestion improved. All aches and pains started subsiding. My anxiety really improved. My kidney stones dissolved. Uric acid levels became normal. I am not claiming that I am 100% cured but Qigong has really helped me improve my health and I think in a year I would be completely free from all health disorders and would be enjoying peak health. Flowing Zen and especially Qigong 101 is a miracle for me.” — Fazle Rabbi

After reading this post and these comments, I’m sure you can see that qigong absolutely can be learned online. And in fact, for some people, it’s the best option! 

What do you think? Have you tried to learn (or teach) qigong online? Let me know in the comments below! 

From the heart,
Sifu Anthony

The post How I Respond When People Say Qigong Cannot Be Learned Online appeared first on Flowing Zen.

“You can’t learn qigong online,” he said.

I was chatting with a colleague via Skype. He was expressing his concerns about my new project, a comprehensive online qigong course for beginners.

(Click here to learn more about that project before registration closes.)

His concerns are actually common in the qigong world. Many teachers share this idea that qigong can’t be learned online.

“I used to think the same thing,” I told him. “But you know me. I need to test everything. And when I tested my theory, it quickly became obvious that I was wrong.”

If you still think that qigong can’t be learned online, then you’re wrong. It can. 

The truth is that online learning works amazingly well for the art of qigong.

Here are 9 reasons why:

1. Harry Potter Pictures

I love books. I’ve got hundreds on my shelf, and many of them are about qigong.

Some of you probably started learning qigong from a book. I did too.

But the truth is that books don’t cut it for an art like qigong.

With books, you can’t teach the smoothness of a qigong pattern, or the correct sound for an exhalation, or the proper speed of a technique.

I have one book that used an innovative technique. There were little pictures of a technique in the bottom corner. By flipping the pages quickly with your thumb, you could see the technique in motion.

Very cool…for 1995.

But it’s not 1995, and there are better options today.

Online learning is like one of those pictures in the Harry Potter series where the characters move and talk.

Actually, it’s better than that. Keep reading, and I’ll explain why.

2. DVDs Suck

What about DVDs, you ask? Aren’t those better than a book?

Yes. In some ways, DVDs are better than a book.

But they still suck. I could write an entire blog post on why DVDs suck, but here are the top 5 reasons:

1. DVDs are uni-directional. You watch, and that’s it. You can’t ask questions or get feedback.
2. You can’t use other types of media, like guided audios, charts, or documents.
3. There’s no sense of community, of connecting with other likeminded students.
4. You can’t stream a DVD to different devices.
5. Navigating a DVD is a pain in the neck.
6. You don’t get instant access to a DVD. I don’t know about you, but in the age of Netflix, I don’t want to wait 2-3 days for my DVD to arrive. I want it NOW!

Every week, I get emails asking if I have any DVDs.

Then answer is no. I have no DVDs, and no plans to make any.

Why would I make DVDs when online learning is a much better teaching tool?

You can do so many cool things with online learning! (Click here to see all the cool things that are included in my new online qigong program.)

3. Stop, Rewind, Review

If you come to my retreat in Costa Rica, you’ll learn a ton of material in a week.

Let’s be honest. It’s hard to remember everything. Especially when you’re constantly being distracted by beautiful scenery and delicious food.

Online learning is a wonderful compliment to in-person learning because it allows us to review techniques at our own pace.

I know what you’re thinking. “You can do that with DVDs too!”

But DVDs are inferior.

With online learning, you always have the lessons handy — whether it’s your phone, your tablet, or your laptop. You can even log in using someone else’s device.

My students often take their online lessons outside with them on the porch, or with them while traveling.

Plus, online learning allows me to record the actual retreat itself, and then send the materials to the participants.

Can’t do that with a DVD!

4. Shopping for Teachers

When I was in college, we had something we called Shopping Week.

During the first week of the semester, you could sit in on any class, whether you were registered or not.

Needless to say, the good teachers had packed classes, and the bad teachers had empty ones.

Personally, I love this kind of meritocracy.

The internet gives you the ability to shop for good teachers, no matter where you live. 

And you know what? People want good teaching.

They’re tired of having to settle for a mediocre local teacher, or having to fly thousands of miles to learn from a good one.

