Qi (氣)is defined as the energy of the universe, and Gong means hard work or study. Therefore, Qigong means “the Study of Natural Energy.” Western science has identified a bioelectric potential in the body which could be one of the primary aspects of Qi energy. This “bioelectricity” is recognized by YMAA as an important area of Qigong study and research. The Qigong classes offered at YMAA study Qi in relation to health, longevity, and martial arts, and follow the methods developed by Buddhists, Daoists, and also martial artists. The YMAA Qigong program can be followed independently of other YMAA programs.

Basic Qigong Theory and Training (基本氣功原理和練習, Ji Ben Qigong Yuan Li He Lian Xi). Basic Qigong theory includes the understanding and the feeling of Qi, and the relationship of Qi to nature and the human body. Basic Qigong training includes the practices of how to regulate the body, breathing, mind, Qi, and finally Shen (spirit). Naturally, reaching the final stage is not easy. However, with the understanding that comes from doing the basic training, the student will be able to set goals and to know what to expect.

The Eight Pieces of Brocade (八段錦, Ba Duan Jin). The Eight Pieces of Brocade is a Wai Dan Medical Qigong exercise set. It is actually two sets of eight simple exercises each (a sitting set and a standing set) that can maintain your health and increase your energy reserves if you are healthy, and speed your recovery if you are ill. This set was created by Marshal Yue Fei (1103-1141 A.D.) in the Song dynasty to keep his soldiers strong and healthy. The Eight Pieces of Brocade leads the beginner to the door of understanding Qigong.

The Four Season Medical Qigong (四季功 ). It is known that when the seasons change, the Qi condition in the five internal organs will also change. In order to balance the Qi circulation during seasonal changes, the Four Season Qigong was created. Once you have learned this Qigong, you will be able to adjust the Qi circulation in your body more smoothly and naturally, following the natural Qi changes.

The Five Animal Sports Qigong (五禽戲, Wu Qin Xi). The Five Animal Sports is a well known medical Qigong set created by the famous Chinese medical doctor Hua Tuo (華陀 ) during the East Han and Three Kingdom period (東漢﹐ 三國)(25-420 A.D.). This set of medical Qigong imitates the natural movements of five animals. These animals are the Tiger, Deer, Bear, Ape, and Bird. For nearly two thousand years, this set has proven very effective for maintaining health, and for healing various illnesses.

Taiji Qigong (太極氣功). Taiji Qigong is designed to help the beginner to understand Qi, and to learn how to use the concentrated mind to lead the Qi so that it can circulate smoothly. Practicing Taiji Qigong exercises can significantly improve one’s health. In addition, Taiji Qigong is the key to helping the Taiji practitioner learn how to use the Qi to energize the physical body for maximum efficiency.

Taiji Qigong also includes Taiji Ball and Taiji Ruler (太極球﹐太極尺 ).

White Crane Qigong (白鶴氣功, Bai He Qigong). White Crane Qigong comes from the Crane martial style. It is known for being very effective for maintaining health, as well as curing many illnesses of the upper body, especially those of the lungs and heart. White Crane Qigong is the foundation for learning the White Crane Style of martial arts. White Crane Qigong includes both Hard Qigong and Soft Qigong, also called Flying Crane Gong.

Small Circulation-Microcosmic Circulation (小周天氣功, Xiao Zhou Tian Qigong). Small Circulation practice teaches you how to use the mind to lead Qi through the two major Qi vessels-the Governing and Conception vessels. These two vessels are the Qi reservoirs which regulate the twelve Qi channels. The goal of the practice is to remove stagnation in these two vessels, and to increase the supply of Qi.

Grand Circulation-Macrocosmic Circulation (大周天氣功, Da Zhou Tian Qigong). After a student has completed small circulation, the next step is to learn how to lead the Qi to circulate in the limbs, out to the surface of the skin, and into the bone marrow. Grand circulation is not only beneficial for health, it is also the key to reaching higher levels of martial power.

In addition, Grand Circulation also teaches you how to exchange Qi with partners and the natural environment. Grand Circulation is the foundation of Chinese Qi healing.

General Qigong Massage (普通按摩). General Qigong massage gives the student an understanding of both the physical body and the Qi body. It introduces the student to the field of massage, and prepares a foundation for future study of deeper levels of massage, such as Tui Na and Dian Xue.

Tui Na Qigong Massage (推拿按摩, Tui Na An Mo). Tui Na Qigong massage specializes in treating injuries and illnesses. This training familiarizes the student with the body’s Qi circulation system.

Dian Xue Qigong Massage (點穴按摩, Dian Xue An Mo). Dian Xue Qigong massage has two purposes. The first one is for healing, and the second one is to train martial artists in the skill of striking vital spots.

Qi Massage (Qi Healing)(外氣療法, Qi An Mo, Wai Qi Liao Fa). Qi massage is also called Qi healing. It trains the student to use his/her own Qi to regulate imbalanced Qi circulation in the patient.

Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing and Brain/Marrow Washing). These two practices will be taught only to those students who are interested in entering deeply into martial arts training. The other Qigong courses offered by YMAA are prerequisites for this training.

Chan (禪﹐ 忍, Zen). Chan is a form of Buddhist meditation. It will be taught in a workshop and seminar format, where the main activity will be discussions to aid in the understanding of Qi and of personal experiences in meditation.

Daoist Qigong (丹鼎道功, Dan Ding Dao Gong). Different methods of Daoist Qigong will be introduced, followed by open discussions of Daoist Qigong based on personal experiences from previous training.

Tibetan Qigong (密宗神功, Mi Zhong Shen Gong). Different methods of Tibetan Qigong will be introduced, followed by open discussions of Tibetan Qigong based on personal experiences from previous training.