There are no hard and fast rules as to what constitutes an internal vs. An external martial art, but broadly, external approaches focus on the development of physical power and skills. The emphasis is on muscular strength and powerful movements. Internal martial arts on the other hand, have more focus on mental and spiritual development.
This is reflected in softer, more relaxed, fluid movements and quiet power. This low-key approach should not however distract from their very real utility as fighting and self-defense techniques. The controlled, gracious movements of the internal practitioner can be powerful and deadly.
In fact, although there is much focus on inner work, muscular strength and overall physical poise are by no means neglected. Exercises in hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, stance and stretching exercises can all form part an internal approach. The aim though, is always to incorporate physical prowess into a broader alignment and coordination of mind, body and spirit.
The inner calm and emotional control developed by internal practitioners can often give them an edge over their more overly aggressive external counterparts. This inner poise comes in large measure from the development of qi. This is the formless, invisible life-force energy that according to Chinese tradition, circulates throughout the human body. Internal practices aim to develop qi levels and the ability to move it around the body at will.
The overarching goal of qi development is to strengthen the body from the inside-out. This fosters physical health and a greater capacity to execute techniques with skill and poise. A healthy individual can hit better and harder, and also be better able to withstand an opponent's blows. Robust health also enables practitioners to maintain their abilities well into old age. Many masters of these arts remain a force to be reckoned with well into their 70's.
One of the main ways that qi is developed is through breath work. It is generated and manipulated through specialized deep breathing techniques and involves re-training students to breathe from the abdomen. This can be challenging since most people habitually breathe shallowly and from the upper chest. However, once learned, students can begin to increase their qi and become attuned to its presence in their bodies.
An important aspect of this greater sensitivity is the ability to detect where qi has become blocked, or where there is too much or too little. These imbalances can be remedied by focusing and manipulating the qi in the areas of the body that are affected. In addition to qi development, deeper, fuller breathing allows for a much greater intake of oxygen. This gives practitioners greater reserves of energy as well as supporting overall health.
It's this health aspect that is appealing to many people in the US, especially in health-conscious states like California. Internal approaches like Qigong have become hugely popular as a way to optimum health and vitality. They are also popular with those who seek greater peace of mind. Just a few weeks of regular practice is enough for many students to notice a difference in their mental and physical well-being. Longer-term practice enables these changes to become profound and life-changing.
This is reflected in softer, more relaxed, fluid movements and quiet power. This low-key approach should not however distract from their very real utility as fighting and self-defense techniques. The controlled, gracious movements of the internal practitioner can be powerful and deadly.
In fact, although there is much focus on inner work, muscular strength and overall physical poise are by no means neglected. Exercises in hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, stance and stretching exercises can all form part an internal approach. The aim though, is always to incorporate physical prowess into a broader alignment and coordination of mind, body and spirit.
The inner calm and emotional control developed by internal practitioners can often give them an edge over their more overly aggressive external counterparts. This inner poise comes in large measure from the development of qi. This is the formless, invisible life-force energy that according to Chinese tradition, circulates throughout the human body. Internal practices aim to develop qi levels and the ability to move it around the body at will.
The overarching goal of qi development is to strengthen the body from the inside-out. This fosters physical health and a greater capacity to execute techniques with skill and poise. A healthy individual can hit better and harder, and also be better able to withstand an opponent's blows. Robust health also enables practitioners to maintain their abilities well into old age. Many masters of these arts remain a force to be reckoned with well into their 70's.
One of the main ways that qi is developed is through breath work. It is generated and manipulated through specialized deep breathing techniques and involves re-training students to breathe from the abdomen. This can be challenging since most people habitually breathe shallowly and from the upper chest. However, once learned, students can begin to increase their qi and become attuned to its presence in their bodies.
An important aspect of this greater sensitivity is the ability to detect where qi has become blocked, or where there is too much or too little. These imbalances can be remedied by focusing and manipulating the qi in the areas of the body that are affected. In addition to qi development, deeper, fuller breathing allows for a much greater intake of oxygen. This gives practitioners greater reserves of energy as well as supporting overall health.
It's this health aspect that is appealing to many people in the US, especially in health-conscious states like California. Internal approaches like Qigong have become hugely popular as a way to optimum health and vitality. They are also popular with those who seek greater peace of mind. Just a few weeks of regular practice is enough for many students to notice a difference in their mental and physical well-being. Longer-term practice enables these changes to become profound and life-changing.
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