Master Sun Peiqiang grew up in a family that taught traditional martial arts. He now runs a Taijiquan school and teaches many students from China and abroad. His family also preserved a set of qigong exercises called the Five Elements Longevity Practice.
He says practicing these forms helps organs, blood circulation and general health. Tai Chi appears as slow park exercises and as fast moves in films. Chen style mixes hard and soft movements, while Yang style is gentler and easier to learn.
Master Sun explains that internal energy, or qi, comes from breathing and focuses in the dantian. His advice: start with forms, then build strength and technique, and finally train the mind.
Difficult words
- martial arts — physical combat and self-defence training
- taijiquan — a Chinese martial art with slow movements
- qigong — breathing and movement exercises for health
- organ — parts inside the body that do jobsorgans
- circulation — movement of blood around the body
- dantian — area in the lower belly used in breathing
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you tried Tai Chi or qigong? What did you notice?
- Would you prefer the gentler Yang style or the harder Chen style? Why?
- Which part of training would you start with: forms, strength, or mind? Explain your choice.
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