
At Kung Fu Blue Mountains, we believe martial arts are not just about physical strength and techniques—they’re about cultivating and refining your energy, well-being and lifestyle. That’s why we are launching our Qigong and Neigong classes as part of our holistic training approach for 2025. In this article you will learn about Qigong and Neigong, gain a valuable exercise to begin experiencing it in practise and learn how they can benefit you starting today. Let’s talk about it.
What is Qigong & Neigong?
Both Qigong (气功) and Neigong (内功) are ancient Chinese practices that focus on cultivating Qi (vital life energy) through movement, breath, and meditation. While Qigong is often associated with gentle exercises that improve the flow of energy in the body, Neigong goes deeper, emphasizing internal strength, energy control, and mental clarity.
Qigong: Typically involves breathing exercises, slow, deliberate movements, and meditation to increase vitality, balance energy, and promote relaxation.
Neigong: Focuses on cultivating internal energy for health, strength, and martial skill, often through standing meditation, breath control, and intentional movement.
Why Should You Practice Qigong & Neigong?
Whether you have previous experience or a complete beginner, the benefits of Qigong and Neigong are profound and wide-ranging:
Increase Your Vitality and Well-Being: Both practices boost energy levels, improve circulation, and promote overall health, helping you feel more energized and less fatigued.
Reduce Stress: The deep breathing and meditative aspects of Qigong and Neigong help calm the mind and reduce stress, helping you stay grounded and clear-headed.
Improve Focus and Clarity: These practices cultivate mental discipline, allowing you to focus better in martial arts and in daily life.
Enhance Martial Ability: Neigong, in particular, helps develop the internal power and energy needed for more efficient, fluid martial techniques.
Here’s a Simple Exercise to Try at Home:
Zhan Zhuang "Standing Like a Tree" Practice
One of the foundational Neigong exercises is called Zhan Zhuang (站桩), meaning "Standing Like a Tree", or "Standing Like Post." This exercise helps you develop internal strength, improve your posture, and connect with your body’s energy flow.
Here’s how to do it:
Find a Quiet Space: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your weight evenly distributed between your feet.
Relax Your Body: Relax your shoulders, jaw, and mind. Let go of any tension you may be holding Whether it’s mental or physical.
Align Your Spine: Imagine a string pulling the top of your head upwards, lengthening your spine. Tuck your pelvis slightly to avoid arching your lower back.
Position Your Arms: Raise your arms as if you are holding a large, invisible ball in front of you, with your elbows slightly bent and palms facing inward. Imagine the ball is filled with energy.
Breathe Deeply: Focus on slow, deep breathing—inhale through your nose, allowing your lower abdomen to expand, then exhale gently through your mouth. Start by counting 4 seconds as you breathe in and 4 seconds as you breathe out. As you breathe, imagine your body filling with energy, like the ball you’re holding it is becoming larger, and more vibrant.
Focus Your Mind: As you hold the posture, try to clear your mind and simply focus on your breath and the energy in your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the present moment.
Start with just 3-5 minutes a day, and as you build strength, you can gradually extend your practice time. This simple yet powerful exercise helps cultivate internal energy and strengthens the connection between your body and mind.
How to Get Involved at Kung Fu Blue Mountains
If you are ready to explore the many benefits of Qigong and Neigong firsthand, join us at Kung Fu Blue Mountains and learn about these powerful practices and so much more. Our classes are designed to guide you through each step, whether you’re looking to enhance your martial arts, improve your health, or simply find more peace and balance in your life.
Take the first step today—sign up for a Qigong/Neigong class and start cultivating, refining and experiencing the energy within you. We look forward to helping you grow, learn, and benefit on your path to mastery.
For more information or to sign up, contact us today or visit https://www.kungfubluemountains.com.au/tai-chi-qigong.
Let’s cultivate energy, clarity, and well-being together at Kung Fu Blue Mountains!
Yours in Kung Fu,
Sifu Aron
Â
Comments