In his tiny living room, he sparred with two men in their forties, he moved with grace and ease. He moved around them like a dragon, appearing and disappearing. His energy expanding and contracting. He was like a cat toying with a mouse. As an experienced martial artist, I could see that the two men were attempting to attack him with vigor and intent, but were having no effect.

Mind you, at the time, he was 93.

That was my introduction to this man, this master of qigong and baguazhang.

Since that time, I have visited and trained with him frequently during my times in Beijing. In 2007 I brought a group of students to study with him. I learned many valuable lessons from him not only in bagua, qigong, and clinical work, but also in how to live with heart, to live fully, and to share openly.

Martially, he never taught circle walking or prescribed forms. He taught principles of movement and energetics and the adaptability of techniques. 

His Wuji Qigong was the same. He taught individual movements that could be blended together in free-form. Wuji Qigong had a multi-pronged approach. Each posture had health applications for the practitioner, direct martial application, and clinical applications for tuina.

As a devout Catholic, he shared his heart with all around him. As a double monkey, he was quick witted, mischievous, and liked by all who met him.

I hope that I may honor his memory by the continuance of the lessons learned, transmissions given, and lineage passed on.

He will be remembered fondly. 


 Master Duan with Bernard and Matt at apartment

Master Duan awarding Sifu Matt Weston and myself instructor status for the Primordial Chaos Martial Healing Center (Beijing, China). 2004.

Master Duan showing rippling the spine

Master Duan demonstrating "Rippling the Spine." I felt waves of electricity with each ripple. Simply amazing! 2004.

Duan alcohol

Master Duan removing the alcohol content from a glass of "gut shot". 2004

Duan Treating2

After this treatment, Paula felt her kidneys vibrating for many days. 2007.

  • Beginner's Guide to Qigong

    Dr. Shannon was interviewed for an introductory article on Qigong for EverdayHealth.com.

    You can read the article, which contains components of that interview here:

    Read Interview

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  • The ICMQ is Moving!

    2019 will be a year of many changes for us!   The Temple of Peace and Virtue was able to fulfill a long standing dream and purchased 369 secluded acres in rural Bradyville, Tennesee, about an hour southeast of Nashville. It is a beautiful and secluded property that allows for direct contact with all the elemental forces. We are very excited about this transition and the possibilities that it will offer for our students.
    We have moved our Medical Qigong training facility to this new property in Tennessee for 2019.

    Please read more for information on our transition schedule.

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  • ICMQ Tee Shirts!

    Students can purchase ICMQ Tee Shirts through a special Teesprings campaign!

    Shirts can be purchased online and will be shipped directly to you.  We will not be keeping any stock at the school, so purchasing online is your only option.

    To purchase your shirt, visit our Teespring Campaign.

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  • Dr. Shannon Interviewed on Qi Talks

    Dr. Shannon was featured on the NQA's Qi Talks on Thursday, October 13, 2016 to discuss the intricacies of teaching Qigong. You can listen to that interview below. The world of Qigong is simultaneously simple and yet challenging. At its simplest, it is the combination of movement (or lack thereof), breath, and intention to create a desired energetic outcome. At its most complex, it still is the combination of movement (or lack thereof), breath, and intention to create a desired energetic outcome. Read More
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    I had the fortune of meeting and training with Master Duan in 2001 and the memory is still fresh in my mind. It was a Saturday night in his basement apartment near White Cloud Monastery. On that visit we only had a few hours, but the lessons from that evening are still with me today.

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