Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong

Overview — Course No. 1908

Explore the ancient practices of Tai Chi and Qigong with internationally renowned instructor David-Dorian Ross. Essentials of Tai Chi and Qigong offers a comprehensive introduction to these mind-body exercises, focusing on balance, harmony, and energy flow. Through 24 lessons, learn the fundamental movements, history, and philosophy behind Tai Chi and Qigong.

Video Lessons

01: The Snake and the Crane

Ross introduces Tai Chi and Qigong, discussing their history and philosophy. He covers the Yang family short form and provides tips for personal practice.

Duration: 34 min

02: First Steps in a Journey

Start with the Frolic of the Five Animals Qigong series and basic Tai Chi drills, learning the first two movements of the 24-movement short form.

Duration: 30 min

03: Harmony and Balance

Continue the Frolic of the Five Animals and explore yin and yang principles. Learn Crane Spreads Wings in the short form.

Duration: 28 min

04: The Ultimate Martial Art

Investigate Tai Chi as a martial art, its defense aspects, and learn Brush Knee and Push.

Duration: 29 min

05: The Five Families of Tai Chi Practice

Explore variations of Tai Chi from different families and learn Playing the Pipa.

Duration: 35 min

06: Qigong and the Five Animal Frolics

Learn the final Frolic and explore the concept of qi. Add Repulse the Monkey to your repertoire.

Duration: 31 min

07: Energy Exercise—A Branch of Chinese Medicine

Understand qi’s role in traditional Chinese medicine and learn Grasp the Bird’s Tail.

Duration: 29 min

08: The First Pillar of Practice—Forms

Learn mindfulness through Tai Chi forms and practice Grasp the Bird’s Tail (right side).

Duration: 33 min

09: The Second Pillar—Push Hands for Two

Explore push hands, a gentle sparring technique, and learn Single Whip.

Duration: 31 min

10: The Third Pillar—Standing Meditation

Experience standing meditation and learn Waving Hands Like Clouds.

Duration: 29 min

11: Benefits to the Heart and Immune System

Discover Tai Chi’s benefits for heart and lung disease and cancer therapy. Repeat Single Whip.

Duration: 27 min

12: A Healthy Weight and a Healthy Mind

Learn Tai Chi’s benefits for obesity and Alzheimer’s. Reach the halfway point in the 24-movement short form with High Pat on Horse.

Duration: 32 min

13: Tai Chi Legends—Stories of the Masters

Hear stories of Tai Chi masters and learn Stand Up and Kick with Heel.

Duration: 31 min

14: Reading the Tai Chi Classics

Study Tai Chi Classics and demonstrate principles of proper technique. Learn Boxing Both Ears.

Duration: 31 min

15: A Superior Workout—Use More of Your Muscles

Understand how Tai Chi activates multiple muscles for a superior workout. Practice Stand Up and Kick.

Duration: 29 min

16: Eight Pieces of Brocade and a Better Back

Learn the Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong series and practice Snake Creeps through the Grass.

Duration: 23 min

17: Tai Chi Weapons—When Hands Are Not Empty

Explore Tai Chi with weapons and master Rooster Stands on One Leg.

Duration: 32 min

18: Using the Mind—Inner Organizing Principles

Focus on Tai Chi’s organizing principles and learn Snake Creeps through the Grass.

Duration: 32 min

19: Mental and Physical Flow

Understand flow in Tai Chi and practice Rooster Stands on One Leg.

Duration: 33 min

20: Creating Space for Choices

Learn Fair Lady Works at Shuttles and discover flow in Tai Chi.

Duration: 28 min

21: Flow at Work—When Business Is in Balance

Integrate Tai Chi into work life and learn Looking for the Needle.

Duration: 31 min

22: Energy Flow in Your Surroundings

Explore feng shui and the five element theory. Practice Opening the Arms Like a Fan.

Duration: 33 min

23: Taking Practice Deeper

Master subtleties in Tai Chi poses and transitions.

Duration: 39 min

24: The Evolution of Tai Chi

Analyze Tai Chi’s evolution and practice the entire 24-movement series.

Duration: 34 min