Walk tall, feel powerful, and inspire others to do likewise
Master Yourself, Master Your Life
Unleash the hero within you
Meticulously developed over 15-years, the Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat stands as the epitome of Kung fu and Qigong excellence. Immerse yourself in these ancient arts within a Feng Shui inspired sanctuary, embraced by mountains, and the breathtaking vistas of the Pai River Valley.
200 Hour Intensive Qigong Teacher Certification.
Course Prospectus.
Unlock your personal powers - become a force for positive change.
Qigong is the fastest growing spiritual path on the planet. We are a long established school with very experienced teachers, a proven syllabus and a track record of producing successful teachers in the international Qigong community. We will provide you with the tools to heal yourself, and then to elevate yourself and eventually master yourself so that you will be successful in whatever path you choose.
We will develop you as a pillar of strength upon whom others can lean; a shining example who inspires others to follow them.
We want to make you a leading teacher in your field, someone whom students will seek out.
We will teach you the truth about being a teacher, the things that only really experienced teachers know about, because we want you to succeed.
Learn how to be a truly world-class teacher, separating yourself from the competition and creating a demand for your classes. This training can also be used in other areas of teaching such as yoga, meditation or martial arts.
We want you to go out and make a difference in the world. If your life path is to help people by teaching them Qigong, we are set up to help and support you along your journey.
Why choose us?
Our teachers did not learn from YouTube!
Master Iain trained with some of the world’s best: Chinese Masters from China, Singapore and Malaysia. Moreover, he still practises regularly, even after 41 years.
Reading books, watching videos and attending lectures will never replace experience. These are necessary start points but it is a lifetime of practice which defines a genuine Master. Refuse to accept anything less.
We teach a broad and balanced Qigong program centred on some of the most effective systems. This is real undiluted Qigong that is rare to find elsewhere and has a clearly documented lineage.
We don’t just teach you how to do Qigong, we also teach the theory, psychology and practice of teaching. This is a genuine teaching course.
We have one of the best, most beautiful locations:
What Qigong instructor qualification will you receive?
Level 2: A full 200 hour teacher training certification which builds upon our level 1 course and includes much more theoretical background as well as coaching on how to manipulate your own chi and put it to use, for example to heal yourself and others. This is a much deeper course and provides the 200 hour qualification that many employers now require.
What you will learn:
- Tong Ling (clearing and circulating) Qigong. Soft Qigong for health.
- Bodhidharma’s vein tendon Qigong. Hard Qigong for facia and joint health.
- Sum Chien. Martial Qigong.
- Shuang Yang Pei Ho. The Sun Frost White Crane internal art.
- Full moon Qigong practice.
- Abdominal breathing techniques.
- Qigong facial massage.
- Qigong theory: vessels, meridians, points, circulations.
- Sensing Chi.
- Theory and practice of teaching including leadership, communication and class organisation skills.
- How each of the Tong Ling Qigong exercises affects the different meridians.
- Additional Qigong exercises for each specific meridian.
- Exercises to stimulate/fill each tan tien.
- Exercises for the belt channel: Dai Mei.
- Yin-yang theory, 5 elements theory and their application to Qigong practise.
- Shifting where your Chi is concentrated so as to alter your emotional state and body chemistry.
- Balancing the elements by facing the 4 cardinal directions.
- Further developing the microcosmic orbit.
- Therapeutic applications of Qigong.
- Nei Gung exercises for the internal organs.
- Strengthening and expanding the aura of Chi around your body.
- Tan tiens, vessels, meridians, points: more in depth study.
- Key philosophies associated with Qigong: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
- Common mistakes, important points to maintain.
- Extended facial massage stimulating more points.
- Qigong history.
- Qigong and the environment, links between Qigong and Feng Shui.
- Sensing the Chi of plants, animals and people.
- Projecting Chi.
- Healing with Chi.
How you will learn - Schedule:
6:00 AM – 9:15 AM
- Tong Ling Chi Kung
- Sun Frost White Crane Art
- Master Iain’s tea talk
- Morning stretch.
9:15 AM
- Breakfast
10:00 AM
- Theory
- Teaching practise
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Fitness session
- Supervised self practice
- Bodhidharma’s Vein Tendon Chi Kung.
- OR Individual self study.
2:30 PM
- Theory
- Teaching practise
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Fitness and flexibility.
4:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Specialist content
- OR Individual self study.
9.75 hours/day, 5 days /week: 48.75 hours/week.Wednesdays and Saturdays are rest days for relaxation and perhaps some self study and meditation
Excursions and Activities
Weather permitting, on one Friday morning we will go to the mountain viewpoint above San Ti Chon Chinese Village for our lesson and soak up the views, the fresh mountain air and the Chinese vibe.
As part of our learning about Chi and the environment we will make a trip to practise our Qigong on a mountaintop and in a cave. We will also practise sensing the Chi of trees, plants and animals.
Upon graduating Master Iain will take you for a celebratory Chinese meal at a restaurant on the same mountaintop.
Teachers
Specialised teacher training sessions will be led by:
Master Iain Armstrong
- Author of ‘Get Your Health Back FAST With Chinese Qigong’.
- Post graduate degree in education from University of London.
- Two times world Kung Fu Champion.
- Began practising in 1981 and has studied in Singapore, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
- Internationally acclaimed teacher with students on all major continents. Founder and Chief Instructor of the Kung Fu Retreat.
