FAQ’s
Can I arrange a Taster Session?
Yes! Get in touch either via the contact form on this website or by emailing qigongwithsimon@icloud.com to arrange your first taster session. You will be sent a PAQ-Q form to complete and return, just to check it is safe for you to participate.
Is Qigong good for Self-Defence?
No. Although Shibashi can be traced back to martial roots and philosophy, this is first and foremost a health art. That being said, performing Qigong regularly will undoubtedly put you in a calmer headspace that will help you to deal with any assault (verbal, physical or otherwise) more rationally, enabling you to respond from a place of relative stillness.
Does Qigong with Simon have a respectable Tai Chi lineage?
Simon was first introduced to Shibashi by meditation teacher and spiritual guru Supawan Green back in May 2016. He then spent several years researching Qigong principles and developing his understanding of the form, before enrolling with Sifu Wing Cheung’s internationally-renowned Tai Chi, Qigong and Feng Shui Institute in 2020. Sifu Cheung was originally a student of Master Wu Jian Hua, a colleague of Professor Lin-Hou-Sheng - the original co-founder of Shibashi Qigong. Simon fulfilled the requirements for his Level 1 Instructor qualification directly under the supervision of Sifu Cheung. He then went on to complete his Level 2 Instructor certification under Annie Cryar, who has been studying with Sifu Cheung for over a decade as one of his Senior Instructors, at the Qigong Teacher Training academy in Hastings.
Do I need to bring any special equipment or wear any particular clothing?
No. One of the many wonderful things about Qigong is that it can be practised almost anywhere and requires absolutely no equipment. As for clothing, just wear something comfortable and loose. For many, jogging bottoms and a t-shirt suffices. In the winter months you may want to add a few layers as it can get quite cold where we practice.
Am I fit enough to do Qigong?
Qigong is a low-impact activity that does not demand a high level of cardiovascular fitness or muscular strength. The movements do require some flexibility though, and you may feel discomfort if you suffer from knee pain or have a back injury. Seek medical advice if you have an existing joint or back condition. Also, there are contraindications for individuals with low blood pressure (Qigong has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce blood pressure), so again - get the approval of your GP before engaging in the practice.
Are there any other reasons why Qigong might not be good for me?
Before commencing on your Qigong journey you will be asked to complete a one-page PAR-Q form, which enables the Instructor to briefly assess your overall health. Generally speaking, Qigong is accessible for all men and women, old and young. There are, nonetheless, a few red flags that should be raised. Qigong, as with other forms of meditation, may have adverse effects for individuals experiencing Psychosis, mainly due to the inward-looking nature of the practice. Several research studies have been undertaken to review Qigong’s influence on Schizophrenia, for instance, yielding inconclusive findings (see article). In other words, it can be helpful for some but harmful for others. For this reason, the suitability of Qigong for people with chronic and severe mental conditions needs to be reviewed on an individual basis by the GP.
What kind of people will I meet in a Qigong session?
When you attend one of our Qigong sessions you will encounter a warm, friendly community of like-minded individuals. The sessions are open to young people, although the group currently consists entirely of adults - many of whom are retired and enjoying Qigong as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Qigong practice is not particularly glamorous or trendy, so we find our group attracts mature individuals who have a genuine desire for self-development or health-improvement. There are no cliques in our Qigong group and everyone is welcomed as an equal.
Where can I find out more about Qigong’s proven benefits for health and wellbeing?
A detailed explanation of why Qigong is good for us is given on the ‘benefits’ page. Below are a list of academically-reviewed research journals that have investigated the influence of Qigong on different conditions.
Am I tied into a contract?
No, the sessions are now completely free. If you can afford it, you are encouraged to buy Simon a coffee. This also helps him to cover upkeep of the website and his annual insurance.
What do you mean by Social Enterprise?
Social enterprises are ventures that are changing the world for the better. Qigong with Simon is a small, independent social enterprise whose mission is to make the wonders of Qi accessible for all. It is a local, independent solo venture.
What happens in an average Qigong session and how long does it last?
Our Qigong sessions last approximately 40 - 45 minutes. First we perform a 3-minute warm-up, which usually involves a mobility exercise called ‘turning from the waist’. We will then recap on our main stances and check our posture, before entering into the gentle and relaxing 18-movement Shibashi sequence. The Shibashi sequence takes about 25 minutes to complete, involving slow movements that are quite simple to perform and easy to remember. At the end of the form there is normally a short period of standing meditation (Standing Zen) where we reflect on our practice and set positive intentions for the day/week ahead. Our group members then go their separate ways.
How will I know if sessions are cancelled?
Simon will contact you via phone, email or the group’s WhatsApp channel to inform you if there are any last-minute/unforeseen changes. Sessions are rarely cancelled, but from time-to-time there may be a switch to online delivery in the case of adverse weather condition (held remotely through the Zoom app).