Dr. David Clippinger is a practitioner, scholar, and Master of T’ai Chi and Chi Kung, with extensive training under renowned masters. An ordained Ch’an Buddhist Monk, he integrates philosophy, energy cultivation, and healing in his work. He is the author of Cultivating Qi and a sought-after speaker on T’ai Chi, Chi Kung, Buddhism, and Taoism. Through his teachings, writings, and wellness programs, Dr. Clippinger empowers individuals to harness energy, restore balance, and cultivate a deeper connection to life’s natural rhythms. MysticMag offers you an exclusive interview.
Still Mountain emphasizes the integration of traditional Chen, Yang, and Sun styles in its curriculum. Could you elaborate on how blending these styles enhances a practitioner’s understanding and embodiment of T’ai Chi principles?
Historically, T’ai Chi originated from the Chen style, but all styles share fundamental principles. In my teaching, I recognize that different learners require distinct approaches—some are tactile, others auditory, and some learn best through verbal instruction. Just as we tailor teaching methods in a classroom to suit different learning styles, T’ai Chi’s various forms emphasize different postures and movements while ultimately returning to the same core principles. I use these stylistic variations to help each student find a connection to the practice, deepening their understanding of the universal foundations of T’ai Chi. This individualized approach enhances personal growth, whether in terms of spiritual development, health, or interpersonal awareness. Without that personal connection, true progress is difficult. By exploring different styles, students can discover how these principles apply to their practice in a meaningful and transformative way.
The Five Regulations—body, breath, mind, energy (Qi), and spirit (Shen)—are fundamental to T’ai Chi Chuan practice. How does Still Mountain incorporate these regulations into its teaching methodology to promote holistic development among students?
The Five Regulations in T’ai Chi, deeply rooted in traditional practices, encompass five areas of training that build upon and inform one another. Though they can be seen as sequential steps, they are also interconnected, each reinforcing the others.
The first and most fundamental regulation is that of the body. This involves learning to relax in a dynamic, aware state—what is called Song in Chinese, meaning at ease but not passive. It’s a readiness, much like a cat poised to move at any moment. By regulating the body, practitioners develop an acute awareness of muscles, circulation, and energy flow, laying the foundation for deeper training.
From there, regulation of breath follows, incorporating techniques such as Buddhist or Daoist abdominal breathing. Proper breathwork enhances physical awareness and allows the lungs to act like bellows, moving energy throughout the body. This naturally leads to the regulation of the mind, which involves cultivating focus, discipline, and self-awareness. In doing so, we begin to observe thought patterns, emotional responses, and habitual reactions—much like turning the light inward in Daoist meditation. This process reveals how we engage with the world, providing insight into our psychological and emotional tendencies.
Regulating Qi (energy) is the next step, extending beyond personal well-being into interpersonal dynamics. It involves understanding how we generate, conserve, and expend energy—not only in terms of physical vitality but also in relationships, work, and daily life. In this sense, it is about managing the essence of how we live and applying that energy in a meaningful way.
Finally, regulating Spirit is the most profound and elusive regulation. Traditionally tied to Daoist concepts of immortality, it is less about longevity and more about being fully present in each moment—experiencing life as infinitely rich and interconnected. True regulation of spirit fosters a sense of deep unity with oneself, others, and the natural flow of existence (Dao). This is the culmination of the practice, where all aspects—body, breath, mind, energy, and spirit—merge into a harmonious and nourished state of being.
In my teaching, we begin with the body, as it is the most tangible, and gradually progress toward these deeper levels of self-awareness and connection. The ultimate goal of T’ai Chi and Qigong is to actualize a deeply enriched, energized, and fulfilled life—a practice known in China as Yangsheng, or “nourishing life.”
Still Mountain offers a range of Chi Kung (Qigong) classes, including forms like the Eight Pieces of Brocade and Five Animals Sport. How do these specific forms contribute to the health and well-being of practitioners, and what distinguishes them from other Chi Kung practices?
I’d like to begin with a fundamental practice: the Five Animal Qigong, developed by the renowned physician Hua Tuo in the 2nd century. His approach was based on the idea that different organ channels could be activated through specific movements. These movements involve stretching, bending, and internal massage through breathwork. For example, when working with the liver, stretching the right arm fully engages that channel, while bending creates a compression effect that enhances internal massage. The movements “pump” the organ channel and activate a balancing of the Qi of the organ for maintaining its healthy functioning.
The Five Animal Qigong is a classic yet intricate set designed to harmonize the interactions between the body’s organs. Each movement mimics the qualities of a specific animal: the tiger’s extended clawing motions support liver health, the deer corresponds to the kidneys, the bear to the spleen, the monkey to the heart, and the crane to the lungs. By practicing these movements, one can target and support these specific organ systems, and balance the overall body for health and well-being.
Another foundational practice is the Eight Pieces of Brocade, which is considered one of the oldest forms of Qigong. Some even argue that it predates Qigong as an independent style, falling instead under the broader category of Daoist exercise. This system consists of eight movements, each designed to stimulate a pair of organ meridians while also strengthening the tendons and muscles. Due to its extensive stretching techniques, early iterations of Qigong were often referred to as “’Daoyin” or “Daoist yoga.”
In my teaching, I incorporate both the Five Animal Qigong and the Eight Pieces of Brocade, particularly in group classes, as they serve as excellent foundational health practices. However, for private students—many of whom are referred to me by oncologists or neurologists—I focus on more therapeutic or medical Qigong sets. For instance, when working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease or those recovering from a stroke, I select movements that stimulate neural pathways and enhance motor function for neuroplasticity.
