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 exercise routine which is also deeply relaxing.
Tai Chi Qigong 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:
Listed below are the traditional order of movements, and modified versions developed by Taichioz specifically for senior classes.
Set 1
Start in the Wuji position
Raise the arms
Open the chest
Paint a rainbow
Part the clouds
Rolling arms
Row the boat
Lift the ball
Look at the moon
Twist waist and push with palm
Cloud hands
Scoop the sea and look at the sky
Push the waves
Flying dove spreads its wings
Punching
Flying goose
Turn the wheels
Stepping to bounce the ball
Balance the Qi
Finish in the Wuji position
Shibashi Set 1 Diagram courtesy of www.everyday-taichi.com
Set 2
Traditional order
Start in the 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 a 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
Modified version
Start in the 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 a 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
Set 3
Traditional order
Start in the Wuji position
Connect Heaven and Earth
Expand the chest
Opening the Secret Gate
Open heaven and earth
Looking at the setting sun
Point the needle at the bottom of the sea
Blossoming Lotus bows to the Earth
Thrust the fist with inner power
With prayer-like palms, sway hips left and right
Spread wings to fly
Part the wild horse's mane
Push palms forward
Gather in good energy and eliminate bad energy
Open and clear the meridians.
Direct qi-energy
Being happy helps you sleep
Massage the Dantian
Balance the Qi - Push down palms
Finish in the Wuji position
Modified version
Start in the Wuji position
Connect Heaven and Earth
Expand the chest
Push palms forward
Ying and Yang fists
Thrust the fist with inner power
Rotate the ball
Open heaven and earth
Blossoming Lotus bows to the Earth
Spread wings to fly
Direct qi-energy
Part the wild horse's mane
Grasp the bird's tail L & R
With prayer-like palms, sway hips left and right
Point the needle at the bottom of the sea
Gather in good energy and eliminate bad energy
Opening the secret gate
Massage the Dantian
Balance the Qi - Push down palms
Finish in the Wuji position
Taichioz Videos
The following videos have text and audio prompts, and are in mirror image.
ShiBashi Set 1 - TaiChiOz
ShiBashi Set 2 - TaiChiOz
ShiBashi Set 2 - TaiChiOz - Modified 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.