What Is Chi Kung?

Chi Kung (Qigong) is an art of athletic and aesthetic movement that originated in China several thousand years ago as a way to physical and mental well being. Encompassing active as well as meditative phases, Chi Kung is practiced daily by millions in the Far East and around the world. Combining the pure grace of movement and the relaxed concentration of meditation, it is part of a holistic lifestyle in which body and mind exist in perfect harmony. Its highly individual benefits are almost immediate. It is not a religion but, at its simplest,Chi Kung reflects a rational, balanced philosophy of exercise and health. 
Chi Kung creates an awareness of and influences dimensions of our being that are not part of traditional exercise programs. Most exercises do not involve the meridian system used in acupuncture nor do they emphasize the importance of adding mind intent and breathing techniques to physical movements. When these dimensions are added, the benefits of exercise increase exponentially.
The gentle, rhythmic movements of Chi Kung reduce stress, build stamina, increase vitality, and enhance the immune system. It has also been found to improve cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic and digestive functions. Those who maintain a consistent practice of Chi Kung find that it helps one regain a youthful vitality, maintain health even into old age and also speed recovery from illness. Western scientific research confirms that Chi Kung reduces hypertension and the incidence of falling in the aged population due to increased balance and spatial awareness. One of the more important long-term effects is that Chi Kung re-establishes the body/mind/soul connection.
Today millions of people in China and around the world regularly practice Chi Kung as a health maintenance exercise. Chi Kung and related disciplines are still associated with the martial arts and meditation routines trained by Taoist and Buddhist monks, professional martial artists and their students. Although it was formerly much more closely guarded, in the modern era such practices have become widely available to the general public both in China and around the world.
Chi Kung is inherent in Lung Ying Kung Fu because of this focused meridan breathing and is used to channel the energy to great effect - not only by conditioning the body to deflect strikes without injury, but also manifesting as the release of powerful energy. This ability is demonstrated by Sifu Costello in the following video clips. Only by many years of focused and proper training is the body able to withstand these types of impacts.

Click here to see Chi Kung demonstration videos