Daoyin
Series of exercises practiced by Taoists to cultivate qi
導引 · 도인
- Type
- Forms, kata and routines
- Martial arts
- Tai chi, Qigong
- Classified as
- method
King's Kung-Fu and Tai Chi has taught 5 Animal 5 Family kung fu, tai chi and chi kung in Southern California since 1982. These original school pages cover this style:
Daoyin is a series of cognitive body and mind unity exercises practiced as a form of Daoist neigong, meditation and mindfulness to cultivate jing (essence) by directing Shen (Spirit/mind) and refining qi, the internal energy of the body according to traditional Chinese medicine. These exercises are often divided into yin positions (lying and sitting) and yang positions (standing and moving). The practice of daoyin was a precursor of qigong, it is practised in Chinese Taoist monasteries for health and spiritual cultivation. Daoyin is also said to be a primary formative ingredient in the yin aspects of Chinese martial arts including the well-known "soft styles" of the Chinese martial arts, of tai chi, and middle road styles like Wuxingheqidao.
The main goal of daoyin is to create flexibility, therefore unity of the body and mind, and by extension harmony between internal physiological factors and external familial, social and natural environments. It's practice is intentionally targeted to relax, replenish and rejuvenate the body, and manifesting in its practitioners, a cognitive, vital and healthy spirit.
Other Tai chi forms, kata and routines
Japanese terms for forms, kata and routines
| Term | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 三戦 | sanchin | sanchin; fundamental karate kata focusing on breathing, stability, and body hardening |
| 徳俵 | tokudawara | 4 bales on the edge of the ring set slightly back |
| 套路 | touro | taolu (Chinese martial arts forms); martial arts routine |
| 五形拳 | gokeiken | Wu Xing Fist; Five Form Fist (Dragon, Snake, Tiger, Crane, Leopard) |
| 形稽古 | katageiko | form refinement training |
External links
Facts from Wikidata Q1195503 (CC0); text quoted from English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22.
Data: Wikidata (CC0 1.0); Wikipedia (English) (CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.