
In this first lecture you can meet the course tutor and designer, Andy Wright. You'll see and hear about his life and work, with testimonials from real people/students (he teaches classes daily as well as on line). His work encompasses teaching in NHS hospitals as well as Sport Centres and for charitable organisations such as Parkinson Society and MS Society.
In 2014 he had major back surgery that did not go right, and subsequently could not WALK and working was nearly impossible. But his recovery was entirely due to diligent practise of qigong daily and now, 2 years later, he is able to ditch the rollators and wheelchairs for a single stick. The prognosis is not good, because it is likely that he now requires another operation due to loosening screws causing pain.
Welcome to Shibashi Qigong Set Three. I was introduced to this series by my Shiatsu instructor Chris Jarmey. It formed an important part of our energy warm up and fitness routine before treatment of clients.
Simple to learn and practise, you should make time everyday to run through the 18 moves, performing 6 or 12 of each move.
In this lecture we'll show you a very brief overview of the history and benefits of practising Shibashi.
More details on the qigong set and how it benefits people who practice regularly.
Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Set 3 (also known as the third set of the 18-movement Shibashi series) is an intermediate-level qigong practice developed from the original work of Chinese master Lin Hou Sheng. It builds on the foundational Sets 1 and 2, incorporating more physically demanding movements drawn from Yang-style Tai Chi, with a focus on deeper Qi flow, meridian opening, and transitioning toward Nei Gong (internal cultivation). Practitioners often describe it as balanced, energising, and beneficial for overall health, relaxation, and energy circulation.
Overview of Objectives and Health Benefits
STRETCH TO THE SKY
The Set Three opener, following the footsteps of the previous set openers, similarly stretches the body upwards. Heels can be raised to add benefit to the stomach meridian stretching.
EXPAND THE CHEST
This movement has excellent outcomes for frozen or stiff shoulders. A slight lean forward when opening the arms, making sure the hands are palms up. Don't go too wide with the hands.
SWING LEFT AND RIGHT
Movement Three is a coordination challenge and the set is only on number 3 of 18; the idea to be walking and moving the arms in a coherent manner may require some time to master. The dance influences show in this move, based on traditional Chinese performing.
BLOSSOMING LOTUS
Beware of this movement, it can be difficult for those with ailing legs and knees. However, if you practise it regularly, both will become better and the strength improve.
LOOKING AT THE SETTING SUN
The challenging part of this movement is the cross-legged stance combined with the leaning and turning of the body.
POINT TO THE NEEDLE (AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA)
Ensure you keep the weight back on the supporting - rear - leg, when pointing down towards the foot.
OPEN HEAVEN AND EARTH
Essentially a squat with bells on. Keep your back straight/upright when squatting, don't let the knees drop in.
THRUST FISTS WITH INNER POWER
A great movement to develop the coordination and focus. Also, really beneficial for the wrists.
WITH PRAYER LIKE PALMS, SWAY LEFT AND RIGHT
Ensure two things: 1) shift the weight from leg to leg 2) arms and hands relaxed.
SPREAD WINGS TO FLY
Set one and two both have very similar movements, ALTHOUGH this set now faces 10, 12, and 2 o'clock directions for performance purposes.
PART THE HORSE'S MANE
This movement brings in the concepts of moving sideways; 9 and 3 o'clock. The change of direction should be completed when you bring the rear leg up and face front again (12 o'clock)
PUSH PALMS
Similarities to Set Two "dragon push out claws" end with a much lower stance if you can manage it. It is okay to build up to it.
MASSAGE THE DANTIAN
This move should be done firmly with the palm heel pressing into the whole abdomen. Make sure you rotate an equal number in both directions.
GATHER IN GOOD QI, EXPEL BAD QI
Be aware of how far forward you lean and turn, so you do not topple over. Bring the weight forward when you turn.
OPEN AND CLEAR MERIDIANS
As with movement 6, be careful to keep the weight back and bend forward sufficiently to bring the hand down to the foot.
DIRECTING THE QI
This is a very Earth Element (STOMACH/SPLEEN) movement and bending forward is performed by weight shifting to the opposite leg.
FEEL HAPPINESS
This movement is a bit frivolous and I suspect has influences in (Chinese) dance, A light touch with the feet and a four beat rythmn will help you do the move better.
PUSH PALMS DOWN
The last move of the set, where the mind and energy is calmed.
Adaptations for the set when seated or in a wheelchair
The Set 3 moves are performed back to back without commentary.
Outtakes and some finer points that were probably missed back in 2014.
Learn about abdominal breathing, the fundamental task you need to focus on
The visual lecture for abdominal breathing.
The Wuji stance (also called Wu Chi or Wuji posture, pronounced "woo jee") is the foundational standing position in Tai Chi and Qigong, symbolising "ultimate nothingness" or a state of undifferentiated emptiness before the emergence of Yin and Yang—representing perfect balance, neutrality, and the origin of all movement.
