Chi Kung FAQ: Questions & Answers


What kind of atmosphere can I expect during the Chi Kung lessons?

  • A respectful, investigative atmosphere. Quite relaxed - not hyper active. There's enough stress in Amsterdam already... The Qigong/Chi Kung lessons are focused, and can be intense, but nothing fanatic. We'll make everything as practical & pragmatic as possible. Very open. No dogmatic teaching, not much theory or philosophy. Questions & feedback are always welcome. Afterwards you can drink a cup of herbal tea, get to know each other. Feel free to enjoy!

What's the size of the Bos Qigong groups?

  • Amsterdam Jordaan - Karthuizersstraat: maximum 16 participants
  • Amsterdam Jordaan - Elandsgracht: max. 12
  • Amsterdam Oud-Zuid - Gymhall Willem Witsenstraat: max. 20

What should I wear and bring to the lessons?

  • Comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily.
  • Something to keep your feet warm: house shoes, warm socks, clean normal shoes.
  • In the gym hall in Oud-Zuid normal shoes are not allowed, so bring indoor sport shoes.
  • The Oud-Zuid gym hall is very well ventilated, and often feels quite fresh. So: bring warm clothes.
  • Eat something light before you come to the lessons. An empty stomach is not recommended.
  • A pen and notebook might be handy, as the instructions are quite different from normal fitness instructions. So if you want to do exercises at home, often it helps to make some notes during the lesson.

How can I pay for the Qigong course? Can I pay per lesson?

  • The Qigong/Chi Kung lessons in Amsterdam are given as a course, because Qigong is a learning process. Each lesson will build on previously learned skills. You can only register for the whole course. You'll get at least 10 lessons of at least 60 minutes. Your investment for the course: 100. Please pay in cash at the beginning of the first lesson. Or in advance on giro/postbank 4044777 t.n.v. R. Bos, Amsterdam. To register for a course, please download the Qigong registration form and send it in as soon as possible.

    Please call 020 - 77.010.63 or email Robberto to ask if there is still enough space for you.

What are the differences & similarities between yoga & qigong?

  • Yoga usually has many horizontal positions, on a yoga mat. Qigong or chi kung is practised mainly in vertical positions: while standing, sitting and walking.

    Most yoga postures & movements are special and different from normal daily positions. The Qigong movements & postures are quite similar to daily positions, so that you can use them during normal activities and sports.

    In Yoga serves to take a time-out, to relax & stretch. In Qigong you learn to be more & more relaxed while moving (in daily activities & sports). Some of the stretches are similar to those in Iyengar/Ashtanga Yoga, and some postures make you as hot as Power Yoga.

    If you look at it from a spiritual point of view... On of the meanings of the Sanskrit word 'yoga' is: unity. And the goal of various yoga methods is 'unity consciousness'. Developing (or re-discovering) unity is also an important element in Bos Chi Kung. Experiencing body-mind-spirit as a unity. Moving as one, as a unity, a whole. Being more and more aware how we are one with everything.

What language will be spoken during the Qigong lessons?

  • The main Bos Qigong groups wil be in Dutch. With some English instructions whenever needed. But we also have one or two groups completely in English (with some Dutch instructions when needed).

    I try to make all my language as clear and plain as possible. With a lot of body language. There will be no complicated terms and no Chinese terminology in these chi kung lessons.

Is chi kung (qigong) a kind of sport?

  • Yes. If you consider fitness training to be a sport, then Qigong/Chi Kung is too. Because Qigong definitively is a form of fitness training. Additionally you'll learn a number of movements and principles from the martial arts tai chi and i-chuan (or da cheng chuan).

What are the differences & similarities between SylFit & Chi Kung)?

What exactly are the differences and similarities between the SylFit Fitness and Bos Qigong (Chi Kung) lessons? Can I take both?

In both you will use your own free fitness equipment. Namely: your own body, plus gravity. Both are given in a playful way, with much personal attention & respect. If you like, you can easily follow both lessons. Here are some of the differences:

  • SYLFIT FITNESS • BOS QIGONG (Chi Kung)
    ◦ Mainly for women (men allowed) • For men & women
  • In English-French-Dutch • In Dutch and/or English
    ◦ Taught by Sylvie (Bos-)Boireau • Taught by Robberto Bos
    ◦ More dynamic & external • More meditative & internal
    ◦ A workout • A workout + learning process
    ◦ Single lessons possible • To be taken as a course
    ◦ The trainer gives you instructions which you follow • The instructor asks more investigative questions
    ◦ Mainly uses the body (muscles etc.) • Uses the mind a lot to influence the body
    ◦ Must be done on a yoga mat/carpet • Can be done anywhere
    ◦ Can be used before & after other sports • Principles can be used during other sports
    ◦ Horizontal & vertical positions (on the mat) • Only vertical positions (standing, sitting, walking)
    ◦ Mainly strengthens your back, buttocks, belly, legs • Mainly strengthens your deeper internal (postural) muscles
    ◦ You improve your circulation by the physical exercises • You learn to improve your circulation with your attention/intention
    ◦ A relaxation period follows at the end of the training • To be more & more relaxed while moving is a goal of the training
    ◦ No homework • Some exercises for at home
    ◦ www.sylfit.com • www.chi-kung-training.com
































Can you recommend good Qigong books & videos?

  • For the lessons you don't need any materials. But there are many, many books & videos/dvd's available. I have dozens of them in my office. Some very theoretical and difficult, some very visual & practical. Once in a while I'll bring some to the lessons so that you can see them. You can find some reviews of chi kung books & videos/dvd's. The reviews will be expanded in the future.

What's the origin of the name "Bos Qigong"?

  • There are hundreds, if not thousands of different Qigong styles. Each with their own name. Bos Chi Kung is based mainly on Zhan Zhuang Chi Kung. But with its own style and a very open & undogmatic approach. And with additional material from other chi kung styles and learning methods.

    Because this method doesn't fit in an existing tradition, we gave it - after some hesitation - a new name. Not because this is a unique method that is completely different from all others, but just because things have to have a name...

    "I must create a system
    or be enslaved by another man's."


    William Blake

    My wife Sylvie and I love the forest (bos). The name Sylvie comes from the Latin word sylva, which means: forest (bos). My last name is Bos. The translated last name of one of my Chinese teachers (Lam) is forest. And we want "forest-like" things with qigong: rooting like a tree. Standing like a beech. Be strong as an oak. Move as supple as a willow. Be springy as moss. Breathe like a forest. Everything pointed to "forest": bos. That's why we gave it the name "Bos Qigong" or "Bos Chi Kung".

How can I find out more?