Qi translates as ‘energy’ or ‘breath’. It is what the Japanese call Ki (like in AiKiDo) and Hindus call Prana. Qi Gong means “working with the qi.” It is the ancient Chinese practice of becoming aware of this life energy and learning how to control its flow.

Tai chi has many myths about its origins. One of those myths says that one day the Taoist monk Chang San-feng was disturbed by the sounds of a snake and a crane fighting in his courtyard.