Qigong Teachers - Masters or Chinese Knock-offs?

Finding a Qualified Qigong Instructor

May 1, 2009

The demand for qigong instruction grows and so does the opportunity for teachers to misrepresent their qualifications.

The relative lack of education the general public has on what constitutes a qualified instructor of qigong poses a real problem. Each day, new teachers pop up on the Internet marketing their classes, trying to find the hook that brings in the coveted cash. The influx of carefully crafted look-alikes exists in just about every profitable market where the smell of “green” lures low-end copycats. Unfortunately, this option also exists in the qigong community where the wave of conscious lifestyle choices and organic green dollars flows with the ease of “no-blockages”.

Qigong, the practice of working with energy, commonly known as “the exercise that looks like Tai Chi”, is growing in popularity around the Globe. Its known for great healing and efficiency at reducing stress. Yet the flip side of this growth is that the lack of industry standards and regulations makes it easy for many so-called “Masters” to peddle their talent without much supervision. Some of these instructors are bona-fide qigong teachers; others are looking for an easy ride.

Qigong Masters, Few and Far Between

Typically, a “qigong master” is a person who has spent many years of training and has accomplished great skill in the art of working with energy. A qigong master, in the most traditional of definitions, would be capable of one or several great energetic accomplishments such as astral travel, tangible energy manipulation (like ringing bells from a distance) levitation, creating heat in another person, adeptness at working with the subtle forces of nature, and so much more.

Of course, it would take many years of practice to achieve that level of skill so we can still consider a “master” someone who has dedicated years to training and cultivation yet may not be able to perform on demand. In all cases, the “master” would count on plenty of information that is not only intellectual, but actually physical, emotional and energetic, to transmit to his/her students.

Chinese Knock-Offs, Beware the Imitation

Let’s face it, how can we be sure if Master Lee from Beijing (*invented person), who looks so perfect in his silk uniform, really knows what he’s talking about? Even if he did present a wall of certificates, who would be capable of verifying that information? Certainly it would take someone who has familiarity, first of all with the language, second the culture, and third the art of qigong. How many of those exist in the USA? The answer is very few.

And so begins the issue; the arrival of imitations in the market, taking advantage of your lack of knowledge and your openness to try something new.

But that problem isn’t limited to just the Chinese, it transcends race and gender, and includes American, Asian, European and Hispanic teachers both male and female, spreading the influx of imitations well into all areas of body/mind practices

So How Do I Find a Qualified Teacher?

Finding a qualified qigong instructor takes a little bit of sleuthing on your part. To begin with, there are reliable organizations which certify instructors, for example, the National Qigong Association. It’s a good idea to find instructors who count on several credentials, that way they are cross-checked and count on multiple sources of references. A good instructor will be able to teach you some form of qigong no-matter what your physical condition is and be able to give you great guidance on avoiding injuries and maximizing your return on effort. Perhaps, your instructor will also practice another martial art like Tai Chi or Kung Fu. Your instructor will probably have knowledge in Traditional Chinese Medicine since qigong and TCM are so closely related. In all cases a good instructor should be knowledgeable about and capable of performing the qigong moves he is teaching. He should be able to tell you what the consequences of incorrect practice are and should be able to guide you easily into a deeper experience with qigong.

Overall, there are many great qigong instructors available throughout the world. To find someone that’s right for you, use your intuition, make sure you feel comfortable with the instructor, ask plenty of questions, and don’t be afraid to say “no”.

The copyright of the article Qigong Teachers - Masters or Chinese Knock-offs? in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Christina Barea. Permission to republish Qigong Teachers - Masters or Chinese Knock-offs? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.