Qigong and Taijiquan Courses

QIGONG and TAIJI 2024 autumn semester 

REGISTRATION is completed.

Explore the new PROGRAMME for this semester.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT LEVEL I AM

The Intermediate level is for participants who have studied these practices for at least 1 semester, know the badujin exercises, and have a basic knowledge of Taiji. The Strong Advanced level is for participants who have previously practiced both Yang and Chen styles, have practiced baduanjin, yijinjing, wuqinxi, and are familiar with Form 24.

VENUE OF ACTIVITIES

The morning classes will take place at M. K. Čiurlionio str. 21 in the Dance Hall of the Institute of Geosciences, VU Geosciences, 3rd floor, No. 342.

Evening classes will be held at M. K. Čiurlionio str. 21 in the Taiji Hall of the Confucius Institute of Vilnius University, 2nd floor, no. 203.

[we will send all the information about the course to those who have registered by email before the start of the course]

Yi jin jing

"Yi jin jing (simplified: 易筋经, traditional: 易筋經; pinyin: yìjīnjīng) is an exercise designed to stretch the muscles and tendons of the whole body. It is a series of breathing exercises that, when performed consistently, can improve physical health. In Chinese, yi means 'change', jin means 'muscles and tendons' and jing means 'outline, canon, classical work'.

Yi jin jing is a fairly intensive practice aimed at strengthening muscles and tendons, promoting strength and flexibility, increasing speed and endurance, and improving balance and coordination.

Ba duan jin

The "Eight Pieces of Brocade" (simplified: 八段锦, traditional: 八段錦; pinyin: bāduànjǐn) improves brain function, strengthens the psyche, improves the functioning of individual organs, and strengthens bones and joints. It is a set of eight segmented exercises in the traditional style, enriched with special breathing techniques. The intensity and duration can be adjusted according to the person's physical condition and the desired therapeutic effect.

Ba duan jin is an exercise for the mind and body and is particularly beneficial:

- Strengthening of all limbs and chest muscles

- to maintain correct posture

- slowing the progression of scoliosis

- helps prevent chronic, digestive diseases, limb and back pain

- improves brain function, strengthens the psyche and can extend life expectancy

Taijiquan

Taijiquan or Taiji (Chinese: "fist of the great boundary", simplified characters: 太极拳, traditional characters: 太極拳; pinyin: tàijíquán) is an ancient and distinctive branch of the Chinese martial arts (wushu), popular throughout the world. As a practice that balances mental and physical strength, taiji is designed to strengthen and relax the body. It is based on certain principles, particularly the harmonisation of yin and yang, the passive and active principles respectively. The movements are slow, fluid, rhythmic, with precise positions and postures carefully defined. At the Confucius Institute we study Yang and Chen styles.

Our sports instructors

Junli Wang – a bachelor's degree student of Anyang University of Education (sociology of sport), a master's degree student of Beijing Sports University (traditional Chinese martial arts and qigong), and Wang Junli, a PhD student of Lithuanian Sports University, who is currently completing her doctoral studies and is a wushu instructor who has already gained teaching experience both in Lithuania and China. She is not only a first-class Chinese martial arts athlete, but also a judge, holding the sixth (out of a possible 9) Golden Tiger duan.

Wenming Liang - master of Beijing Sports University (traditional Chinese martial arts and qigong), currently a PhD student at Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, taiji instructor and taiji champion in China, multiple prize winner of Chinese wushu competitions.

Levels of Wushu Mastery duanwei 段位

Since 1998, the Chinese Wushu Association, together with the National Sports Commission and the China Wushu Research Institute, has developed a grading system for sporting wushu, consisting of nine duans (duanwei 段位 "level"). In 2011, the duanwei system was modified to be divided into the following levels:

Entry level: so-called basic duan for students with years of practice experience.

1. Qingying-yi duan: Bronze/blue eagle

2. Yinying-er duan: Silver Eagle

3. Yinying-san duan: Golden Eagle

Intermediate level: Intermediate level duans are awarded to wushu students/coaches who can teach and have 5 to 10 years of experience as a wushu coach, depending on the level requested. Starting from duan 5, a research paper must be submitted that includes research related to wushu, i.e. publications, DVDs, case studies of students studied in duanwei. The sixth duanwei is awarded to Masters level students and is the highest technical grade in this category.

4. Qinghu-si duan: Bronze/Blue Tiger

5. Yinhu-wu duan: Silver Tiger

6. Yinhu-liu duan: Golden Tiger

Highest level: Advanced level is only awarded to very experienced and reputable wushu masters. A person awarded this duan is officially allowed to call himself a "Grand Master".

7. Qinglong-qi duan: Bronze/Blue Dragon

8. Yinlong-ba duan: Silver dragon

9. Yinlong-jiu duan: Golden Dragon