Ba Duan Jin (八段锦) – Eight Brocades Qigong

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Lineage of Professor Li Shixin (李士信)

Professor Li Shixin (李士信) of Peking University was a leading Wushu and Qigong expert, Vice President of the Beijing Wushu Research Society, Director of the Beijing Advanced Level Chinese Wushu Qigong Institute, and Secretary General of the Chinese Wushu Scientific Research Society. In 2002, he personally certified Ivy Yew Suet Mee (Ivy Yew) and David Lyle Schneider as his students, trained in Tai Chi, Chi Kung (Qigong), and Kungfu, and authorized them to teach these arts. Professor Li popularized and rearranged a seated version of Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades), drawing from traditional Tang Dynasty forms, making this gentle yet powerful Qigong accessible for daily health practice, especially for those with limited mobility.

Ba Duan Jin, or “Eight Pieces/Sections of Brocade,” is a classic Qigong exercise set dating back to the Song Dynasty (or earlier). It consists of eight simple, flowing movements that combine posture, breathing, and mindful focus to cultivate Qi (vital energy), harmonize the body’s meridians, and promote overall wellness. Traditionally, it includes both standing and seated versions. The name “Brocade” refers to the smooth, elegant, silk-like quality of the movements.

Professor Li emphasized the seated adaptation in his university Qigong programs at Peking University for its practicality and therapeutic benefits, while the standing form aligns with the modern standardized Health Qigong Ba Duan Jin promoted by China’s General Administration of Sport—widely taught in university physical education and Wushu curricula.

Regular practice of Ba Duan Jin (as taught in Professor Li’s lineage) is known to:

• Improve circulation and Qi flow
• Strengthen and balance the internal organs (lungs, heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, etc.)
• Enhance flexibility, posture, and joint health
• Reduce stress and promote mental clarity
• Support longevity and overall vitality
• Benefit those with chronic conditions, seniors, or anyone seeking gentle daily exercise

It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Professor Li Shixin’s seated Ba Duan Jin is ideal for home practice, office workers, seniors, or anyone unable to stand for long periods. Movements are adapted to a seated posture while preserving the core Qi cultivation principles.

Recommended Instructional & Demonstration Videos (closely aligned with traditional university-style teaching):

• Ba Duan Jin Qi Gong in Sitting Position with Instructions – Peter Chen (clear, step-by-step with front view, breathing cues, and key points): Watch here
• Seated Eight Brocades (Ba Duan Jin) Qi Gong (full routine demonstration focusing on meridians and health benefits): Watch here
• Sitting Ba Duan Jin – Giuseppe Delang Paterniti (beautiful, flowing performance emphasizing accessibility): Watch here
• Sitting Qigong – Modified 8 Brocades – Tai Chi with Sifu Kuttel (practical daily seated practice): Watch here

(These classic line drawings show the eight movements; seated versions adapt the standing postures to a chair or floor position while maintaining the same energetic focus.)

The standing Ba Duan Jin taught alongside Professor Li’s seated form in Peking University programs follows the official standardized Health Qigong version. It is dynamic, builds strength and balance, and is the most widely practiced form in modern China.

Recommended Authoritative Videos (demonstrated by professors from Beijing-area universities, closest to Professor Li’s era and teaching style):

• TaiJi Health QiGong Ba Duan Jin – Yang BaiLong (Professor, Beijing Sports University – official China version, highly recommended for clarity and precision): Watch here
• Ba Duan Jin by Zhang Qi & Yang BaiLong (National Champion + Professor – excellent full demonstration): Watch here
• Additional clear instructional standing version (Faye Yip / British Health Qigong Association, official partner with China): Watch here

Illustrations for Standing Practice (use these for side-by-side comparison with seated):

(Modern and historical diagrams of the eight standing postures are widely available; the line drawings above can be referenced or adapted.)

• Practice daily, ideally in the morning or evening.
• Start with 3–6 repetitions per movement; build gradually.
• Coordinate smooth movements with natural, deep breathing (inhale on opening/lifting, exhale on closing/twisting).
• Focus on relaxation, intention (Yi), and Qi flow rather than muscular force.
• Seated version is excellent for beginners or those with mobility needs; standing version builds full-body strength.
• Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise program.

This page honors the direct transmission from Professor Li Shixin through our certified instructors. For personalized guidance, join our classes at Tai Chi Hong Kong / dstaichi.com. Questions? Contact us!

Sources & Further Reading: Professor Li Shixin’s Qigong teachings and books; official Chinese Health Qigong Association materials.