What is Qigong?
​氣 功 or Qigong is pronounced chee gung
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æ°£ or Qi means energy
功 or Gong means work
Together, the term refers to practices that develop skill in working with the body’s internal energy, integrating movement, breath, and focused attention.
Qigong has been practised in China for many centuries as a method of cultivating health, clarity, and resilience. While it is sometimes presented today in simplified or eclectic forms, I place importance on maintaining clarity of method and continuity of lineage.
My practice and teaching are rooted primarily in the Shaolin tradition, which I have studied for nearly 30 years. Central to this system are the 18 Lohan Hands — exercises traditionally associated with early Shaolin training and developed to cultivate strong, healthy bodies and steady minds.
Alongside this classical training, I also teach Tai Chi Qigong (Shibashi), a respected modern system created in the twentieth century to promote general health and wellbeing. Shibashi combines elements of traditional Qigong with movements drawn from Tai Chi and is widely practised internationally due to its accessibility and gentle flow.
The patterns I teach are structurally simple and can be practised at home in around 15 minutes. With regular practice, they support physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional steadiness.
These exercises are suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. They are usually practised standing but can be adapted for seated practice, making them appropriate for those recovering from illness or seeking a complementary approach alongside conventional medical care.
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I teach Qigong in Petworth from my private studio both online and in person, with students also travelling from Billingshurst, Pulborough, Midhurst and surrounding West Sussex villages.
Qigong Small Groups
These sessions are taught in small groups of up to four people, creating an attentive learning environment while retaining the shared energy of group practice.
Classes focus on accessible sequences drawn from traditional forms and adapted to suit different levels of experience. The emphasis is on developing confidence in the movements and establishing a practice that feels sustainable.
Small group work is ideal if you would like:
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Regular structured practice
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Personal guidance within a group setting
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Gradual progression over time
Session fee: £18 per person
Individual or Closed Group Sessions
Some students prefer to learn on a one-to-one basis, or within a small group of friends or family members of their choosing.
Individual sessions allow the pace and focus of learning to be tailored entirely to you. This can be particularly helpful if you are new to Qigong, returning after a break, or prefer quieter, more personalised instruction.
Closed group sessions offer a similar approach within a familiar circle, often creating a relaxed and supportive atmosphere for shared learning.
These sessions focus on clear understanding of the movements and building a practice suited to your circumstances.
Please contact me to discuss availability and fees.
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Personalised Therapeutic Qigong & Meditation Sessions
Alongside instruction in form and technique, I also offer sessions for those seeking deeper support during periods of recovery, stress, or significant life change.
These sessions are not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment, but can work alongside other professional care in a steady and practical way. Many people receive excellent treatment from physiotherapists, osteopaths, or counsellors, yet find it difficult to maintain helpful habits between appointments.
Qigong helps bridge that gap. Through simple, slow, and smooth routines, you learn movements that are manageable and realistic to continue at home. The emphasis is not on intensity, but on consistency. Even a modest daily practice can help maintain mobility, balance, and strength, while also settling the nervous system and softening patterns of tension or anxiety.
Over time, meditation can be introduced gradually, creating a blended practice that supports both physical steadiness and emotional resilience. This is not a quick solution, but a guided process of exploration. With steady support, individuals develop practical skills and confidence to sustain their own home practice in a realistic and achievable way.
Simple, sustainable movement to support recovery, resilience, and ongoing self-care.
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Free sample session
If you are unsure which format would suit you best, I offer a free introductory one-to-one session for prospective students.
This generally lasts an hour and provides an opportunity to experience the approach and the form of Qigong I teach, and to explore whether you would prefer to continue individually or within a small group setting.
We can also discuss practical considerations, including pricing, so that you can decide what feels appropriate and sustainable for you.
Qigong Small Groups
I teach groups of up to 4 people in my own studio at 5.15pm on a Tuesday and 5.30pm Thursday afternoon, and at 12.30pm each Friday. Classes are booked individually through the Book Online page. If you would like to try a free class to discover more about my form of Qigong, please email me through the Contact page.
Online and Individual Classes
If you want to explore Qigong at your own pace either on a 1-2-1 basis or with a group of friends, please email me through the Contact page to set up a bespoke arrangement.
How to prepare for Qigong class
Very little equipment is required, just loose clothing and indoor shoes. Any clothing which allows you to move freely is suitable, such as tracksuit bottoms and long loose shirts or T-shirts.
Please change into indoor shoes when you arrive at class, and make sure they have non-marking soles. Thin soled shoes are preferrable as they allow for better balance and grounding. Some students prefer to do these exercises with bare feet or just wearing socks.
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Please let us know in advance or at the beginning of any class if you have specific injuries or concerns we need to accommodate.