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“The journey of a thousand miles begin with one step.”
Qigong, also known as Chi Kung, is one of the most powerful self-healing traditions developed in China. It is the science and practice
of qi or chi. The word Qigong breaks into Qi (vitality, energy, life force) and Gong (practice, cultivate, refine), which means to cultivate
and refine through practice one’s vitality or life force.
There are various estimates for the number of varieties of Qigong. Some are elaborate and complex, some mysterious and esoteric, and
some simple and practical. Various Kung Fu styles include the practice of Qigong in their training.
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Types of Qigong Used in Kung Fu:
External Qigong
This is for developing the Qi to make it very dense and resilient. Kung Fu practitioners such as Hung Gar and Shaolin Quan students use
the External Qigong in their training to protect the arms and legs from injury. This style of external training is one of the best ways to
bring the qi deep into the bone, making it very beneficial for health and healing.
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Internal Qigong
Internal Qigong is the development of the inner muscles and organs. The purpose of Internal Qigong training is to relax while not using
muscles, this is usually done in a subconscious manner, which can be static, repetitious, or both. Some of the Kung Fu styles that
includes Internal Qigong in their training are Taiji Quan and Xingyi Quan.
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Qigong is very popular in China and is increasingly spreading throughout the Western Countries. The practice of Qigong can be done
individually or with a group of people. Although not a Martial Art by itself, the practice of Qigong greatly helps the improvement or
advancement of a student in his chosen Kung Fu style.
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