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Chinese Physical Culture

Classes in Qi Gong and Internal Martial Arts

How Classes Work

Classes are always group classes, taught “family style”, which means everyone, regardless of skill level, is taught together. Instruction is geared to the level of the participant.

To register ahead of time, or ask questions, email us at [email protected] or call 802-209-5010.

Current & Upcoming Classes

Yang Rou (Soft Body) Xingyiquan

October 6, 2026 9:00 AM – 10:30am
Confluence Acupuncture

Xingiquan is the most ancient Chinese internal martial arts, combining movement with the intention to gently “clean” all the joints of the body. This class is similar to qigong, it is a gentle practice that balances the energetic system while being easy to learn and practice.

The Soft Body method taught here has been passed down from renowned Xingyi Master Li Guichang to his son Li Runxi. Movements are easy to learn but rich in endless depth and subtle refinement. It’s a simple but powerful practice merging meditative awareness of one’s own body, breathwork, using the movements of the wu xing (Five Phases) and the Twelve Animals.

The many benefits of practicing Xingiquan include improved strength and balance, enhanced calm and focus, better physical alignment, increased energy and circulation, and the development of an advanced self defense style.

Cost: Sliding Scale $10-20 per class

Fu Hu Gong (Lying Tiger Skill) / Shen Long Xingyiquan Level 1

September 8, 2026 5:00 PM – 6:30pm
Confluence Acupuncture

Fu Hu Gong is a vigorous exercise practice that aims to re-program the automatic movement patterns of the body by bringing the primary importance of the breath to the forefront of the student’s mind. These exercises will break down ingrained and unbalanced habits and replace them with well balanced and consciously created reflexes fully integrated with the breath.

Shen Long Xingyiquan has been passed to us from xingyi Master Hsu Hong Chi, to Vince Black. It is a complete system of physical culture with a wide range of training techniques separated into 3 levels– Fu Hu Gong is level one. The Shen Long system provides students with a broad foundation in internal martial arts skills and techniques, and promotes full body symmetry with breathing and intention.

Cost: $60 for full series or $20 per class (sliding scale also available)

Jingluo Qigong / Qigong for the Channels and Vessels

October 10, 2026 10:00 AM – 11:30am
Confluence Acupuncture

Qigong is a form of Chinese physical culture where movements are relaxed, slow, and aligned with the breath. Jingluo Qigong teaches the practitioner to move their energy with intention along the three-dimensional system of acupuncture channels and vessels in their own bodies. This class will introduce participants to some of the essential ideas from Chinese medical and philosophical thought, and it is a powerful and effective way to embody many of these seemingly abstract concepts.

Since this form of Qigong is supported by decades of research by its creator Dr. Li Ding, its efficacy for health maintenance and qi cultivation is truly outstanding.

Cost: $120 for full series or $25 per class (sliding scale also available)

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Physical Culture F.A.Q.

No, these are not prerequisites. But even if you have no interest or experience in martial arts, these classes will be beneficial and accessible to you. Regular participation in these classes will give the participant a level of physical fitness – this is in fact the whole point. Prior experience in martial arts is certainly not a prerequisite.

Loose fitting clothing and a water bottle are always a good idea. Don’t come to class hungry, physical exertion with low blood sugar is not advised. The class environment is relatively casual, as long as you are hydrated and able to move easily, you will find this enjoyable.

People who are older or mobility compromised would be better served trying a “gentler” class like qigong to start, the gong fu classes tend to be more physically demanding. Other than that, as long as you have a basic level of physical fitness, anyone who is interested will benefit from these practices.

Improved balance, improved athletic endurance, improved mood and more stable emotional states, physical and emotional flexibility, better breath control, improved mental stamina and focus.

No. These are not full-contact martial arts classes. There will be some two-person drills, where you are practicing two-person forms and techniques, but these are always done in a slow, relaxed, and controlled manner, supervised by the instructor.

Yes, it is possible to injure oneself during class, as with any physical activity. But there is no more risk in these classes than your average exercise class. Not to mention the fact that one of my specialties is trauma medicine, so I am fully capable (and licensed to do so) when it comes to assessing and treating traumatic injury in classes.

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