Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin

Unlike high-impact Western sports, Tai Chi builds internal strength and cultivates harmony between mind and body. Its movements are slow, smooth, and continuous—often described as “sailing clouds and flowing water” (行云流水)—promoting proper posture, controlled breathing, and mental clarity. This course introduces key Tai Chi principles and basic forms, as well as Health Qigong practices. It is designed for both beginners and intermediate learners.

Course Information

Health Qigong: Ba Duan Jin Qigong (Eight Pieces of Brocade / Eight-Section Brocade / Eight-Section Exercises)

Eight Pieces of Brocade is a classic form of Chinese Health Qigong (气功), consisting of gentle, flowing movements coordinated with breath and mental focus. Originating during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), this practice has been passed down for centuries as a time-tested method for promoting health, vitality, and longevity.

The name reflects both its structure and elegance:

  • 八 (bā) – eight
  • 段 (duàn) – sections or movements
  • 锦 (jǐn) – brocade, symbolizing something refined, precious, and graceful

Thus, Eight Pieces of Brocade signifies eight exquisite movements woven together like silk to nourish body and mind. This form of Qigong targets different organ systems and meridians, helping to enhance flexibility, circulation, posture, and internal balance. It is especially suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Course contents include:

  • Qigong etiquette and basic principles
  • Breathing and posture alignment techniques
  • Hand forms and stance forms
  • Stretching and balance training

Movements include:

  1. Opening Form (起式)
  2. Two Hands Raise the Sky to Regulate the Triple Burners两手托天理三焦
  3. Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Hawk（左右开弓似射雕）
  4. Raising One Arm to Regulate the Spleen and Stomach（调理脾胃须单举）
  5. Looking Back to Prevent Strain and Injury （五劳七伤往后瞧）
  6. Swaying the Head and Wagging the Tail to Eliminate Heart-Fire（摇头摆尾去心火）
  7. Touching the Feet with Both Hands to Strengthen the Kidneys and Waist（两手攀足固肾腰
  8. Punching with Angry Eyes to Increase Strength（攒拳怒目增气力
  9. Bouncing the Heels Seven Times to Dispel Disease（背后七颠百病消
  10. Closing Form （收式）

Course Timings and Price

This course runs over seven weeks, and you will attend one session per week.

Dependent on numbers, the course will run at two different times per week. Therefore, please also complete this time preference form to indicate your preferred times after payment. Remember to complete payment here, or you will not be registered for the course. If you do not complete the form, we will assume all potential times are suitable for you.

The two potential times are:

  • Wednesdays, 6-7pm
  • Fridays, 6-7pm

This course is being offered at half of the normal price of £70 as an introductory offer for all attendees

Newcastle University Staff and Students and Confucius Institute Students currently attending evening Mandarin classes are eligible for an additional 40% discount.

Confucius Institute students please contact the CI admin office for your code if you have not already received this. Staff and students can contact llahub@newcastle.ac.uk from their Newcastle email address to obtain their code. Codes are not transferable, one per person.

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Course Dates

Course Start Date:  Wednesday, November 5, 2025 6:00 PM

Course End Date :  Friday, December 19, 2025 8:00 PM

Enrolment Dates

Enrolment Start Date:  Monday, October 20, 2025 8:00 AM

Enrolment End Date :  Thursday, November 6, 2025 11:30 PM

Course Location

Newcastle University Campus

Course Tutor/s

Associate Professor Rensong Li

Course Delivery Type

Face to Face in-person icon

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Course Fees

Price per attendee is £35.00 (zero VAT)

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