Tai Chi vs. Qigong: What’s the Real Difference?
A guide to understanding these two ancient Chinese movement practices
I often get asked if Qigong and Tai Chi are the same thing. It’s a common misunderstanding, and some people hold on to fixed ideas about the two — often placing them in a hierarchy or confusing their origins. I’m not surprised that people collate the two: they can look strikingly similar, both involve slow, flowing movements and a meditative quality and both originate in China. But while they share some common ground, Tai Chi and Qigong are quite distinct in their roots and purposes.
Let’s start with a bit of wordplay: the “chi” in Tai Chi and the “qi” in Qigong aren’t the same word at all — though they sound similar to the Western ear. In Tai Chi, the “chi” is actually ji (極), meaning “ultimate” or “great polarity,” as in Taiji — the concept behind yin and yang. In Qigong, qi (氣) refers to life force or vital energy. So even the names point to different ideas.
Tai Chi: A Martial Art with Depth
Tai Chi is short for Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan, which literally means “Supreme Ultimate Fist.” It’s one of the three major internal martial arts of China, and yes, it has real martial applications: joint locks, throws, and strikes though they’re often hidden beneath graceful, subtle movements. The “Chuan” or “fist” tells us this is a fighting art, even if that’s not how most people encounter it today. The other two martial arts are: Xing Yi Quan (Xingyiquan) and Bagua Zhang (Baguazhang).
Over time, Tai Chi has evolved and Tai Chi’s fighting techniques have developed into a health practice with softer edges while preserving its internal power. This health-focused approach is what many people recognize as Tai Chi today: a slow, flowing practice that nourishes the body, calms the mind, and cultivates internal energy.
But at its heart, Tai Chi remains a martial art. It trains practitioners to meet an opponent, physically or energetically, with sensitivity and skill. As Gene Ching puts it, “In a martial art, the adversary is an assailant. In Qigong, the adversary is qi stagnation.”
Qigong: A Practice for Health and Vitality
Qigong is a broader umbrella. The word combines qi (life energy) and gong (cultivation or skill). It refers to a vast range of practices — from medical and spiritual Qigong to martial forms like hard Qigong, where practitioners condition their bodies to withstand extreme force.
In modern times, Qigong is primarily practiced for health and wellbeing. It supports the body's natural healing processes, increases vitality, and helps restore a sense of balance. As teacher Mimi Kuo-Deemer notes, Qigong is “primarily being practiced as a medical practice that supports people’s wellbeing.”
Qigong can be simple, subtle, and deeply restorative — often involving standing postures, gentle movements, breathwork, and meditative awareness. It’s accessible to people of all ages and physical conditions, making it a lifelong companion for wellness.
The Overlap — and the Distinction
Tai Chi includes Qigong. But Qigong is not always Tai Chi. The two meet in their shared emphasis on internal energy, slow movement, and breath — but they part ways when it comes to intent. Tai Chi, ultimately, is a martial art with Qigong inside it. Qigong, by contrast, is usually not martial at all.
Both are beautiful, powerful practices in their own right. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet energy of Qigong or the deeper layers of Tai Chi, what matters most is how these practices make you feel: more balanced, more present, and more connected to your own wellbeing.
Exploring the Internal Arts Further
While I continue to deepen my Qigong practice and teaching, I’ve recently begun training in two other internal martial arts: Bagua Zhang and Xingyiquan. Like Tai Chi, these arts emphasise internal energy, intention, and fluid movement, but each has its own distinctive flavour. Bagua Zhang is known for its spiralling, circular footwork and dynamic turning, while Xingyiquan expresses internal power through direct, linear movements. Both offer new ways to explore the body, energy, and mind — and I’m excited to see how they inform and enrich my Qigong practice.
Curious to try Qigong?
I offer inclusive and supportive Qigong classes in Bournemouth, open to all levels. Find out more on My Classes page.
With heartfelt thanks to Mimi Kuo-Deemer — my main teacher — for her generous and grounded guidance in Qigong practice and for teaching me the foundations of Xingyiquan and Baguazhang.
