Bob Hong was first introduced to Tai Chi Chuan on a trip to China in 1978. Fascinated with its slow circular and rhythmic movements, he sought out instructors in the art upon his return to the United States.

In 1979 he found Master Tsui Wei teaching Tai Chi and Qi-Gong in Palo Alto, CA. Bob studied with him in Palo Alto and later in Oakland until he and his wife moved back to Stockton in 1983. Bob co-founded the Tai Chi group at the Confucius Church together with Dr. Ray Tom, with Master Ly Bing as the instructor. Bob studied with him for several years, and later on also studied with Dr. Sau Wa Chan, who taught both Tai Chi and Qi-Gong.

Qi-Gong is hugely popular in China today. It is estimated there are over 2 million practitioners, young and old, who crowd into the parks in the morning to practice together. Bob knows the benefits of this ancient art, and wants to introduce the practice to the community.

What is Qi-Gong? It has a 2,000 year history. In 1973 a tomb from the Han Dynasty (206 B. C. – 220 A.D.) was excavated and a chart of Qi-Gong exercises was discovered. Some of these Qi-Gong movements are similar to Tai Chi Chuan movements. It consists of meditation, breathing and guided movements from a sitting or standing position.

The practice of Qi-Gong by using certain techniques in all three areas – visualization, breathing and body movements – helps to strengthen the flow of energy within the body. Practiced regularly, it can keep one in good health and foster a sense of well being. It also provides a firm foundation for the practice of Tai Chi. There are more than 100 kinds of Qi-Gong.

The set we are learning is called "Look Tung Kuen" (aka Liu Tong Exercise) popularized in Hong Kong. It consists of 36 movements, and takes 25 minutes to complete. In addition, we will learn a series of Qi-Gong movements developed by a Taoist master in the Guangdong Province in China.

PCMC is currently offering several Breathing and Liu Tong exercise classes. Teresa Chen, who teaches on Tuesdays and Thursdays studied with Bob Hong.

Click here to visit Bob Hong's Qi-Gong class page