Tracing the roots of Tai Chi, Qigong and Shibashi

Tracing the roots of Tai Chi, and Qigong

Qi, meaning energy, can be traced back over 4000 years, with the first known written record found in the Yin Jing (Book of Changes) in 1122BC. QiGong, energy exercise, evolved from 206AD onwards, when Buddhists returning from India began to incorporate it into their religious practice. Following this during the Liang Dynasty, 502-557AD, Shaolin monks used Da Mo’s Qigong as a way of improving health.

Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is believed to have been created during the Song Dynasty of 960-1279AD as a type of martial art to be practiced for both defence and health with internal QiGong exercises incorporated by practitioners in the Southern Song Dynasty during the later part of this same period. It is from these early forms that all Tai Chi practice today can trace its origins.

Modern Tai Chi development

It was during the 19th Century that the forms that are widely practiced today were established. The three most relevant to Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi are:

Chen style: Possibly derived from Wudang style and attributed to Chen Wangting who codified pre-existing martial arts practices into a structured system, incorporating elements of Chinese philosophy, Qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Known for combining slow, flowing movements and bursts of fast, powerful techniques.

Yang style: Created by Yang Luchan who studied under Chen Changxing. Yang simplified and smoothed out the movements to make it more accessible and suitable for health purposes. Yang Style is the most widely practiced style.

Wu (Hao) Style: combines Chen and Yang styles together with teachings from Tai Chi classics and was created by Wu Yuxiang. The style is known for its small- and medium-frame forms and emphasis on the concept of "open-close" or "kai he".

Other styles widely practiced today include Wu Style and Sun Style.

Origin of Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi

Tai Chi QiGong Shibashi, or the 18 Movements of Tai Chi QiGong, is a modern form created by Professor Lin Hou-Sheng in 1979, practiced in the narrow Wu stance it draws on Yang style and integrates QiGong breathing and movement exercises.

What are Tai Chi, QiGong and Shibashi?

Tai Chi literally means "Grand Ultimate" or "Supreme Ultimate". This reflects the philosophical principles of balance and harmony in the universe. The term is also used to describe the physical practice of movements for defence or health and wellbeing.

QiGong means energy practice. It is a traditional Chinese practice that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and mental focus to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy.

Shibashi literally means 18 movements. Within this context it is the name for a flowing form of 18 Tai Chi QiGong movements.

While Tai Chi is the concept, and QiGong is the action, these terms are often used interchangeably or together to describe the practice of moving through specific postures together with meditative breathing to manipulate the energy force.

Tai Chi QiGong Shibashi refers to the specific 18 movement set of Tai Chi QiGong flowing postures developed by Professor Lin Hou-Sheng.