To practice it, stand with feet parallel and shoulder-width apart (or slightly wider for comfort), weight evenly distributed between both feet, knees soft and slightly bent (never locked) to allow natural sinking and relaxation.
Tuck your tailbone gently under as if sitting lightly, relax the hips and pelvis, drop the shoulders while keeping the chest open, and imagine a string gently pulling the crown of your head upward to elongate the spine—chin slightly tucked, gaze soft and forward.
Arms hang naturally at your sides with palms facing inward or lightly touching the thighs, elbows slightly away from the body for space under the armpits. Breathe deeply and naturally into the lower abdomen, letting the mind settle into quiet awareness or meditation.
This seemingly simple posture aligns the body for optimal Qi flow, grounds energy, reduces tension, and calms the nervous system—making it an excellent starting or ending point for anxiety relief practices, often held for 5-20 minutes daily to build profound stillness and inner peace.
Listen to real people telling how Qigong has helped them.
Welcome to the Online Course: Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Set 3 – Intermediate Flow & Inner Strength
Course Introduction
Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Set 3 (also known as Shibashi III or the Third Set of 18 Movements) is the natural progression for practitioners who have already become comfortable with the gentle, foundational flows of Sets 1 and 2. Created by Professor Lin Hou Sheng in the lineage of Chinese medical qigong and Yang-style Tai Chi principles, Set 3 introduces a more dynamic, expressive, and physically engaging practice while preserving the core qigong goals of harmonising breath, movement, intention, and vital energy (Qi).
Where Set 1 opens the body softly, and Set 2 deepens grounding and leg meridian flow, Set 3 brings:
Deeper weight shifts, rotations, and squats
Classic Tai Chi-inspired postures (Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane, Needle at Sea Bottom, Pushing Palms, White Crane variations)
Stronger emphasis on spiral energy, intention-led Qi direction, and Nei Gong foundations (internal cultivation)
A complete journey from expansive heaven-earth connection → purification → strengthening → joyful integration and calm closure
The full sequence lasts approximately 18–22 minutes when performed at a moderate, flowing pace, making it an ideal daily practice for building resilience, vitality, and subtle internal awareness.
Main Aims of the Course
This course is designed to help you:
Master the correct sequence, transitions, and breathing coordination of all 18 movements in Shibashi Set 3.
Understand the specific physical, energetic, meridian, and emotional benefits of each movement (e.g., Triple Burner opening in Movement 1, Liver/Gallbladder support in Movement 6, Stomach/Intestine nourishment in Movement 13, meridian-wide purification in Movement 15).
Develop intention (yi) to guide Qi – a foundational Nei Gong skill that distinguishes Set 3 from the earlier, more external sets.
Cultivate the characteristic “calm happiness” that closes the practice, allowing deep integration of joy, grounding, and peace.
Learn safe seated and wheelchair adaptations so the full set remains accessible regardless of mobility, age, or physical limitations.
Build confidence to practice independently and eventually teach or share the set mindfully with others.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is ideal for:
Intermediate qigong / Tai Chi practitioners who have completed Shibashi Set 1 (and ideally Set 2) and are ready for a more challenging, dynamic progression.
People who already enjoy gentle qigong but want to build leg strength, deeper balance, spinal mobility, core power, and internal energy awareness.
Those recovering from or managing back/hip/shoulder stiffness, digestive issues, fatigue, stress-related tension, mild hypertension, or emotional heaviness – Set 3 offers targeted meridian and organ support while remaining low-impact when adapted.
Seniors, rehabilitation participants, or wheelchair users who appreciate seated adaptations and still want the deeper benefits of an authentic intermediate form (visualisation + breath + upper-body flow preserve most Qi circulation and emotional uplift).
Health-conscious adults seeking a 20-minute daily practice that combines graceful movement, breathwork, energy cultivation, and a joyful, meditative close.
Anyone drawn to the Nei Gong (internal alchemy) aspect of qigong – Set 3 is a beautiful bridge from external form to subtle internal work.
What You’ll Receive
High-quality video tutorials (mirrored for easy following), breaking down each movement slowly, then at a natural pace.
Detailed voice-over explanations of physical cues, breathing timing, common mistakes, and adaptations.
Clear graphics showing primary meridians/organs benefited by each movement.
Seated/wheelchair modification demos for every exercise.
Guided full-set flows (standing + seated versions).
Bonus: Closing standing meditation script and “calm happiness” integration practice.
Whether you’re stepping up from Set 1/2, seeking a richer daily qigong experience, or adapting the practice to your body’s current needs, Shibashi Set 3 offers a profound, joyful, and empowering path.
Let’s begin the journey together – breathe deeply, move mindfully, and feel the calm happiness that awaits at the close.