1 ORGS · 6 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Culturally Embodied Practice

By teaching traditional martial, medical, and mindfulness arts through culturally rooted, lineage-based methods, the organization fosters physical health, self-mastery, and intergenerational continuity, because authentic practice transmits not only technique but also the philosophical and energetic principles essential to holistic well-being. This strategy emphasizes the preservation and transmission of traditional systems—such as Gao Bagua, neigong, and Chinese medicine—not as isolated physical techniques but as integrated cultural practices grounded in Chinese philosophy and medicine. Unlike generic fitness or skills training, this approach ensures that health, combat proficiency, and personal development emerge from a coherent, culturally specific worldview, maintaining integrity across form, function, and meaning.

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orgs running it
6
activities of those orgs
3
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 1

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Advocacy for Qigong Programs NORTH AMERICAN TANG SHOU TAO ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE
    advocacy
    Produced a video about its qigong program, featuring interviews with staff and veteran participants, and shared it with Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) directors to advocate for the program.
  • Jingluo Qigong Instruction and Certification NORTH AMERICAN TANG SHOU TAO ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE
    direct service
    Offers instruction in Jingluo Qigong to students of gongfu, Chinese medicine, and the general public, and has developed an official certification process for practitioners in collaboration with Li Ding. The organization also certifies Jingluo Qigong instructors.
  • Martial Arts Training and Promotion NORTH AMERICAN TANG SHOU TAO ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE
    direct service
    Promotes and provides training in martial arts, including Cheng School Gao Style Bagua, to foster personal growth, physical and mental health, and cultural refinement. This includes instruction led by disciples of Liu Shuheng and the founder, Vince Black.
  • Professional Development and Research Opportunities NORTH AMERICAN TANG SHOU TAO ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE
    capacity building
    Offers developmental opportunities for members to train and research through various events such as conferences, retreats, seminars, and research trips.
  • Publishing Educational Materials NORTH AMERICAN TANG SHOU TAO ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE
    direct service
    Maintains a publishing department that produces written materials to support the physical practice of the arts taught by the organization.
  • Qigong Programs for Veterans NORTH AMERICAN TANG SHOU TAO ASSOCIATION COOPERATIVE
    direct service
    Provides Wang Jiwu qigong classes at Tucson VA facilities, including specific classes for women and coed classes at various locations, to support veterans' health and well-being.