QiGong Teacher Training: Level 1
CULTIVATE VITALITY, ENTHUSIASM & INNER HARMONY
12-WEEK ONLINE 200-HOUR TRAINING
Begins September 17, 2026
A 200-Hour Trauma-Informed QIGONG Teacher Training
Qigong (pronounced "chee-gung") combines breath, gentle movement, and focused attention to calm an overactive nervous system and support your body's own healing processes. You don't need to believe in "energy" for it to work — only be willing to try a class.
Certain types of Qigong are easier and more accessible than yoga for people with limited mobility, and the practice does not require props or a mat. It can be practiced outdoors or indoors, standing or seated, and an effective session can be as short as 10-15 minutes.
In this training, we focus on authenticity and precision. Positive effects can be felt from the first class. Qigong is a lifelong practice for healing, optimization of movement, and meditation. This online immersion course is first a journey for your own practice, and second, an opportunity to receive certification as a Level One Qigong Teacher.
Qigong Level 1 is a 200-hour online teacher training designed for complete beginners, certified yoga teachers expanding their toolkit, and wellness practitioners who want to bring qi gong into their professional work. No prior experience is required.
Qigong will help you rediscover your inner source of vitality, enthusiasm, and balance.
What Makes This Training Different
Most qigong training is led by self-taught "Masters." This one is led by a licensed acupuncturist with 20+ years of clinical experience treating real patients — which means what you learn here is grounded in clinical training, not just tradition passed down informally. It's also taught as a gentle, embodied practice that adapts to your body, not the other way around.
Rather than focusing on performance or intensity, this training centers on integration and everyday application. Students are encouraged to explore Qigong at their own pace and to develop a teaching approach that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to the people they serve.
A TOP ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING SCHOOL
Yoga Farm Ithaca is a nonprofit charitable, 501c3 organization. Being a nonprofit enables us to stay committed to a vision of a healthier world as we believe that yoga & wellness should be a right rather than a privilege.
We have guided thousands of students all around the world through our 200, 300 & 500 hour immersions, & have over 1000 5-star reviews from graduates on the Yoga Alliance website.
Now, the next step in the evolution of the teaching and practice of Qigong is here.
Are you ready? Registration Is open!
About Our School
TRAINING AT A GLANCE
200 Hours of Training
3 month duration + 6 months to complete certification
The curriculum used in this training was originally designed and approved for an accredited Master of Science in Acupuncture professional training program.
- PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE -
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE
☀ 12 weeks of 3 times a week live online classes
☀ Indefinite access to training materials and all class replays for Graduates
☀ Unlimited qigong, yoga, and meditation classes during the duration of the course
☀ Zoom office hours for Q&A from your lead educator each week
☀ Private and safe online classroom connecting you with your instructors and fellow students for the full time of the program and beyond
Learn to cultivate internal balance and vitality through traditional Qi Gong practices aligned with seasonal rhythms and modern life.
Core Classes
Thursdays (Theory, Application, and Philosophy): 11:00am - 1:00pm EST
Saturdays (Physical Qigong and Teaching Methods): 1:30 - 3:30pm EST
Sundays (Teaching Methods and Corrections): 1:00 - 2:30pm EST
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Everything below is taught in plain language first, then connected to its traditional name and form — you don't need to arrive fluent in Chinese medicine terminology, only willing to learn it.
☀Fundamental Qigong Theory
Yin and Yang
Five Element Theory
Theory of Qi, Blood, and Fluids
Chinese Energetic Anatomy
Channel Theory
☀Demonstrate how to correct and teach:
Standing Postures
Wu Ji Empty Stance
Zhan Zhaung Standing Post
San Ti Shi Three Body Posture
Breath Patterns
Abdominal breathing
Reverse breathing
Embryonic breathing
Shen Fa: Movement Pattern Training for Qigong
Principles of Song
Moving from the Yao
Rising and Falling
Drilling
Six Harmonies, incorporating bear movement and swings
Qigong Sets
Wave Hands like Clouds
Six Qi Cultivation Exercises
Yi Yin Jing: Sinew Tendon Changing Classic
Five Element
Ba Duan Jin/Eight Pieces of Brocade
☀ Introduce and practice Nian Li Taoist medical qigong
Cue Rehearsals and breakout rooms will be utilized to practice teaching skills throughout, and after, the live training course. We use a balance of didactic and practical teaching methods, including fundamentals of how to teach.
This is a wonderful opportunity to join a community of new and experienced qigong practitioners and teachers.
