Meet John Munro: Qigong Master

Grounded in expert knowledge, Hayo’uFit is aligned to the Long White Cloud Qigong school. Founded by acclaimed Qigong master John Munro and rooted in the lineage of the Wah Family System of Qigong, this famous school combines traditional Qigong knowledge with modern application and relevance.

Having trained and worked alongside all of our instructors, we wanted to learn more about John’s discovery of Qigong and journey.

How did you discover Qigong?

My journey into Qigong began when I was just a kid, around 10 years old. It all started with my mother, who was studying naturopathy at the time. As part of her training, she had a guest teacher introduce her to Qigong. She came home one day and showed our family what she had learned. I was completely fascinated by the idea of feeling and consciously directing my own energy through simple exercises. To my young mind, it was like being a Jedi, tapping into the force within me. That fascination stuck with me, and I continued to explore those simple exercises during my formative years.

Can you tell us about your first teacher?

I was fortunate to have a truly remarkable first Qigong teacher. His journey began in the 1950s in the UK, and his training was incredibly traditional. He learned a complete family system of Qigong, Chinese medicine, and Kung Fu, which was quite unusual for a Westerner at that time. What makes his story even more extraordinary is that his teacher, who was ethnically Chinese, had a unique background. During World War II, he was in Burma training the Ord Wingate troops for special operations. While he was away on one of these missions, his entire village, including his sons, was tragically wiped out by the Japanese. After the war, he returned to the UK with British troops and, with no one else to pass his family's practices to, he chose to train just two Westerners – one of whom was me.

What do you love about Qigong?

My journey in Qigong has been a fascinating one. Initially, I was drawn to the health aspects of the practice and used it as a healing modality. Later, I delved into its application within Kung Fu, expanding my horizons and seeking to develop extraordinary physical skills and abilities. As I continued on this path, I discovered that Qigong offers a unique perspective on life itself. It provides a lens through which I can see and understand the world in a richer and more coherent way. The flow of energy often connects seemingly unrelated events, and by focusing on this energy, I've become more aware of these connections. This awareness allows me to live in greater harmony with the natural flows of life.

What surprised you most about Qigong?

One of the most surprising things about Qigong, is that many aspects that might seem figurative in the practice are often more literal than you'd expect. While Qigong does use rich imagery and symbolism, I've encountered several instances where elements I thought were metaphorical turned out to have tangible, real-world applications. Over time, I've heard stories that I initially dismissed as myths and legends, only to discover grains of truth within them. These stories often get embellished as they're passed down, but beneath the embellishments lie valuable lessons. It sometimes takes years of practice to truly grasp their significance.

What inspired you to become an instructor?

Initially, my Qigong training focused on health and healing within a clinical setting. I was instructed not to teach anyone except for specific exercises as part of a prescription to aid in their recovery from health issues. While I respected that instruction, I always believed that sharing Qigong more comprehensively could empower people to improve their general health and well-being. When my teacher began teaching the practice more openly to the general public and granted me permission to do the same, it was a turning point. I started teaching a few classes alongside my clinical practice, but over time, my focus shifted more towards teaching, with clinical practice taking a backseat.

How did Long White Cloud Qigong begin?

In 2010, as I delved deeper into teaching Qigong, I established Long White Cloud Qigong. Through this platform, my goal was to make Qigong accessible to people worldwide and help them explore the breadth of this ancient practice. Qigong held immense value and benefits, but it was relatively unknown in many parts of the world. The historical secrecy surrounding the practices didn't help matters. Even those who had heard of it often had misconceptions about what Qigong truly entailed. Long White Cloud Qigong's approach blends traditional and modern perspectives to deepen our practice and make it relevant to our contemporary lives.

What’s your favourite thing about teaching Qigong?

What I cherish most about teaching is witnessing students gain their own practical understanding of energy, both within themselves and in the world around them. It's not just theory or myth; it's a real, tangible experience of energy flow. Additionally, it's incredibly rewarding to hear from students about the profound benefits they've received from their Qigong practice. Whether it's improvements in health, mental well-being, or overcoming life's challenges, these stories are a testament to the power of Qigong.

What are your thoughts on Hayo’uFit?

I absolutely love how Hayo'uFit is making Qigong accessible to a wide audience. Their dedication and enthusiasm are bringing Qigong to people who might have never encountered it otherwise. Hayo'uFit is making Qigong mainstream, allowing countless individuals to tap into their energy and harmonize with life.

What’s your favourite Qigong sequence?

I don't have a single favorite sequence because my practice evolves based on my current needs and circumstances. However, there are several sequences that I frequently turn to, such as Twelve Rivers, Between Heaven and Earth, Wild Animal Play, and Waking the Qi. Each of these sequences offers unique benefits and fits into different aspects of my life.

Do you have any hidden talents?

A little-known fact about me is that I was a sculptor for many years. Interestingly, this creative pursuit emerged from my deep Qigong practice. After I began my in-depth study and practice of Qigong, I found that increased creativity was a common side effect. For me, this creativity expressed itself through sculpting, primarily using stone but occasionally other materials as well. While I haven't had the opportunity to sculpt much recently, I anticipate revisiting this form of creative expression in the future.

What would you say to those looking to try Qigong?

To anyone considering giving Qigong a try, I would say this: Just do it! Start by following along with a video to get a taste of what Qigong is all about. It's a journey that will offer glimpses of how you can use your body, mind, and breath to tap into and harmonize your energy. When you're ready to dive deeper, seek out a qualified instructor who can guide you safely and comprehensively.

Hayo'uFit is a fantastic place to take that next step and deepen your practice. As you become more in tune with your energy and the energy around you, you'll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and connection.

In the name "Long White Cloud Qigong," envision your Qigong journey as ascending a mountain shrouded in clouds, where each step unveils vitality and mystery. With experienced guides like me and the Hayo'uFit team, you'll ascend to a breathtaking vista of well-being and harmony.