Taijiquan or Qigong, Which is Right for You?

First of all, let’s admit that this question is to a degree based on an inaccurate distinction. Taijiquan is actually a form of Qigong, martial Qigong to be exact. Qigong is any exercise involving the cultivation of internal energy, which the Chinese call Qi, and the coordinated working of mind, body, and breath. Taijiquan is more widely known in the US, but Qigong, which was recently featured on Oprah, is catching up. 

As someone who teaches and loves both arts, I think I can provide an unbiased view of the comparative advantages of each. The Yang style Taijiquan long form can take a year or longer to learn, depending on how devotedly one studies and practices. Once learned, the long form done slowly provides about 25 minutes of varied, whole-body exercise. It has many other benefits, including strengthening the whole body, stimulating the intellect, calming the mind, reducing stress, improving balance, and helping to prevent and relieve many illnesses. Since it is a martial art, it can also provide self defense skills to those who practice its martial applications.

For the vast majority of people, Qigong is faster and easier to learn and offers an opportunity to more quickly meet some of their goals for improved health and stress relief. There are many different Qigong forms, some of which are for general health and the whole body, while others aim at specific areas of the body or relieving specific illnesses.  Some good whole body Qigong routines such as Eight Pieces Brocade can be learned in a few hours. Some very simple exercises such as Swimming Octopus are very helpful for preventing or relieving specific problems such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  

The real question isn’t which one is better, but which one is most suited for an individual at a particular moment in their life. A big factor in deciding which type to pursue is the question of individual preference:  Which exercises do you like best and will therefore be more likely to practice regularly? Some people try Taijiquan and find it too challenging to learn and give up. Some people regard Qigong as too routine and less interesting and exciting than Taijiquan, especially if they enjoy Taijiquan's martial aspects, the mental challenge of learning the Taijiquan long form, and heightened spirit and self-confidence from Taijiquan practice. And some people start with one and then move to the other as their individual needs and preferences change or evolve.

At Qi Elements we have classes that emphasize beginning Taijiquan and advanced martial Taijiquan.  We also offer classes that emphasize Qigong, but it is not an all or nothing choice. Our regular Taijiquan classes include a half-hour of Qigong exercises, which are essential fundamental training to completely experience Taijiquan and all of its benefits.  Our Qigong classes also include Taijiquan movements done in Qigong mode:  Student perform individual Taijiquan movements but do not have to learn any long sequences. And many students have done both. For example, several students learned the Taijiquan long form first and then moved on to focus on Qigong. Our program offers great flexibility—it’s not one size fits all, it’s customizable for the individual, and it can be adjusted over time.