Beyond these general health practices, there are specialized Qigong sets designed for targeted therapeutic effects. Some focus on muscles and tendons, others improve blood circulation, and certain sets are specifically designed to stimulate the lymphatic system. For example, there are Qigong forms that activate the upper chest area, often referred to as the “bow of the body.” These can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with lymph node issues related to breast cancer, as they help promote healthy lymphatic flow. More it enhances cardiopulmonary function, which can address issues as broad as COPD, blood pressure issues, as well as stress and anxiety.
In terms of instruction, I teach both in-person and online. Long before the pandemic, I had already established an online training setup, complete with the necessary technology of cameras, microphones, and software, allowing me to seamlessly work with students worldwide. This flexibility has been invaluable, especially for individuals who may be unable to travel, whether due to health reasons or geographical constraints.
While I am certainly not the only practitioner specializing in medical and therapeutic Qigong, my background allows me to work closely with healthcare professionals. I frequently train doctors and give talks at hospitals—next week, for example, I will be presenting at a Parkinson’s and stroke rehabilitation center. It is deeply fulfilling to share my expertise with those who can benefit from it most, whether they are near or far. Through online sessions, I can reach individuals across the country and even internationally, ensuring that this healing practice remains accessible to all.
You have an extensive background in T’ai Chi, Chi Kung, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. How do your experiences and teachings influence the school’s approach to integrating meditative awareness, self-defense, and health benefits in its programs?
My training began in a Buddhist monastery, and my lineage is rooted in Chinese Ch’an Buddhism and Daoism. This background deeply influences my approach, as I incorporate meditative practices into my teaching. In my classes, I integrate standing meditative postures and other mindfulness techniques to strengthen mental focus, concentration, and discipline.
Over the years, I’ve observed a shift in the primary reasons people seek me out. In the early stages of my career—having done this work for over 30 years—most individuals came to me for pain management, whether it was back issues, arthritis, or other chronic conditions. However, in the past decade, stress has become the predominant concern. The world seems to have grown increasingly chaotic and unpredictable, and as a result, the need for stress regulation has become more pressing. In response, I have placed a greater emphasis on meditative practices, as the ability to regulate the mind has become an essential component of my teachings.
I also view my discipline as having three interconnected components: health, martial applications, and spiritual cultivation. While my primary focus is health and well-being, it would be negligent to ignore the martial aspect. One of my teachers, Grandmaster Helen Wu, often responded to students hesitant about learning martial arts by asking, “Are you interested in surviving?” When they answered yes, she explained, “This is the fight to stay alive—to be healthy.” That perspective resonates with me because martial training is not merely about combat; it is about resilience, adaptability, and the ability to take an active role in one’s own well-being.
The martial applications in my practice are not about aggression but about awareness—understanding how to use muscles efficiently, how to engage energy channels, and, perhaps most importantly, how to cultivate confidence. Many people struggle with feeling passive in the face of life’s challenges. Learning how to respond dynamically, rather than simply being acted upon, is a crucial skill both physically and mentally.
From a health standpoint, this practice fosters a proactive approach to well-being. Even for those who are not facing illness, the goal is to maintain vitality and balance. For those interested in self-cultivation, these practices help develop a sense of inner calm and energetic alignment, reinforcing the unity of mind and body. And from a martial perspective, these exercises offer not only physical training but also a dynamic way of engaging with the world.
I often remind my students that understanding ourselves enables us to better understand others. While physical confrontation is rare, verbal and emotional conflicts are common. In Tai Chi, we use a concept known as “listening,” where we attune ourselves to another person’s energy and movement in order to respond effectively. This principle extends beyond martial applications; it teaches us how to engage with the world in a way that is both intuitive and intentional.
Although I do not emphasize martial training as much as the health and meditative aspects, it remains an integral part of my approach. Each of these elements—health, martial awareness, and spiritual cultivation—interweaves to create a holistic practice that empowers individuals to take control of their well-being, develop resilience, and cultivate a deeper sense of presence in their lives.
World T’ai Chi Day is a significant event hosted by Still Mountain to promote harmony and balance. Could you discuss the impact of this event on the local community and how it aligns with the school’s mission to foster personal wholeness and balance?
World Tai Chi Day began with the vision of its original founder, who recognized the importance of Tai Chi as a practice that wasn’t widely known at the time. The idea was simple: to share Tai Chi with as many people as possible, increasing awareness and accessibility. Over the years, it has grown into an annual global event, celebrated by practitioners in countless communities.
Through my own nonprofit work, I strive to provide access to Tai Chi for those who might not otherwise be able to afford it or find steady opportunities to practice. This mission aligns deeply with my Buddhist lineage, which emphasizes sharing knowledge and practices that promote health and well-being. World Tai Chi Day has always been a meaningful opportunity to introduce people to this art—people who might not have encountered it otherwise.
It has been an interesting journey, especially here in Pittsburgh, where I currently live. About 15 years ago, the city officially recognized World Tai Chi Day in honor of the events I was organizing in public parks, where hundreds of people would gather to participate. It was a powerful experience to see so many individuals coming together to learn and practice, and it reinforced my commitment to making Tai Chi accessible to as many people as possible.
Of course, one day of practice isn’t a substitute for regular training. This applies to any form of movement or exercise—just as taking a single walk won’t significantly impact your health if you don’t walk regularly. However, World Tai Chi Day serves as a window of opportunity—a chance for people to experience it, to get a feel for it, and to decide whether they want to pursue it further.
I’m always happy to guide others toward a path that will improve and nourish their lives—their Yangsheng. Ultimately, my goal is to share as much as I can, helping others discover a practice that supports their health, balance, and well-being—whether through Tai Chi, meditation, or another form of mindful movement.
If you would like to find out more about Still Mountain, please visit https://www.stillmountaintaichi.com/