Testimonials - What people are saying about this course:
"What I achieved during my stay was exactly what I wanted. I think of my time here as a life investment. I have become both physically and mentally stronger." -Vinny K, Student
"All in all I got everything I wanted from it and a lot more in the sense that I found it really helped me calm my mind and focus on what’s important, Master Iain’s tea break talks were particularly interesting and thought provoking for me!" -K, Student
"I learned what a powerful impact breathing has on your body and mind – I was quite surprised to notice my ability to focus and concentrate significantly improved, as did my memory." -Malin B, Student
"It was one of my best lifestyle experiences so far. The lessons were intense, diverse, fun, challenging, sometimes mentally tough but so rewarding making progress each minute of the training. Master Iain has build something special over there and he is indeed a true Master. His wisdom and knowledge being shared over there is just fantastic." -Floris L, Student
"I found the Chi Gong classes very good in the study of the energy inside my body, which keeps me focused, stronger internally & in control of my life." -Amy Clare B, Student
"Interesting to get into the Chinese culture of ancestral arts, for wellness, concentration, relaxation and deep feeling of been in a great place in the mountains of Pai, north west of Thailand. I have discovered a wonderful way of living, learning skills that bring calm and happiness" -Sergio, Student
2024-25 Course Dates
Spaces are limited and available on a first booked - first served basis.
- October 31st, 2026 - November 28th, 2026.
- January 30th, 2027 - February 27th, 2027.
- May 29th, 2027 - June 26th, 2027.
Paying for an Instructor course does not guarantee passing the course or receiving a teachers certificate. Read the FAQ (bottom of this page) to learn what you will need to do to pass
Price: 200 HR, Level 2 Course.
- Private Room - $4,620
- Shared Room - $3,300
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this course intended for? What are the entry requirements?
A: People with a strong desire to become a teacher, leader and role model but who perhaps lack the time and the money to complete a longer course. It is open to those with no prior experience.Character values are important. If you are rude, disrespectful, lazy or similar this is not the right course for you!
Q: What qualification does this lead to?
A: Successful completion of the Level 2 course will gain you a 200 Hour Teacher Training Certificate which builds upon the level 1 course and includes much more theoretical background as well as coaching on how to manipulate your own chi and put it to use, for example to heal yourself and others. This is a much deeper course and provides the 200 hour qualification that many employers now require.
Q: What will be my future progression?
A: You could continue as an intern, teaching Qigong at our Retreat. This is not compulsory, though. We will do our best to support you with online training and a variety of future courses. You will be welcome to stay and train with us at the Retreat when you want. Ideally we want you to succeed as a teacher, leader and role model within your own community and to expand our kung fu family. We will do what we reasonably can to support you with this.
Q: Can I extend my stay beyond the course?
A: Yes. You will be welcome to continue Your training with us. The best way of going about this would be to take our ‘Internal Kung Fu, Qigong and Meditation internship’ or, if you have less time, our 12 week Fast Track Internship. Alternatively, you could simply book an extension to your stay in which case, we will continue to coach you as a teacher and arrange teaching practice for you.
Q: What will I need to do to pass?
A:
- Attend the lessons. A minimum attendance rate of 80% is required.
- Conduct yourself in a fashion worthy of an instructor – i.e. with dignity and respect.
- Follow our code of conduct.
- Make a reasonable effort with your training.
- Most people will pass. Displays of bad character, rudeness, aggression, disrespect, argument and similar may stand in the way of your receiving a teacher’s certificate - We expect anyone representing us as a teacher to lead by example with good character values.
Q: If I do not pass the first time, can I take the course again?
A: Yes.
Q: If I did not pass because I missed part of the training can I take just that part again?
A: Yes, in which case you will only have to pay for that part of the course.
Q: Does my teaching certificate need to be renewed every 2 years?
A: Yes. We are dedicated to maintaining a high standard amongst our teachers. Hence we require teachers to pursue their own training. We believe that if our teachers slack on their own training and let their standards drop it will bring the whole association and its teachers and students into disrepute.
Q: What do I have to do to renew my teaching certificate?
A: Either:
- Complete at least 14 days training per two years (i.e. and average of 1 week / year) with a ‘master level’ teacher
- Complete a 1 week instructor’s refresher course.
- Online renewal is coming soon and will avoid the need for you to attend in person.
Q: Will I have to pay for my certificate renewal?
A: No. Training is charged as usual. Provided that you complete the training, certificate renewal is free of charge.
Q: Can I split the course over two visits?
A: Yes. Although we don’t particularly recommend this. For people who can only take short breaks from work or other commitments it is possible to take this course in two parts – most likely of two weeks each. The certificate will be issued at the end of the course.
Q: I have already taken the Level 1 (100 HR) course. Can I book just the Level 2 portion?
A: Yes. Simply contact us and let us know you'd like to book for the Qigong (100 HR) course again, and that you'd like to take Level 2 only. The level 2 portion will be the last 2 weeks of any 200 HR course dates. You can contact us by sending us an email or by contacting our Instructor Prisca, click here for a call or whatsapp. letting us know when you would like to take Level 2 Only.
Q: What resources will you supply?
A: You will be supplied with Master Iain’s book Get Your Health Back Fast With Chinese Chi Kung. Digital copy after paying, hard copy on arrival. You will be given access to a large volume of notes, videos and pictures stored online.
Q: What support will you give me as a newly qualified teacher?
A: We will help with publicising your classes where we can, provide letters of endorsement, give you access to our logos, supply uniforms etc.