Qigong is an ancient practice that harmonizes movement, breath, and mindfulness to cultivate energy (Qi) and promote overall well-being. As interest in this powerful practice grows, many dedicated practitioners seek to take the next step—becoming a qigong instructor. But how do you transition from student to teacher?
The journey to becoming a qigong teacher has a huge payoff because there is no better way to develop your own understanding of energy, level of energy, and improvement in life than to raise it to a qigong instructor’s level. Yes, it requires dedication, self-practice, and structured learning through qigong teacher training. While traditional training often took place in person with a master, modern technology now makes high-quality instruction accessible to students worldwide. Whether you choose to learn in-person or through an online program, the key to becoming a skilled instructor lies in deepening your practice, understanding the principles of qigong, and learning how to effectively guide others.
In this essay I am including my own journey and ideas for becoming a qigong instructor with the hopes of expanding the number of people who practice qigong in the world. Not just you, but your future students! What I want to make clear is that you can start today. Here is what we will discuss and then at the end I will share my favorite resources for you get started. You just have to identify where you are in your learning and choose your area of interest.
What This Essay Includes:
How to Teach Qigong: 4 Steps to Becoming a Qigong Instructor
Becoming a qigong teacher is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, practice, and a deep understanding of this ancient energy cultivation system. Whether you want to share qigong for health, martial arts, or spiritual growth, the path to becoming an instructor follows four essential steps. By committing to your own practice, seeking quality instruction, choosing the right qigong teacher training program, and learning how to share your knowledge, you can successfully learn to teach qigong and help others benefit from this powerful practice.
1. Developing a Personal Qigong Practice
Before you can learn to teach qigong, you must first establish a strong personal practice. Consistency and self-discipline are key to understanding the foundational elements of qigong, including breathwork, postures, energy flow, and intention. Exploring different styles—such as Medical Qigong, Tai Chi Qigong, or Martial Qigong—will deepen your knowledge and help you determine which approach resonates most with your teaching goals. A strong personal practice forms the foundation for guiding others effectively.
2. Deepening Knowledge and Seeking Instruction
Studying with experienced teachers is an essential part of mastering qigong. Whether through in-person workshops, online courses, or qigong teacher training retreats, direct instruction helps refine technique and deepen understanding. In addition to movement practice, aspiring instructors should study Qigong philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and the energy meridian system. Self-reflection and mindfulness are also crucial for evolving as both a practitioner and teacher.
3. Choosing a Qigong Teacher Training Program
Enrolling in a qigong teacher training program provides structure, guidance, and certification options. Programs vary in focus—some emphasize medical applications, others martial or spiritual aspects—so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your goals. Key factors to consider include curriculum quality, instructor credibility, and whether certification is necessary for your teaching aspirations. A well-structured program helps build confidence and provides the tools needed to teach effectively. You will see all of my suggestions at the end.
Qigong Teacher Training In-Person vs Qigong Teacher Training Online
When considering qigong teacher training, one of the biggest decisions is whether to pursue an in-person qigong teacher training retreat or an online qigong teacher training program. Both methods offer valuable learning experiences, but the right choice depends on accessibility, personal learning style, and long-term goals.
The Benefits of In-Person Qigong Teacher Training
For those who have access to high-quality in-person qigong teacher training, it is an invaluable opportunity. Training in person allows direct interaction with instructors, real-time feedback on posture and technique, and the ability to feel the subtle energy (Qi) of a group practice. Many qigong teacher training retreats take place in serene natural environments, where students can fully immerse themselves in the practice without distractions.
Another advantage of in-person training is the opportunity to build connections with a qigong community. Practicing alongside others can deepen one’s understanding, foster motivation, and create lifelong relationships with fellow practitioners and teachers.
However, the downside of in-person training is accessibility. Many aspiring instructors do not live near a qualified qigong teacher certification program. Travel costs, time commitments, and scheduling conflicts can also be barriers to attending an in-person retreat.
The Benefits of Online Qigong Teacher Training
For most people, an online qigong teacher training program is the most practical way to study. Online training allows access to high-level instruction regardless of location. Many qigong teacher certification online programs offer recorded lessons, live virtual classes, and interactive forums where students can receive guidance from experienced teachers.
The flexibility of qigong teacher training online is a major advantage. Students can progress at their own pace, revisit lessons, and integrate their training into daily life. Additionally, online programs often include written materials, video demonstrations, and even one-on-one coaching sessions to ensure proper form and technique.
The main challenge with online training is the lack of immediate physical feedback. Without a teacher physically present to adjust posture or energy flow, students must rely on self-awareness and video analysis. However, many reputable online programs provide options for personalized feedback through video submissions or live classes, helping to bridge this gap.
