Founding Teachers

Dr Shen Hongxun (1939 – 2011) devoted his life to the study and teaching of the Chinese healing arts, with a view to creating a bridge between East and West for the benefit of all.

His training began in childhood, with his grandfather being his first important influence. From the age of 11 he began to meet the teachers who would help him awaken his innate abilities. With characteristic energy and passion, he threw himself into the studies that would direct a unique path through life. He developed healing systems of Tai Chi, Qigong and Qi therapy that changed the lives of thousands. 

Buqi Treatment

Dr Shen combined his rich knowledge of Chinese and Western medicine with abilities to work with ‘chi,’ developed through Tai Chi and meditation. Practitioners learn to work with chi to heal - ‘first for oneself, then for others’. Dr Shen formulated the ‘theory of the double vicious circle of posture and emotion' to explain the root cause of much ill health, and offer the key to effective treatment.

Qigong

Dr Shen's Qigong (Taijiwuxigong) is based on Tai Chi. His Taijiwuxigong self-healing exercises benefit both general health and specific body systems. Buqi treatment teaches even more specific self-healing exercises to improve posture and specific health conditions.

Tai Chi

As a boy he studied with some of the greatest teachers of the day. Dr Shen's approach to Tai Chi focused on using chi for health as well as martial application. He was known for his use of ‘empty force’ with which he often moved his students from a distance.

Meditation

Dr Shen studied with Daoist and Buddhist masters and had a deep interest in the spiritual dimension. He was given teaching permission by his Buddhist lama, but chose to remain a secular teacher, interested above all in health in its widest sense. 

His meditation retreats were deeply transformative. He helped each student awaken within their individual capacity using information transmission. Dr Shen was not only a great Master and teacher but also a warm-hearted, easy person to be around and great good fun. He was a loveable and unforgettable guide who changed the lives of all who studied with him.

For more details on Dr Shen visit: buqiinstitute.com To read Dr Shen Hongxun's obituary in The Guardian visit: theguardian.com

To see Dr Shen's Tai Chi lineage visit: shenhongxun.org

Master Shen Jin (daughter of Dr Shen) began to study with her father at age 9, and has spent over 50 years absorbing and helping to develop the knowledge of this system. When she began to teach at 21 she was recognised as the youngest female Master in the history of Qigong. 

She taught internationally ever since, working closely with her father until he passed away in 2011. Since then, she has continued to lead the international school, offering courses across Europe, including ongoing professional training for new teachers and Buqi practitioners as well as supporting existing teachers to continue developing their own capacities.

Emei

As well as everything she learned from a lifetime as her father’s closest student, Shen Jin was also uniquely placed to learn the Emei Mountain Qigong method from her maternal grandfather. She has continued to teach this little-known method with the Buqi Institute’s courses. 

Taiji 13 ‘short’ form

During a 2019 international gathering of Dr Shen students, Shen Jin introduced a new Tai Chi form, Taiji 13. Having worked with her father to develop and teach the Taiji 37 form, now practised and taught by many within this school. The Taiji 13 ‘short form’ was something her father had long-spoken of and Shen Jin had wished to fulfil this dream of his. 

This form is now being passed on by several of our teachers. Being short it’s easier to learn and, due to the small space required, easy for people to practise at home. With more classes now being offered online, this form comes at just the right time.

Shen Jin, who has developed the same ‘empty force’ for which her father was world famous, is also a continual inspiration to students. Even well-established teachers always enjoy learning more from Shen Jin. Her teaching is both light and profound, both simple and endlessly enriching.

For more details on Shen Jin visit: buqiinstitute.com/shen-jin