Eight Brocades Qigong Weekend : New Forest

Welcoming the Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse

As we move into this Year of the Fire Horse on February 17, we enter a cycle known for its dynamic momentum, bold transformation and spirited independence. Fire Horse years are rare, vivid, and fast-moving – they fan creative sparks, accelerate change and encourage courageous self-expression.

All of this can feel invigorating and overwhelming to the nervous system, which may already be overwhelmed.

This is where the Eight Brocades (Ba Duan Jin) becomes a perfect ally.

Rooted in centuries of Chinese health and martial tradition, the Eight Brocades offers eight simple, silken-like movements that restore equilibrium, clarity and grounded vitality. As life’s tempo increases with Fire Horse energy, this sequence helps us stay centred, resilient and able to ride the year’s transformative currents without burning out.

Brief History of the Eight Brocades

The Ba Duan Jin dates back to at least the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE) and has long been treasured as a complete daily health practice. Its name  ‘The Eight Pieces of Brocade’ evokes the smooth, strong weave of high-quality silk, reflecting an elegant, nourishing quality relating to the embodiment of each movement.

While its exact origins are layered in legend, many historical accounts attribute the system to the 12th-century military general Yue Fei, who is said to have used these exercises to build strength, focus and stamina in his soldiers. Whether literal or symbolic, the association highlights the profound intent of the form: to cultivate integrated strength, inner clarity and a steady spirit.

Over time the sequence has been refined through medical qigong, martial arts lineages, Taoist practice and modern therapeutic application – making it one of the most widely taught and researched qigong methods today.

Why It’s Perfect for the Year of the Fire Horse

Fire Horse energy is:

• Fast, fiery and uncompromising – inspiring action but sometimes leading to overextension.

• Creative and adventurous – great for fresh starts but demanding emotional grounding.

• Intense and change-driven – calling for adaptability, clarity and energetic resilience.

The Eight Brocades meets this energy beautifully by:

• Cooling and harmonising the Fire element through mindful breath and coordinated movement.

• Strengthening tendons, fascia and postural integrity, offering stability during rapid change.

• Regulating the Heart and Liver systems, supporting emotional balance and vision.

• Settling the Shen (spirit) so intuition, courage and clarity can flourish without overwhelm.

• Providing a daily anchor – a practice you can rely on all year to soothe, energise and realign.

This retreat becomes your launchpad for navigating the Fire Horse year with grounded confidence rather than reactive urgency.

Across the weekend you will:

• Learn the full Eight Brocades sequence with supportive preparation moves and layered medical and energetic cues

• Include Fire Horse themes through breathwork, Spring energy alignment and somatic grounding

• Explore modifications for restoring from exhaustion, burnout or tension

• Work with practices that balance Heart Fire, strengthen Kidney Water, and support rooted creativity

• Leave with a 10–20 minute daily practice to carry you through your year and the unfolding Fire Horse cycle

After the weekend you will have access to a video to assist your ongoing practice.

Venue and logistics

The actual venue will be shared once you book on. There is parking.

Please arrive from 9.15 for a 9.30 prompt start both days.

A list of what to bring is included with the welcome note.

There is overnight accommodation at an extra cost. Please let us know if this is something you would like more information about.

Carry this grounding, Fire Horse–ready energy into your daily rhythm and book below to secure your Early Bird rate.

With a fantastic opportunity in the New Forest’s wild horse country to prepare for the Fire Horse year.