Appreciating the Forms of a Sequence in Qigong

Following the five regulations of Qigong theory, wu tiao, one can begin to appreciate the training of sequences. When a student first learns a sequence, they are introduced to various blocks, kicks, punches, and stances. These forms are then combined to make up the sequence. Initially the student’s body will be tense as they manage to imitate what is being taught. Speed and power will be sacrificed until the student is able to master the moves through repetition. Breathing will also be unregulated as one learns the movements and the mind will be going through a conditioning period to remember which move comes next as well as how to construct each form accurately.

Overtime, the body will become more familiar with the movements and be able to relax thus allowing the student to focus on increasing speed and power. Depending on the style they are training, the student will begin to feel the generation of power rooted in the foot and directed by the waist. Breathing will become more natural in accordance with the movements. Students will be able to focus more on the techniques as well as begin to learn to lead their Qi for heightened sensitivity and increased power. Eventually the student will display more confidence in their ability to perform the sequence.