Qigong is best learned in person from a qualified teacher. But for the majority of people — whether due to location, cost, time, or family commitments — learning online is the most realistic and practical option. Done well, it works. The key is knowing what to look for.
Can You Really Learn Qigong Online?
Yes — with an important caveat. There is a meaningful difference between practicing qigong exercises as form (the physical movements) and practicing them as qigong (with genuine energy flow and a Qigong State of Mind). The form is not the art. A good online course will teach you both — not just the movements, but the skills needed to make them work.
A useful way to think about your options:
- Good: Learning from a well-written qigong book
- Better: Learning from a good online qigong course
- Best: Learning directly from a qualified qigong teacher
If in-person learning isn’t available to you right now, a good online course is a genuine and worthwhile path.
What Makes a Good Online Qigong Course
Not all courses are equal. Before committing time and money, five things are worth checking:
1. The instructor’s credentials
How long have they been teaching qigong specifically? Be cautious of instructors claiming expertise across many different disciplines — genuine qigong skill takes years of focused practice to develop.
2. Video instruction
A course without video is no better than a book — and a book is more portable. Video instruction is essential for learning movement and energy practice correctly.
3. A systematic structure
Good qigong instruction is comprehensive, pitched at the right level, systematic in its progression, and genuinely beneficial — not just a collection of loosely related videos. Each lesson should build on the one before it.
4. Independent feedback
Look beyond testimonials on the course page itself. Search the instructor’s name and course name independently to find honest feedback from past students.
5. A money-back guarantee
Any instructor confident in their material should offer one. A 30-day guarantee is a reasonable minimum.
For a deeper look at each of these criteria, see the full guide: How to Choose an Online Qigong Course.
Why Shaolin Qigong Specifically
There are hundreds of qigong styles. The exercises taught at Qigong15 come from the Shaolin tradition — specifically the 18 Lohan Hands, one of the most comprehensive and well-documented qigong sets available. These exercises cover the full range of health benefits qigong offers: physical vitality, emotional balance, mental clarity, and — at advanced levels — spiritual development.
What makes this tradition particularly suited to online learning is its structure. Each exercise is discrete, clearly defined, and builds logically on the one before it — making systematic home study genuinely practical.
How to Get Started
The Qigong Secrets Home Study Course covers Shaolin qigong from foundations through to advanced practice — with over 8 hours of video instruction, detailed written guidance, and the tools needed to practice correctly, not just physically. A free preview is available so you can evaluate the course before committing.