WHO THIS TRAINING IS FOR
YOGA TEACHERS, HEALERS, THERAPISTS & EDUCATORS
Broaden your teaching toolkit to reach more people.
Increase the accessibility of your classes.
Further practice your teaching skills.
Learn multiple authentic qigong sets.
Learn healing practices for yourself and your future students.
If you are a member of Yoga Alliance this course will earn you 50 CEU’s.
YOU HAVEN’T REALLY CONNECTED WITH YOGA
Yoga asked more of your body than it could give — too much flexibility, too much intensity, or just not built for the body you actually have.
Qigong meets you where you are: no mat, no pretzel poses, sessions as short as 10-15 minutes, and full seated-practice options throughout.
YOU ARE SEEKING HEALING FOR YOURSELF
Maybe you've tried everything — medication, physical therapy, other movement practices — and you're cautiously hopeful this could be different. You don't have to have it figured out. You just have to be willing to try one class.
COMPLETE BEGINNERS
Complete beginners: No prior qigong or yoga experience is needed. The curriculum builds from foundational principles and is structured so that students with no movement teaching background can follow the pace comfortably.
THE JOURNEY
Register
01
Attend a Q&A session
02
Order Your Books & Materials
03
Join online Classes & Community
04
We host live classes every week and have a vast resource library. As a YFI Student, you get ongoing access as soon as you register and create your account on the platform. This is where you will begin to engage in community discussions and meet some classmates.
Commit To The 12 Week Course
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Attend live classes, practice on your own, and engage in community discussions. You will begin as a student and, over the course of the program, you will quickly shift into a compassionate teacher. It’s an amazing path we get to walk together.
Post-Graduation & Teaching
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To continue to support you after graduation, we have many ways for you to stay connected in the community as well as ongoing office hours through our extensive membership portal.
What people are saying
Orlando R.
Leyla B.
Kristine A.
Harold F.
WHY CHOOSE YFI
CURRICULUM
YFI
OTHER COURSES
International Certification
Trainees Teach and Assist in Public Classes
Trauma Informed Language & Cuing
100% Practical, Focused Training
In-Person Feeling In Online Format
Spiritually Connected Without Rigid Dogma
Extensive Digital Resources
TRAINERS
Master Level Instructors
Working Professionals
Mentorship & Coaching
Office Hours
Personalized Help
COMMUNITY
Inclusive & Open Minded
Diversity, Inclusion & Body Positive
Connected, Active & Engaged
TUITION & SCHEDULES
Affordable Payment Plans
Flexible, Part-Time Study Options
Your Own Pace (4-12 Month Program)
Home Study
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
This training brings together an expert group of educators to offer our students a wide range of experience and personal connection.
Bryan Isacks, M.S. L.AC.
LEAD EDUCATOR
Bryan is a licensed acupuncturist (M.S., L.Ac.) who has run a full-time clinical practice since 2007 and taught at the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for over a decade — treating pain and training students in Oriental medicine and qigong for more than twenty years.
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Isacks has taught medical qigong in the area since 2004, where he developed a qigong curriculum for people in recovery at Cayuga Addiction recovery services. He is certified to teach Bagua Zhang through Internal Arts International.
He has contiually run a high volume acupuncture practice in Trumansburg, NY, specializing in sports medicine and pain management, since 2007. Bryan served on the faculty of the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from 2007-2020, where he taught Tui Na (Chinese medical massage) and Qigong. He has hosted dozens of students and interns who came to learn acupuncture and body work in his clinic and has assisted some of the finest practitioners of East Asian healing arts in the world in teaching Chinese medical massage, qigong, and tui na in Europe, Canada, and the United States.
ALL-INCLUSIVE TUITION
Next course start date: September 17 2026
TUITION FEES INCLUDE:
3x a week live online classes for 12 weeks with Masterful lead educators
3x a week office hours with replays available
Flexible curriculum design to fit into your schedule.
Indefinite access to replays & transcripts for all classes.