Do You Need a Qigong Teacher Certification?
A common question among aspiring instructors is whether they need an official qigong teacher certification to teach. The truth is, certification is not required to share qigong with others. Unlike regulated professions, qigong instruction is more about personal mastery and teaching experience than formal credentials.
That being said, obtaining a qigong teacher certification online or through an in-person program can be beneficial. A certification may boost confidence, provide structured training, and help students feel more credible when starting to teach. However, it’s important to recognize that most certifications simply align practitioners with a specific qigong system or instructor’s lineage.
Ultimately, as a qigong teacher, you will likely practice and teach a variety of qigong forms beyond any single certification. True mastery comes from consistent practice, ongoing learning, and experience guiding others. Whether you choose an in-person qigong teacher training retreat or an online qigong teacher training program, the key is to find a path that best supports your journey as both a student and teacher of qigong. If you really want to take your qigong to the highest level, read: 4 Compelling Reasons to Receive or Study Medical Qigong
4. Establishing Yourself as a Qigong Instructor
Once you complete your training, the next step is sharing your knowledge. Creating a practice space—whether in-person, online, or a combination of both—allows you to connect with students and develop your teaching style. Marketing strategies such as social media, workshops, and collaborations with wellness communities can help grow your presence. One way I have been able to successfully market qigong classes is to explain how they are different from other activities. Continuing education through advanced courses and personal practice ensures that you evolve as a teacher and stay inspired in your journey.
By following these four steps, you can confidently transition from practitioner to instructor and develop the skills necessary to teach qigong in a way that benefits both yourself and your students. We all can benefit from having more qigong instructors and practitioners in the world. If you are having doubts, check out this article I wrote: How to Get Rid of Limiting Beliefs Using Qi Gong
Courses to Help You Become a Qigong Instructor
To become a qigong instructor, ultimately you need some guidance and need to learn a bit but you don’t have to do it all at once or wait until you hit a certain point to teach. You can begin with an informal group where you all learn together. Then you can move on to teaching a set that you have made progress with. What is important is that correctly share where you are in your journey and don’t falsely advertise your abilities.
Teach people who are not as far down the road as you. Learn from people who are further down the road. It’s never something a person fully accomplishes.
Here is the process with resources in three basic steps:
- A person learns qigong to build and sense energy so they know how to explain the experience to others. A person also becomes extremely knowledgeable about the subject.
- Then a person learns how to teach in the specific manner needed for people to be successful at qigong. Basically, you learn a portion well, add to it to build energy, add another segment increasing the energy further… You don’t just learn a whole set in a weekend typically and have to practice for quite a while before your energy level is at its highest.
- Finally, you learn different types of qigong because qigong is like a prescription. Different sets are for different uses. There are general sets that everyone can learn, and then there are specific sets for the heart, fibromyalgia, bad knees, etc.
The fist course below (Good Morning Good Evening) fills three needs because a new instructor can build her own energy, learn a general set that anyone can benefit from, and see what expert teaching that is broken into sections looks like. I think that is by far the best qigong teacher training. Then, the courses by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming are a fantastic series to learn qigong at a high level. Lastly, I have included some specific courses but an instructor really needs to search on his own based on his clients’ needs or his own interests.
Improve and increase your own energy, learn a generalized set, see what good teaching looks like
Increase your knowledge on qi gong
You can certainly find qigong instruction that will result in you earning a certificate. However, typically it just gives you pseudo-credentials to teach in a specific style. I have been teaching qigong for years and I have never had anyone ask about my lineage or want to see a certificate. They want to know that I can demonstrate knowledge or abilities and can teach them how to have the same experience. Then they tell their friends and I keep on teaching new people.
Gathering your own knowledge and information is crucial. Luckily Master Yang Jwing-Ming has put together a series of thought-out courses that lay the foundation for anyone teaching qi gong.
- Qigong Energy Regulation Master Yang, Jwing-Ming: Live YMAA
- Understanding Qigong 1: What is Qi Energy & Qigong? Dr Yang
- Understanding Qigong 2: Qigong Breathing Keypoints w Dr Yang
- Understand Qigong 3: Embryonic Breath Meditation w Dr Yang
- Understanding Qigong 4: Four Seasons Qigong with Dr. Yang
Specialize in your own needs or the interests of your students
Here are three examples of common pursuits but there are hundreds of different qigong sets.
- Qigong for Better Sleep
- Qigong for Health: Spine and Back w Master Yang, Jwing-Ming
- Qigong for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
If you have a specific interest, have a look at this online library to help narrow your search for a specific topic: