Many who practise a martial art, whether or not a Chinese one, incorporate energy work, because of its enormous benefits on mind and body. Harnessing your power doesn't only increase your combative strike force, it also helps you to control emotions and endure more hardship with ease. Control of the self is a great and worthy goal, and Qigong practise is the best way I've come across for this.

Similar to Taiji (often written Tai Chi), with its slow movements and careful focus, Qigong develops mental clarity, physical endurance and an understanding of the energy system of the body. Through daily practise, all areas of health are improved. That's not sales talk, either. The benefits can't just be felt or seen, they can be measured, electrically.

I'm coming at Qigong from a beginner's perspective, having only taken a handful of classes, and many years ago, at that. So, here I am, at the beginning of another branch of this extensive forest, excited and ready...