Many people come in and ask 'what is Qi Gong, and more importantly, what
are its benefits for me?'. Firstly, “Qi” (pronounced 'chee', often
incorrectly written as 'Chi', which means 'to eat' in Chinese) means
"air" or "breath", or “light energy”. Gong means "working of" or
"effort", or “labour”. Thus Qi Gong means "the working of air or
breath", or “working with energy”. It is the conscious and systematic
development of the vital energy of the body. This may sound mystical,
but in reality is a very pragmatic form of standing/sitting meditation
and gentle exercise, involving special breathing techniques. In China,
and now all over the world, Qi Gong is used as a way to keep ones body
fit and healthy and to promote a long life. There are many different
forms of Qi Gong, however the idea behind the practice of Qi Gong is the
same, to build up internal energy. The Qi Gong taught at the Kung Fu
Academy in Castle Hill focuses on preventing disease, promoting health
and prolonging life.

To begin with, students are taken through the 18 movements of Qi Gong,
called “Qi Gong Shi Ba Shi”. This set of movements involve concentration
on breathing and relaxing while moving the arms and legs. Compared to
Tai Qi, this is a relatively stationary form of movements. Once the
various movements are mastered, the student starts to focus energy in
order to draw in positive forces and breath out the negatives in ones
life, whether they be physical ailments or emotional troubles.

Once a student is competent in Qi Gong Shi Ba Shi, they are taken on a
more individual Qi Gong journey, using different movements and steps to
gain further control of their bodies and lives.


Tai Qi


This is an ancient art form China based on self-defence
applications, and this slow moving form of exercise, relaxation and
training is growing more and more popular in the West. Tai Qi, or Tai Qi
Chuan (meaning 'supreme energy' or 'supreme energy fist') is an art of
self-discipline based on the philosophy of Yin and Yang. Tai Qi can be
considered a moving meditation, promoting inner relaxation and strength
if practised regularly. Tai Qi can be practised almost anywhere, and can
be seen being practised all over the world. It involves slow, graceful
movements and promotes inner relaxation and harmony, perfect for any
age, gentle and healing for the body and calming for the mind.

Again, there are numerous methods of Tai Qi, and hundreds of various
forms. The Tai Qi taught at the Kung Fu Academy is used as a balance to
either the external force of Shaolin Kung Fu, or the sedentary
lifestyles we so often fall into in the West.

To begin with, the student is taught Tai Qi Walking, and is then taken
through the International Yang Style 24 step form. Once this is
completed, the student can continue to the 32 step Yang Style Tai Qi
Sword form, then the 48 step Yang Style form.  From there students are
taken further on an individual and personal basis according to their
goals in Tai Qi.

Classes are taught by Shi Fu Teja A. Jaensch, and are held on Saturday afternoons from 1.00pm - 2:00pm. It is a fun and relaxing atmosphere,
with gentle music in the background. The class starts with a quick warm
up, and then students pair off to go through Pushing Hands exercises.
Then the whole class works together on their Qi Gong and Tai Qi. It is
important to wear something comfortable and loose, like a loose t-shirt
and tracksuit pants. Uniforms are available from the Kung Fu Academy,
but are not compulsory.