What Is The Difference Between TaiChi And Qigong?

A new student asked me about the difference between TaiChi and Qigong. I decided to offer a simple response to this common topic.

One important distinction between Taichi and Qigong is that Taiji is, indeed, a combat art. I believe the following condensed explanation will make things more clear:

• Qi is energy

• Gong means skill

• Qigong means exercises that develop “Qi” (energy) skill

• TaiChi (Taiji) refers to the principle of yin and yang

• Quan means fist

• Taiji Quan means yin and yang boxing

TaiChi is considered Qigong, yet Qigong is not yet TaiChi. In other words, learning TaiChi will improve your Qi. But practicing Qigong alone will not make you a skilled martial artist.

Numerous Qigong systems exist, with varying foci such as alchemy, iron robe, and other exercises geared on bolstering martial arts training, in addition to health, medicine, and healing. I teach a straightforward form of Qigong and associated practices that are health-oriented. These practices include opening the body, building up and releasing Qi, enhancing circulation, cultivating sensitivity, and fortifying the mind-body matrix.