The Health Qigong Duan Wei System – Why and How?

Many people question the need for an International Duan Wei (Grading) System for Health Qigong. “Isn’t Health Qigong about the physical and mental health of its practitioners?” they ask. The Chinese Health Qigong Association would most definitely agree that the whole focus of Health Qigong is on wellness, but who is teaching it and are they suitably trained to teach to an internationally recognised standard?

The Chinese Health Qigong Association (CHQA) was initiated with the support and endorsement of the Chinese Government to research, develop, popularize and support Qigong Practice around the world. The Association was given the task of engaging in extensive research into the history and best practice of Qigong, as well as high level scientific research into its health benefits. In 2003, after years of research, the CHQA released the Health Qigong routines; Ba Duan Jin, Yi Jin Jing, Wu Qin Xi and Lui Zi Jue, designed to fit the needs of the modern world. Not long after this the China State Sports Administration and Sports for All Federation of China recognised Health Qigong as one of the Traditional Sports Events. In 2008 the 1st Health Qigong Tournament was held and by 2011 there were 25 countries competing in international events that promote cultural exchange and encourage the practice of Qigong for health, fitness and personal growth.

It was at this time that the International Health Qigong Federation (IHQF) was formed, as a bridge between the CHQA and the rest of the world. The IHQF is a non-profit international organization composed of national and regional organizations from around the globe with a charter “to unite National Health Qigong Associations, promote and develop the exchange and cooperation between members, and to promote and improve the physical and mental health of the people of the world." The headquarters of the IHQF are in Beijing, China where its main responsibilities are to organize international competitions and activities related to Health Qigong, to develop the international technical standards of Health Qigong, to formulate the training plan and management of Health Qigong athletes, coaches and referees.

The CHQA and the IHQF have worked closely to provide all the resources required for global dissemination of Health Qigong to the highest standards, ensuring students are being taught by instructors with a sound knowledge base. The CHQA are currently finalising a range of Instructor Courses in Health Qigong that will range from short-course to a year in duration and will be classified as Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Degrees. The courses will cover physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese Philosophy, teaching and study skills, and of course, practical skills.

As an adjunct to the Health Qigong Degree programs, it is hoped that instructors and practitioners will actively participate in Duan Examination gradings to benchmark their experience and skills: an easy reference point for potential students to check the credentials of their instructors. The Duan gradings are structured as follows:

Duan Wei 1
A high level of technical skill in one Health Qigong Routine.

Duan Wei 2
A high level of technical skill in two Health Qigong Routines.

Duan Wei 3
A high level of technical skill in three Health Qigong Routines.

Duan Wei 4
A high level of technical skill in 4 Health Qigong Routines; a base level theoretical knowledge of Health Qigong; and a teaching record in Health Qigong.

Duan Wei 5
A high level of technical skill in 4 Health Qigong Routines; an intermediate level theoretical knowledge of Health Qigong; and a teaching record in Health Qigong.

Duan Wei 6
A high level of technical skill in 4 Health Qigong Routines; an intermediate level theoretical knowledge of Health Qigong; a teaching record in Health Qigong; and evidence of having made contributions to the dissemination of Qigong through theses, books, judging, management of Associations etc.

Duan Wei 7 to 9
A extremely high level of technical skill in Health Qigong Routines; an academic level of theoretical knowledge; an advanced teaching record in Health Qigong; and evidence of having made contributions to the research, development and dissemination of Qigong in China and internationally.

JinLi Wushu-Tai Chi is very proud to have 4 members of the team who have recently obtained their 3rd Duan in Health Qigong. Each of them is keen to continue their training and development in this “jewel in the cultural crown of China”, hoping to bring health, fitness and a positive state of mind to anyone they have the opportunity to teach.