What is Lohan Qigong (Chi-Gong) 羅漢氣功?

In order to answer this question, we first start by understanding the term “Lohan” 羅漢. Lohan (or Arhat in Buddhism) is a term given to a person who has achieved or attained enlightenment. This has its origins passed down from the Shaolin Monk Choy Fook, who taught Chan Heung 陳享, the Founder of the Choy Lee Fut System 蔡李佛, in which the Lohan Qigong System is a part of.

Next, we must understand the term “Qi” 氣. Qi is the “essential” substance that makes up everything in the world and is the “vital” substance that makes up the human body and maintains life.

One way to understand this is through TCM Theory (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Qi is the breath (air), that circulates through breathing. Breathing improves the function of the “Lung” (respiratory system), as well as the function of the “Heart” (cardiovascular system).

Lastly, we have “Gong” 功. This is movement through exercise, which strengthens the Joints, Ligaments, Tendons and Muscles (musculoskeletal system), as well as strengthening the Spine and the left and right sides of the body (neurological signals).

Learning to Breathe and Move together helps promote Qi and blood flow around the body through the organs and Meridian Channels.

What is in the Lohan Qigong System?

The Lohan Qigong System consists of –

Different “Breathing Systems” which are the foundation to all exercises and meditation.
Traditional “Warm Up” exercises and stretches to promote balance, coordination and blood flow around the body.
Therapeutic “Self Massage” techniques to relax, ease and release tension from the body via Acupoints, or around Joints and Limbs.
The practice of various types of basic “Walks” to combine the breath and movement focusing on balance and stability and different aspects of TCM Theory – San Jiao 三膲, Dan Tien 丹田, Yin Yang 阴阳.
“Long and Short Pole” Exercises to stretch and strengthen the musculoskeletal system, and to soothe and regulate the Zang Fu Organs 脏腑, Joint Massage and Meditation.
The practice of different “Meditation” methods comprised of the different Breathing Systems with different Meditation Styles to achieve inner quietness, mindfulness and focus.
Traditional “Forms” (or Sets) which embody different movements, postures, breathing methods and specific intentions to deliver a different physical and mental effect for the practitioner, all to tonify and balance their “Jing Qi Shen” 精氣神 (Essence, Energy, Mind).
The 5 main Lohan Qigong Forms include,
18 Lohan 十八羅漢
Siu Lohan 小羅漢
Dai Lohan 大羅漢
Ng Wan Luk Hei 五運六氣
Tai Chi 太極拳

Sifu Paul Nomchong

Sifu Paul Nomchong is an Inner Chamber Disciple of Grandmaster Chen Yong Fa 陳永發, the 5th Generation Jeung Mun Yan (Keeper of the Style) and Direct Descendant of Chan Heung 陳享, the Founder of the Choy Lee Fut System 蔡李佛. Within this comprehensive Chinese martial arts system is the Lohan Qigong System, this particular Qigong System was kept from the outside world for 4 generations and only taught to the family, until Grandmaster Chan Yong Fa opened it to the world. The Lohan Qigong System is deeply rooted with the Traditional Chinese Medical Theories and Buddhist Teachings from the Shaolin Temple, as well as Daoist (Taoist) Philosophy.