Southern Chi Kung

T’ai Chi – Chi Kung

Shibashi is a gentle, beautiful and flowing chi kung exercise routine that is both a joy to do and deeply relaxing. It combines the key elements of chi kung and tai chi, such as effortlessness, mindfulness and use of the breath.

It consists of 18 forms practised as a flowing sequence but if time is short then this can be reduced as required. It is easily learnt and notes and illustrations are provided to help remember the forms. For those who want to develop further there is a second set of shibashi forms which expand on the first set and provide an even greater repertoire of movements to benefit from!

As well as being a complete exercise routine it can also be used as a warm up for tai chi forms or to complement other types of physical exercise, such as gym work, walking, cycling, etc.

Shibashi is very good for people who want to move on to Yang style tai chi forms because it introduces the basic elements of weight shifting, centre led movement, co-ordination of hand and leg movements together with controlled breathing. It will also support chi kung practice and other martial art systems, as well as being beneficial to overall physical and mental health.

All shibashi movement is centred around a face forward position. Diagonal side steps always return to this starting position – so in that sense it is fixed. If you can stretch your arms out to the sides and turn a full circle you have enough space to practice.

The complete shibashi pattern takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on how you are feeling and the number of repetitions of each form.

It’s suitable for all groups and all ages – and you are never to old to start – many people in their 70′s practice shibashi!

Southern Chi Kung intend to introduce shibashi classes in the Hampshire area in the new year, so keep an eye on our website classes page for further updates!

A new concept in health and fitness – imagine if you could achieve all the benefits of a workout in the gym, but without strain or impact on the joints, ligaments or muscles?

Chi Fit is a new form of fitness class, utilising one of the key facets of chi kung, t’ai chi and other similar systems – effortlessness and relaxation! All the movements, forms and static postures will provide all the benefits of a cardio-vascular workout, along with improved overall fitness, flexibility, body balance, use of the breath and posture. Health benefits include strengthened immune system, improved organ function, weight control, stress relief and just generally feeling good about life!

Classes are intended to be fun and dynamic, with a great selection of music to help get the vibe going, but with a nice relaxation section at the end.

As well as a qualified and experienced chi kung instructor, Mark is a qualified gym instructor and stress manager and Chi Fit classes are programmed to exercise all parts of the body through carefully planned exercise routines.

Classes are still being planned but keep an eye on our classes page for further details of classes coming in your area!

Welcome to Southern Chi Kung, based in Hampshire, and offering Chi Kung (Qigong) classes at various locations in the Southampton and Hampshire area, as well as offering personal tuition.

This ancient, powerful, form of Chinese energy exercise has many benefits, including physical and emotional health, stress relief, longevity and stillness. Whether you want to become healthier, less stressed or to have greater energy, Chi Kung will help.

If you are a sports person, and want to improve power, strength or stamina, or have particular health needs, then Chi Kung personal tuition is perfect. The variety of exercises, moving forms, static postures and focus on correct breathing can all be programmed to meet your particular needs.