David Marshall holds the rank of Chief Instructor in Taiji received in 2012 (formally known as "Long Zhan") and was a longtime student of the late Grandmaster Jeffrey J. Guiffre (Florida) and the Yin Cheng family ( Yin Cheng Xing Jian Zong Hui) of Beijing (the late legendary Grand Master Wang Peisheng head of the Northern Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan school) David spent thirteen years training privately and weekly open classes with GM Guiffre to achieve authorization to teach and with Master Wang Naixiang in Beijing ( son of Wang Peisheng) in 2005 to achieve this rank.
David holds the rank of Qigong Master as certified by the incomparable Korean Monk Cheong Wol (In Sung Choi) in 2017 and world renowned Acupuncture and energy Master Jong Koo Kim of Seoul. David trained from 2011 to 2017 to achieve this certification.
David also trained full time in 2012 with Master Tang Li Long ( one of the original Wudang five dragons) of the Xuan Wu Pai at The Wudang Gong Fu Academy for seven months in Wudangshan Hubei Province ( The birthplace of Taoism and the Internal martial arts)
And in 2019 I trained full time for one month with Sifu Mark Rasmus in the Karen Village Chang Mai Thailand in high instructor level Elastic force qigong and Hermetics expanding his knowledge of mind and body practices.
Teaching and what to expect in classes.
My teaching style focuses on clear, precise explanations of internal principles while maintaining a light, humorous atmosphere that keeps practice enjoyable and relaxed. Neigong is presented step by step, linking breath, intention and structure so that subtle changes become easy to feel and repeat. Loosening exercises are used to safely release tension, improve joint mobility and prepare the body for deeper internal work.
Dynamic qigong is taught as a bridge between stillness and movement, helping to coordinate whole-body power, rhythm and awareness. The 13 posters of Yin Cheng Taiji are introduced as practical reference points, showing how alignment, relaxation and intent come together in every posture. The overall approach balances tradition with clarity, encouraging steady progress, curiosity and a calm, open mind.
Qigong: What You Need To Know
Although the term "Qigong" came into general usage as recently as the middle of the 20th Century, the origin of the practices (e.g. nei-gong, nei-dan, yang-sheng, shamanism, and dao-yin) that now constitute Qigong predate recorded history. These methods formed the early roots of Chinese medicine and are still considered an integral part of modern Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine. Qigong is a combination of qi (aka life-force, life energy, bioenergy, creativity, consciousness, breath, function) and gong (cultivation or practice over time, as in the practice of an Art). Qigong is a self-initiated health and wellness practice consisting of a combination of exercise (posture, movement, and breathing techniques) and meditation (mindfulness and interoception). It can also include self-massage. Researchers describe qigong as Meditative Movement that has the following characteristics: "(a) some form of movement or body positioning, (b) a focus on breathing, and (c) a cleared or calm state of mind with a goal of (d) deep states of relaxation" (Meditative movement as a category of exercise. Larkey 2009).
What is qigong and how does it work?
Qigong pronounced "chi gong," was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. Qigong has both psychological and physical components and involves the regulation of the mind, breath, and body's movement and posture.
In most forms of qigong: The breath is slow, long, and deep. Breath patterns may switch from abdominal breathing to breathing combined with speech sounds. Movements are typically gentle and smooth, aimed for relaxation. Mind regulation includes focusing one's attention and visualization.
Dynamic (active) qigong techniques primarily focus on body movements, especially movements of the whole body or arms and legs. Meditative (passive) qigong techniques can be practiced in any posture that can be maintained over time and involve breath and mind exercises, with almost no body movement.
Is Qigong the same as Tai Ji?
Tai Ji originated as an ancient martial art, but over the years it has become more focused on health promotion and rehabilitation. When tai ji is performed for health, it is considered a form of qigong and involves integrated physical postures, focused attention, and controlled breathing. Tai ji is one of the hundreds of forms of qigong exercises that was developed in China. Other forms of qigong include Baduanjin, Liuzijue, Hu Yue Xian, Yijin Jing, and medical qigong.
There are thousands of Qigong systems. Medical and spiritual components such as clearing the mind to reduce stress and increasing focus are built-in to all forms and styles of Qigong. Literally millions of people practice Qigong in China and around the world each day. Qigong is not just a physical exercise system or a healing technique; it is a way of maintaining optimal health and well-being through integrating its practice into an individual's lifestyle. It gives an individual a practical way to take more responsibility for their own personal health care through self-care.
Qigong is the pillar stone and foundation to additionally studying Taiji. If there is an interest in studying Taiji , I will be teaching the 37 Posture Northern Wu Style in the original authentic manner of the Yin Cheng Family of Beijing in 2026.
What Is Five Elements Neigong Meditation
Five Elements Neigong meditation is an internal energy practice that harmonizes body, breath, and mind through the principles of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy, it uses gentle movements, focused breathing, and visualization to balance the organs and energy channels.
This meditation cultivates relaxation, emotional stability, and vitality by guiding awareness through each element and its corresponding qualities. Practitioners use Five Elements Neigong to release tension, strengthen internal energy, and support overall health and spiritual growth.
What Is Tai Ji Chuan
Tai Ji Chuan, often written Tai Chi Chuan, is a traditional Chinese martial art that blends slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and focused awareness. Originating centuries ago as a self-defense system, it gradually evolved into a holistic practice for cultivating balance, relaxation, and internal strength.
Rooted in Taoist philosophy and the concept of yin and yang, Tai Ji Chuan emphasizes softness overcoming hardness and relaxation over brute force. Today it is widely practiced around the world for its benefits to posture, coordination, mental clarity, and overall well-being, while still preserving its martial foundations in many lineages.
