Shi Ba Shi

Shi Ba Shi (Shibashi), or 18 Movements, is a Qi Gong (Qigong) created in 1979 by the renowned Professor Lin Housheng, former director of the Shanghai Qigong Research Institute (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine). There are 8 sets altogether, however the 1st and 2nd sets of 18 movements are most commonly practised. This Qigong combines the strength of Taiji (Tai Chi) movements with the healing effect of Qigong and Meditation. It places emphasis on synchronizing the movements with proper breathing techniques to from a gentle, flowing Qi Gong exercise routine which 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 aim of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. This Qigong is very effective and is quite easy to learn.
Each movement can be repeated 3, 4, 6 or 8 times:

Set 1


Set 1 Diagram courtesy of www.everyday-taichi.com
Start in the Wuji position
  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 in the Wuji position
  1. Regulating the Qi
  2. Moving the Qi along the Microcosmic Orbit
  3. Wind Blowing in the Willows
  4. Searching for Needles in the Sea
  5. Fisherman Casting Net
  6. Immortal Pointing the Way
  7. Mischievous Boy Kicking his Legs
  8. Holy Crane Worshiping the Moon
  9. Yellow Dragon Pushing Out with Claws
  10. Pulling the Bow to Shoot the Eagle
  11. Twin Dragons Emerging from the Sea
  12. Crossing the Wild Blue Ocean
  13. Lion Playing with Ball
  14. Embracing the Moon at Dan Tian
  15. Phoenix Spreading it's Wings
  16. Striking Opponents Ears
  17. Circling the Qi around the Dan Tian
  18. Collecting the Qi
Finish in the Wuji position 		Alternate order
Start in the Wuji position
  1. Regulating the Qi
  2. Moving the Qi along the Microcosmic Orbit
  3. Yellow Dragon Pushing Out with Claws
  4. Fisherman Casting his Net
  5. Mischievous Boy Kicking his Legs
  6. Searching for Needles in the Sea
  7. Embracing the Moon at the Dan Tian
  8. Phoenix Spreading it's Wings
  9. Holy Crane Worshiping the Moon
  10. Immortal Pointing the Way
  11. Pulling the Bow to Shoot the Eagle
  12. Striking Opponents Ears
  13. Crossing the Wild Blue Ocean
  14. Lion Playing with Ball
  15. Wind Blowing in the Willows
  16. Twin Dragons Emerging from the Sea
  17. Circling the Qi around the Dan Tian
  18. Collecting the Qi
Finish in the Wuji position


Set 3


Start in the Wuji position
  1. Connect Heaven and Earth
  2. Expand the chest
  3. Opening the Secret Gate
  4. Blossoming Lotus bows to the Earth
  5. Looking at the setting sun
  6. Point the needle at the bottom of the sea
  7. Open heaven and earth
  8. Thrust the fist with inner power
  9. With prayer-like palms, sway hips left and right
  10. Spread wings to fly
  11. Part the wild horse’s mane
  12. Push palms forward
  13. Gather in good energy and eliminate bad energy
  14. Open and clear the meridians.
  15. Direct qi-energy
  16. Being happy helps you sleep
  17. Massage the Dantian
  18. Balance the Qi - Push down palms
Finish in the Wuji position

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 - TaiChiOz - Alternate Version
Movevements are practiced in a different order - see list above

Other 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: Shibashi Set 1



Master Wing Cheung performing Tai Chi Qi Gong Shibashi Set 1



Master Wing Cheung performing Tai Chi Qi Gong Shibashi Set 3



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