Ki Gong
Ki Gong, or Qigong (pronounced “chee gong”), as it is also known, among 
other names, is one of the most powerful tools for obtaining good health, power, and vitality available. Ki Gong involves joining the breath with movement, and focus, to promote health, vitality, and exercise, both for martial and non-martial art application.
Practiced for thousands of years, and with roots in Chinese kung fu, medicinal practices, and Taoist philosophy, ki gong is usually perceived as a practice which balances life energy flow (referred to as chi, ki, or qi). Ki gong typically utilizes slow, rhythmic, focused movements, that are syncopated with focused breathing. A relaxed, mindful state is a necessity.
Ki (or Chi) is commonly translated as intrinsic or innate life energy, something we are all born with, but cultivate, deplete, build, and/or diminish in differing quantities depending on how we live our life, and whether or not we choose to exercise it or build it along the way. Gong (or gung) means mastery or practice of the art.
Open Palm Posture
So, if you are here, I’d imagine you currently practice, or have an interest in possibly practicing this ancient, and powerful art form. Your reasons will differ as the benefits of practice are widespread, and simply put, Ki gong practice can be tailored depending on your interests/needs. Some of us seek to to revitalize our health, mind, body, and/or spirit. Some of us seek to gain physical power as in martial arts, in order to heighten our effectiveness in our art. Some of us look to find a solution for a particular health problem that has gone unsolved by western medicine. Whatever your interest is, Ki gong is a powerful practice, and we are all very lucky that it exists.
Now, for those of you who have not experienced the feeling of your own ki or chi, let’s have a quick guided practice to get that out of the way. For those that have experienced this powerful awakening, as you might call it, skip the exercise below and read on.
Ki Gong (Qi Gong) Awakening Exercise
Now, the question becomes, what to do next. Well, we at InnerMartialArt.com recommend that you look into a good teacher, and dig in to a program. The faster you start, the faster you will experience the amazing benefits of Ki Gong practice. There are really 3 good options for you at this point:
Research Ki gong teachers and schools in your area or city (be prepared to pay $60 to $80 or more each month for quality instruction)
Look for community center classes on Ki gong (cheaper option, but potentially sacrificing quality, and fairly hard to find Ki gong classes this way)
Find a high quality course on-line that covers everything you need to know (probably the best option, because you get high quality, low price, and quick and easy access to instruction from home)
As you might imagine, we’d recommend Option 3 above for the reasons stated. Whatever your choice, good luck to you, and enjoy your practice of Ki gong!
