Comments on: Why Qigong and Calisthenics are NOT the Same

By: Sifu Anthony Korahais

Sifu Anthony Korahais — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 22:12:13 +0000

In reply to Amanda. You don't need to believe in qi to get the benefits of qigong. Just use qi as a metaphor for functions in the body. My book is the best place to start. It will explain things in modern language and show you exactly what you need to do to get started.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 20:21:05 +0000

Thank you for this article. I was looking for an explanation of the differences between calisthenics and qi gong, admittedly because I view tai chi and qi gong as calisthenics. The spiritual and energy side of qi gong is something I still don’t quite believe in. At best, I’ve seen it as a visualization practice.

Now, I’m not here to argue whether qi exists or not. I guess I’m saying I want to be more open to the concept, but that I’m definitely not there yet. Would you consider using visualization and meditation while doing qi gong count as using gi gong internally?

By: Pauline Irving

Pauline Irving — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 20:35:05 +0000

A great article. I have studied with you the 101 Programme since January 2021. I have found that the Zen and the Flowing Stillness Phase of the 5 Phase Routine is where I feel truly present and feel a calmness most days. I believe this is where the internal art of QiGong is the most powerful and healing?

By: Sifu Anthony Korahais

Sifu Anthony Korahais — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 02:23:21 +0000

In reply to Padilla. Who are you speaking to, Padilla?

By: Padilla

Padilla — Wed, 25 Dec 2019 21:39:56 +0000

I would recommend that you stop practicing the other types of energy arts for the time being. You probably have practiced these other energy arts wrongly, and you do not have any competent teachers to check on you.

By: Sifu Anthony Korahais

Sifu Anthony Korahais — Thu, 30 May 2019 13:42:44 +0000

In reply to Peter Beer.

Wing Chun is a form of kung fu. Very few Wing Chun schools incorporate qigong, although that may be changing thanks to the Internet. I’m not familiar with the teacher you mentioned.

This article may be of interest: https://flowingzen.com/7966/tai-chi-qi-gong-and-chai-tea/

By: Peter Beer

Peter Beer — Fri, 24 May 2019 02:39:40 +0000

I have heard this mentioned in Wing Chun by Sifu Nima King in regards to his teacher Chu Shong-Tin. Do you have any experience or insight in WC and are they the same thing? Thank you in advance for your help.

By: Sifu Anthony Korahais

Sifu Anthony Korahais — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 18:48:29 +0000

In reply to Aaron.

It sounds like what you’re doing is fine, i.e. supplementing. That’s the simplest solution. Do your tai chi, but also do squats, pushups, chins, etc.

I do that sometimes, but I also them at the same time. Maybe you can too, but that depends on your skill. So what I mean is that I get into a Zen state, get my qi flowing, and then I do qigong exercises that involve squats, pushups, etc.

The key is to do this without breaking the flow.

When my heart rate goes up too high, I relax, let my qi circulate, and let my nervous system relax before doing another set. Not sure if this makes sense, but I hope it helps!

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 18:38:39 +0000

Thanks for writing this. How do you use qigong or tai chi for both internal and external training? Do you do the two simultameously, or would you do the same tai chi form twice, emphasizing internal training one time and the external training the next?

I have been doing qigong and tai chi for almost 10 years, in a very internal style. If I wasn’t supplementing with some calisthenics, I would be like the tai chi person you mentioned who can’t do ten push ups. I’ve found it helpful to do some strength based workouts alongside my internal practice. Plus I’m one of those people who likes calisthenics.

But I was intrigued when you mentioned using qigong and tai chi as both an internal and external practice. Would you mind elaborating a bit? Or could you point me to a good resource?

Thank you.

By: Sifu Anthony Korahais

Sifu Anthony Korahais — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 01:33:21 +0000

In reply to peter m levine (Ishandas). Next week, I'm releasing some free training videos. Those should clear some things up.