Eight Section Brocade is a traditional Chinese fitness qigong consisting of eight movements. It combines physical movements with breathing regulation and is suitable for people of all ages to practice

Its origin and development can be traced back to the Northern Song Dynasty (around 1117 AD), and the earliest extant written records can be found in the "Yi Jian Zhi" of the Southern Song Dynasty. Initially, its movements served military training purposes, but later gradually evolved into a regimen for health preservation and fitness, with a history spanning over 800 years

Action characteristics

It includes both standing and sitting exercises. The southern style (Wen Ba Duan) focuses on softness, while the northern style (Wu Ba Duan) focuses on firmness. Each movement needs to be practiced repeatedly, with breathing coordination. The main benefits include regulating the spleen and stomach, promoting blood circulation, relieving stress, and prolonging life through long-term practice

Organization and Events

It is managed by institutions such as the Fitness Qigong Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China. Major events include the World Fitness Qigong Exchange Competition and the National Fitness Qigong·Eight Section Brocade Exchange Competition. Representative figures include Yang Bailong and Cui Shunyi