Here’s an email I received from a gentleman who recently signed up for my online course:

Hi Sifu,

I looked at the videos on the first part of the course this morning and all I can say is that it is all even more than I expected but also it is exactly all that you said it would be.

I have probably seen at least 50 different qigong teachers, mostly on dvd, some on Skype and a few in person. From those that I have seen teach, I would say you would be the best for anyone who is a beginner.

You know how to break it all down into steps, whereas most teachers just demonstrate their form with not enough or in most cases, no break down at all. The student is just supposed to get it all by watching.

I found that to be most frustrating and stressful to the point where I usually would just give up on that form since it was too hard to learn. It was not the form, it was the lack of correct teaching.

– Steve M.

Of course, I’m not the only good teacher out there. But I think many of the best teachers aren’t particularly well known — yet.

I believe that online learning will gradually allow the cream to rise to the top, letting good teachers shine.

5. Qigong is Forgiving

Qigong is a forgiving art to learn. Your physical form doesn’t need to be perfect.

In fact, I encourage my students to butcher the form because it’s the least important thing we do.

Olympic weightlifting, on the other hand, isn’t forgiving. If your form is wrong, you can really hurt yourself.

As long as you have good instruction, it’s hard to hurt yourself with qigong. This makes it ideal for online learning.

6. Qigong Isn’t a Martial Art

Whenever people say, “You can’t learn qigong online,” I vehemently disagree.

But when people say, “You can’t learn kung fu online,” I have to change my tune a bit.

Whether it’s Shaolin Kung Fu or Tai Chi Chuan, here’s what you CAN learn online:

• You can learn the fundamentals.
• You can learn the forms and routines.
• You can learn internal power training methods.
• You can learn strength and flexibility exercises.
• You can review techniques that you’ve learned in person.

Here’s what you CANNOT do online with kung fu:

• Partner work.

If you’re learning a martial art, then you need to do partner work. You need to drill your punching, kicking, throwing, and grappling techniques with another person.

No exceptions. Otherwise, it’s not a martial art.

Luckily, qigong ISN’T a martial art, so it does not require any partner work whatsoever.

7. Group Learning Isn’t For Everyone

By necessity, most qigong is taught in groups. It’s just more cost effective for everyone involved.

But group learning can be problematic for many people.

For example, people with anxiety disorders, people who are known as HSPs (Highly Sensitive People), people who are highly introverted — all of these people will struggle in a live, group setting.

Online learning solves all of these problems. You can learn from the safety of your own home, without the group dynamic.

In other words, for many people, learning online is their ONLY option.

8. A Teacher’s Dream

In the old days, you went to your master’s house every day to learn. Or you lived in a temple, and learned there.

This method didn’t involve actual lessons the way we think of them today.

The masters would just give you small pieces of instruction, and then watch you practice.

When you were ready for something new, the master would give you another small piece of instruction. This allowed you to learn at the perfect pace.

When I ran a brick-and-mortar qigong studio, it was hard to set the perfect pace. I had 18 group classes per week, of all different levels.

From a teaching perspective, it was absolute chaos.

It was impossible to control the curriculum because students jumped from class to class.

Online teaching allows me to have complete control over the curriculum.

Honestly, it’s a teacher’s dream. I can choose the EXACT order for students to learn the material in. And I can even see if they’ve completed the lessons!

Teachers of all subjects are falling in love with online learning, and this is one big reason why.

9. It Works

The proof is in the taste of the pudding.

With qigong, the “taste” is measured in results. If students are getting remarkable results from learning online, then that’s all the proof you need.

And my students are getting results online. Period. (If you’re one of them, then please back me up by adding your voice in the comments below.)

Many qigong teachers insist that the art can’t be taught online — and yet they’ve never even tried it.

They reject the idea on principle, despite their lack of evidence.

If they tested it, they would see that they’re wrong.

I thought you couldn’t learn qigong online. Then I tested it. I was wrong.

You absolutely can.

I’ve taught over 5000 live classes, and I’ve also taught over 5000 people online, and I can say — scientifically — that online teaching works.

It’s not the same as learning in person, but there’s no question that it works.

From the heart,
Sifu Anthony

The post 9 Reasons Qigong Can Totally Be Learned Online appeared first on Flowing Zen.