Unlimited qigong, yoga, meditation, office hours & much more
Over $500 in bonuses the day you register
Credit Cards & Paypal accepted
$229/Month
12 monthly payments
Lowest monthly tuition
☀ 12 weeks of 3 times a week live online classes from Sept - Dec 2026
☀ Indefinite access to training materials and all class replays for Graduates
☀ Unlimited Qigong, yoga, and meditation classes
☀ Zoom office hours for Q&A from your lead educators each week
☀ Private and safe online classroom connecting you with your instructors and fellow students for the full time of the program and beyond
$439/Month
6 monthly payments,
first one at registration
☀ 12 weeks of 3 times a week live online classes from Sept-Dec 2026
☀ Indefinite access to training materials and all class replays for Graduates
☀ A library of Qigong, yoga, and meditation classes
☀ Zoom office hours for Q&A from your lead educators each week
☀ Private and safe online classroom connecting you with your instructors and fellow students for the full time of the program and beyond
$2,399 One time payment
Lowest total tuition with our single payment option
☀ 12 weeks of 3 times a week live online classes from Sept-Dec 2026
☀ Indefinite access to training materials and all class replays for Graduates
☀ A library of Qigong, yoga, and meditation classes
☀ Zoom office hours for Q&A from your lead educators each week
☀ Private and safe online classroom connecting you with your instructors and fellow students for the full time of the program and beyond
Discounts & Coupons
We have created community discounts to be a part of the greater movement toward equity & inclusion in the field of yoga.
We are seeking students in these communities in order to create diversity in the Yoga Teaching community. Our goal is that these opportunities will enable students to see themselves represented in the teachers that they have access to.
Please identify the community you identify as, from the list below.
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Receive 10% off for 2 or more paid in full tuition, registering on the same day. You can register separately, or pay together.
Discount Code: FRIENDS
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If you have taken a YTT from any school and are a certified 200 hr yoga teacher, you are welcome to join us as a refresher for 50 CEU credits and 15% off tuition (full payment or the payment plan).
You will be asked to submit a copy of your certificate after registering
Discount Code: QGYTLVL1
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K-12 educators (public or private)
Discount Code: K12 at registration
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BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Global Majority)
Discount Code: BIPOC at registration
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LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer)
Discount Code: LGBTQ at registration
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EQUITY (For anyone who receives state or federal financial assistance) You may be required to submit proof of assistance.
Discount Code: EQUITY at registration
FREE! Bonus Materials
($500 value)
✦ Unlimited weekly LIVE qigong, yoga & meditation
✦ Take classes online with our teachers, or access classes anytime from the on-demand library.
✦ Instant access to these bonuses lets you start right away
Student Reviews
HAVE SOME MORE QUESTIONS?
FAQs
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No prior qigong or yoga experience is required. The Yoga Farm Ithaca Qigong Level 1 curriculum builds from foundational principles and is accessible to complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners seeking formal certification.
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The Yoga Farm Ithaca Qigong Level 1 program runs 12 weeks of live online instruction as part of a 200-hour certification. Students who keep pace with the live cohort can complete all requirements within the 12-week period. Students working with replays have an extended completion window beyond the live sessions.
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Yes. This training is delivered entirely online via live Zoom sessions with full replay access. The National Qigong Association now formally accepts fully online programs for Level 1 Qigong Instructor certification, recognizing online training as a valid professional pathway.
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Both qigong and yoga work with breath, movement, and awareness to support health and wellbeing. Qigong originates from Chinese medicine and Taoist traditions, focusing on the cultivation and flow of qi through movement, sound, and visualization. Qigong sessions are often shorter, require less physical flexibility, and can be practiced fully seated, making them accessible for populations where yoga may not be the right fit.
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Graduates receive a 200-hour certification and the practical teaching skills developed through cue rehearsals and live teaching practice during the training. Many graduates teach qigong in yoga studios, wellness centers, healthcare settings, and online. Certified yoga teachers can add qigong to their existing classes and register the training for 50 Yoga Alliance CEUs.
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Yes. Multiple payment plan options are available alongside a one-time payment option. Community scholarships are also available for students from underrepresented communities. Current pricing and payment options are listed in the enrollment section above.
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Bryan Isacks is authorized to teach within the lineages of each qigong set covered in the Level 1 curriculum. He is certified to teach Bagua Zhang through Internal Arts International and has studied and assisted senior practitioners of East Asian healing arts in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Students receive a full lineage chart as part of their course materials at enrollment.
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Certified yoga teachers who complete this program earn 50 continuing education units with Yoga Alliance. The program meets Yoga Alliance curriculum standards for continuing education. Students submit a copy of their existing yoga certification after registering to access the CEU pathway.
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See what past students have to say:
Yoga Alliance - 5-stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Browse over 800 5-star reviews on the Yoga Alliance website about our programs, to see why we have maintained the highest possible approval rating from our graduates since 2016Sign up for more information and a free sample class right to your email.
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