There are no exact definitions as to what internal and external martial arts actually are, but in essence, external schools are based on the virtues of muscular power and combat skills. Depending on the particular school, they emphasize speed, skill, kicking, striking and grappling. Internal martial arts by contrast, although they may include these elements, place more emphasis on mental, emotional and spiritual development.
The emphasis here is on relaxation, soft, fluid movements and inner power. However, the lower-key nature of these styles should not distract from their utility as fighting/self-defense methods. They can be every bit as powerful and effective as the external forms.
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.
These hard skills combined with inner control can give internal practitioners a distinct advantage over their more aggressive external brethren. It's an inner poise that in large part comes from their development of qi. Qi, according to Chinese tradition, is the invisible life-force that animates all living things. It is the source of physical vitality and internal martial artists work to raise their qi and direct it around their bodies 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.
A key practice for qi development is breath control. Deep breathing combined with visualization is used to gather and direct qi. As part of this, students have to develop the ability to breathe from the lower abdomen. This takes practice since most people's breathing tends to be shallow and restricted to the upper chest. As students become adept at deep abdominal breathing, they become more sensitive to their qi and better able to direct it.
This sensitivity enables them to detect where qi may be blocked or where more or less may be needed. If imbalances are detected, they can be by alleviated by directing the qi appropriately. Deep breathing also enables practitioners to increase their oxygen intake. This helps boost the immediate energy needed for physical challenges, but it also supports overall health.
Indeed, in the US, and particularly in health-conscious regions like California, these forms (such as Qigong) have become hugely popular as a route to greater health and vitality. Many also seek the greater mental poise and peace of mind that internal training can provide. After only weeks of regular practice, many people find their minds becoming quieter and that they have a renewed sense of health and vigor. With long-term practice, the mental and physical benefits become profoundly life-changing.
The emphasis here is on relaxation, soft, fluid movements and inner power. However, the lower-key nature of these styles should not distract from their utility as fighting/self-defense methods. They can be every bit as powerful and effective as the external forms.
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.
These hard skills combined with inner control can give internal practitioners a distinct advantage over their more aggressive external brethren. It's an inner poise that in large part comes from their development of qi. Qi, according to Chinese tradition, is the invisible life-force that animates all living things. It is the source of physical vitality and internal martial artists work to raise their qi and direct it around their bodies 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.
A key practice for qi development is breath control. Deep breathing combined with visualization is used to gather and direct qi. As part of this, students have to develop the ability to breathe from the lower abdomen. This takes practice since most people's breathing tends to be shallow and restricted to the upper chest. As students become adept at deep abdominal breathing, they become more sensitive to their qi and better able to direct it.
This sensitivity enables them to detect where qi may be blocked or where more or less may be needed. If imbalances are detected, they can be by alleviated by directing the qi appropriately. Deep breathing also enables practitioners to increase their oxygen intake. This helps boost the immediate energy needed for physical challenges, but it also supports overall health.
Indeed, in the US, and particularly in health-conscious regions like California, these forms (such as Qigong) have become hugely popular as a route to greater health and vitality. Many also seek the greater mental poise and peace of mind that internal training can provide. After only weeks of regular practice, many people find their minds becoming quieter and that they have a renewed sense of health and vigor. With long-term practice, the mental and physical benefits become profoundly life-changing.
About the Author:
You can visit www.warriorsofstillness.com/ for more helpful information about A Brief Overview Of The Internal Martial Arts And How They Differ From External Approaches.
No comments:
Post a Comment