Breath and Meditation · 3 October 2026
The Difference Between Qigong and Tai Chi
Qigong and tai chi are two practices of Chinese origin that join slow movement with breath and attention. The basic difference is this: tai chi is known as a martial art and is learned as one long form with a set order, while qigong is a shared name for practices that usually consist of short, repeated movements and postures. This post compares the two in terms of form only; it does not assess anything related to health.
Are qigong and tai chi the same thing?
No, but they are related. Both are done standing, with slow and flowing movements, so from the outside they look alike. Some sources count tai chi among moving qigong practices in a broad sense; in everyday use the two have separate names and are taught in separate classes.
Where do qigong and tai chi come from?
Both rest on old Chinese traditions of body and breath work. Tai chi, in full tai chi chuan (taijiquan), is known as a martial art. Today it is known in many places as slow form practice.
Qigong is not the name of one school. It is a shared name for many different sets that bring together breath, posture, movement and attention. The meaning of the word and its spellings are a separate subject; here we look only at the comparison.
How do the form and pace of the movements differ?
- Structure: in tai chi the movements are linked in a set order and make up one whole form. In qigong a single movement or a short series is usually repeated several times.
- Moving through space: a tai chi form involves steps, changes of direction and use of the floor. Many qigong practices are done on the spot, standing or seated.
- Pace: both are slow. Tai chi moves in one unbroken flow; in qigong there can be pauses between movements, and a posture can be held for a while.
- Learning: learning a whole tai chi form takes time and regular classes. Qigong sets are generally shorter and can be learned piece by piece.
- Partner work: tai chi also includes partner practices that reflect its martial origin. Qigong is mostly done on your own.
What does a tai chi class look like?
A tai chi class generally opens with warm-up movements. The teacher then shows one section of the form and the group repeats that section together. A few movements are added to the form in each class, and the whole form is completed over time. At the end of the class the part learned so far is done once more from the beginning.
What does a qigong class look like?
A qigong class generally begins standing, with the feet resting comfortably on the floor. The teacher shows a movement, participants repeat it several times together with the breath, and the class moves on to the next movement. A class often ends with a short, quiet closing done standing or seated.
In both, comfortable clothing is all that is needed; no special equipment is required.
Tai chi or qigong: who might choose which?
The choice is not about one being superior to the other. It is about what you would like to learn.
- Learning a long form step by step, with an interest in the martial art tradition: tai chi.
- Working with short, repeated movements and having a set you can continue on your own at home: qigong.
- For those who want a regular group class, both practices are taught in classes.
Neither practice is a treatment. If you have a health concern, a treatment in progress or any limitation related to movement, you need to consult your doctor before you start. What you experience differs from person to person.
Which one does Merve Tüfekçi work with?
Merve Tüfekçi works with Chikung (qigong) within her one to one Tao session, which brings together Universal Tao, Inner Smile and Chikung.
In the Chikung part of that session, slow, repeated movements are joined with breath and attention. The movements are shown step by step and done together; if you wish, you can repeat them on your own at home. The session is held at Şifa Köyü in Şile or online, in Turkish or in English. First contact is through our team.
In short, tai chi is one long form with a set order, and qigong is a shared name for short, repeated practices. The way to see which one feels closer to you is to practise it yourself in a class or a session.
This post is for general information only; it is not medical or legal advice.
Universal Tao, Inner Smile and Chikung session page →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between qigong and tai chi?
Tai chi is known as a martial art and is learned as a long form in which the movements are linked in a set order. Qigong is a shared name for practices that usually consist of short, repeated movements and postures.
Is tai chi a kind of qigong?
Some sources count tai chi among moving qigong practices in a broad sense. In everyday use the two have separate names and are taught in separate classes.
Which one takes less time to learn?
It depends on the set chosen and on the person. In general qigong sets are shorter and are learned piece by piece, while learning a whole tai chi form takes regular classes.
Which one does Merve Tüfekçi work with?
Merve Tüfekçi works with Chikung (qigong) within her one to one Tao session, which can be held face to face or online.
Is qigong or tai chi a treatment?
No. Both are practices that work with the body, the breath and attention together; they are not medical treatment. If you have a health concern, you need to consult your doctor.
