Shi Ba Shi

Shi Ba Shi (Shibashi) is a Qi Gong created in 1979 by the renowned Professor Lin Housheng, former director of the Shanghai Qigong Research Institute (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine). The 1st and 2nd sets are most commonly practised, however there are 8 sets altogether. Taiji Qigong Shibashi combines the beauty of Taiji (Tai Chi) movements with the healing effect of Qigong and Meditation. It places emphasis on synchronizing the 18 movements with proper breathing techniques. It is a gentle, flowing Qi Gong exercise routine that is also deeply relaxing.

Tai Chi Qi Gong Shibashi is designed to improve the internal and external health and well-being of the practitioner. The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. The body and arm movements aid in improving posture and balance. The overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. This Qigong is very effective and easy to learn.
Each movement is preformed 3, 4, 6 or 8 times:

Set 1

Start in the Wuji position

Set 1. Diagram courtesy of www.everyday-taichi.com

1. Raise the arms
2. Open the chest
3. Paint a rainbow
4. Part the clouds
5. Rolling arms
6. Row the boat
7. Lift the ball
8. Look at the moon
9. Twist waist and push with palm
10. Cloud hands
11. Scoop the sea and look at the sky
12. Push the waves
13. Flying dove spreads its wings
14. Punching
15. Flying goose
16. Turn the wheels
17. Stepping to bounce the ball
18. Balance the Qi

Finish in the Wuji position

Set 2

Traditional order Start with feet at shoulder width apart (Wuji position) Regulating the Qi Moving the Qi along the Microcosmic Orbit Wind Blowing in the Willows Searching for Needles in the Sea Fisherman Casting Net Immortal Pointing the Way Mischievous Boy Kicking his Legs Holy Crane Worshiping the Moon Yellow Dragon Pushing Out with Claws Pulling the Bow to Shoot the Eagle Twin Dragons Emerging from the Sea Crossing the Wild Blue Ocean Lion Playing with Ball Embracing the Moon at Dan Tian Phoenix Spreading it's Wings Striking Opponents Ears Circling the Qi around the Dan Tian Collecting the Qi Finish in the Wuji position

Alternate order Start with feet at shoulder width apart (Wuji position) Regulating the Qi Moving the Qi along the Microcosmic Orbit Yellow Dragon Pushing Out with Claws Fisherman Casting his Net Mischievous Boy Kicking his Legs Searching for Needles in the Sea Embracing the Moon at the Dan Tian Phoenix Spreading it's Wings Holy Crane Worshiping the Moon Immortal Pointing the Way Pulling the Bow to Shoot the Eagle Striking Opponents Ears Crossing the Wild Blue Ocean Lion Playing with Ball Wind Blowing in the Willows Twin Dragons Emerging from the Sea Circling the Qi around the Dan Tian Collecting the Qi Finish in the Wuji position

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Set 1 & 2 Videos

The following two videos have text and audio prompts, and are in mirror image.

ShiBashi Set 1 - TaiChiOz


ShiBashi Set 2 - TaiChiOz


ShiBashi Set 2 Alternate Version (NEW) - TaiChiOz

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Other Set 1 Videos

The version below from Perth Taichi Academy has an excellent commentary.
It features 6 repetitions of each movement and movements 11, 12 & 13 are done to both sides.


Perth Taichi Academy: 18 Taiji Qigong



Master Wing Cheung performing Tai Chi Qi Gong Shibashi