Qi Gong Vs. Tai Ji Quan
Qi Gong and Tai Ji Quan each have many benefits, but it can be hard to distinguish between the two forms of practice. Each involves slow rhythmic movements. But, the character of each form leads to unique benefits that the other doesn’t have. The main difference between the two comes down to one thing: intent. Intent is what gives movements form and brings thoughts into reality.
气功 Qi Gong means “working with the life energy”. It is a general term and is not specific to any one kind of movements. Yoga, Kung Fu, and meditation are actually different ways to practice Qi Gong.
Qi Gong focuses on breath, qi flow, mind expansion, and body movement. Because the movements of Qi Gong are simple, less complicated, and more basic, it allows mind strength to focus on the breath, which is key to life, without the distractions of too many body movements, postures, balance, etc. Because of Qi Gong's simplicity, it is easier to begin to feel the qi in the channels and dan tians of the body. Feeling the qi through the channels and using the dan tian are also in Tai Ji Quan, but as you will see, Tai Ji Quan demands more which can get in the way of the more fundamental practices such as the breath, qi flow, and strength of mind. In Qi Gong, it is imperative to first learn to feel the Qi. Qi Gong strengthens the body’s qi and clears blockages in the channel system. Practicing Qi Gong also allows for the exchange between the body’s inner qi and the surrounding environmental qi, which lets the body’s “old” or “used” qi out and brings in “new” qi.
太极拳The term “Tai Ji Quan” (“Tai Chi Chuan), the proper name for the practice, can be understood as “yin yang fist” or the “Martial Art of Yin/Yang”. “Tai Chi” refers to the symbol of the interrelationship of the yin/yang.
Tai Ji Quan requires greater balance, strength without force, martial art applications, push hands, neutralization techniques and much more. In Tai Ji Quan, the movements are important; but they represent only the surface of the whole practice. In Tai Ji Quan one must learn how to breathe, control qi flow, and have mental strength just like Qi Gong. Interestingly, many consider these the “secrets” to Tai Ji Quan (and Kung Fu). In Tai Ji Quan, “Tai Chi Walking” is practiced to help with placing the foot, balancing and leg strength, which is not in basic Qi Gong practice. Stance work in Tai Ji Quan is practiced for strengthening the legs, channeling qi, and understanding body physics and mechanics which is important for martial arts. So, while there is a great more to learn in Tai Ji Quan, it nonetheless depends upon a base of Qi Gong.
If one can practice Tai Ji Quan as Qi Gong, then why not just practice Qi Gong or Tai Ji Quan? Tai Ji Quan is a very powerful martial art with the added benefits of health of mind and body. Qi Gong can be used to improve martial art training, but the intent of Qi Gong is qi flow. Both are very deep practices with many levels. They teach everything from channels and dan tians to spiritual enlightenment. However the one extra layer for Tai Ji Quan is martial arts. Therefore to gain its benefits of Tai Ji Quan, one must join the internal power of Qi Gong with the awareness of self-defense. Many people are mistaken to believe that Tai Ji Quan is completely peaceful. It does indeed teach peace, harmony, unconditional love for all things, and very importantly how to defend oneself . That defence can become a devastating attack on the opponent. It is easy to highlight one part of Tai Ji Quan too much. It takes time to sort through the seemingly contradictory knowledge inherent in the practice to make sense of the whole.
Students who begin to learn Qi Gong, eventually learn Tai Ji Quan as a natural next step, and for students of Tai Ji Quan, Qi Gong is also a natural next step. One does not need to have a particular order, but if one wants to go far, both must be practiced. To begin, just start with one, become comfortable with it, and then begin to learn the other.