The 8 Pieces of Brocade Qigong, and Modernizing What is Ancient

Taught my first lesson today in a long time.  I always start new students off with the 8 Pieces of Brocade qigong.  This qigong does so many good things as long as one adheres to basic principles.  It helps with range of motion, energy level, relieving tension, and does all this while being a very easy and short.  Also it can get you acquainted with basic principles of breath coordinated with movement. 

Everyone I've ever seen does this qigong a little different.  The version I do and like to teach is put together from no less than 4 different versions.  To me that means it is great for customization and meeting students where they are regardless of physical condition.  I am pretty sure that anyone who can stand can do these moves, and for everyone else there's the seated version.

Anyway, I knew I was going to teach this today, so I was trying to remember what all the moves were called.  I usually simply refer to them as numbers one through 8.  This is bad for teaching, however, because the 8 Pieces of Brocade was historically taught as an orally transmitted poem.  Once I checked some of my original sources for names, I realized that nobody cares what the moves were called in antiquity.  I decided these eight moves need a hip new oral tradition.  You'll find these new names to be Americanized, rebellious, humorous, and all together against the rules.

1.  Hope You Wore Deodorant

2.  Draw Bow to Shoot Fan of Least Favorite Sports Team

3.  Upstairs Downstairs Hands

4.  Glance Behind You at 5 Haters and 7 Jerks

5.  Wagging Head and Tail but Don't Twerk

6.  Clench Fists and Build Chi by Punching the Face of your Least Favorite Politician

7.  Strengthen Kidneys Without Missing the Point

8.  Stand on Toes to Shake it Off Like Taylor Swift

Hopefully you find this helpful.

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