Many people new to martial arts are unsure as to the difference between internal and external approaches. While there are no hard and fast rules, in general, external schools focus on physical power and fighting skills. They aim to develop muscular strength and technical expertise. Internal martial arts on the other hand, have greater focus on mental, emotional 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.
This harmony of inner and outer practice can be a supreme advantage against aggressive opponents who tend to be rigid and unyielding in their approach. Much of this aplomb stems from the internal practitioner's strong qi. Qi is the invisible life energy that animates all living things, and circulates through the human body in well-defined pathways. Internal practitioners work diligently to increase their levels of qi and develop their ability to move and manipulate it.
The overall aim of this is to develop strength from within. This bolsters overall health and enables practitioners to execute their art with greater ease and skill. Strong, vital martial artists can land kicks and blows with greater force, and also better withstand the attacks of their opponents. Health and vitality also supports longevity. Master martial artists often maintain their formidable powers well into old age.
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.
They also begin to gain the ability to detect where their qi is blocked, or where there is too little or too much. They can then remedy these imbalances by directing their qi appropriately. In addition to greater faculty with qi, breath control also enables practitioners to take in more oxygen. This enhances mental and physical energy as well as boosting 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.
This harmony of inner and outer practice can be a supreme advantage against aggressive opponents who tend to be rigid and unyielding in their approach. Much of this aplomb stems from the internal practitioner's strong qi. Qi is the invisible life energy that animates all living things, and circulates through the human body in well-defined pathways. Internal practitioners work diligently to increase their levels of qi and develop their ability to move and manipulate it.
The overall aim of this is to develop strength from within. This bolsters overall health and enables practitioners to execute their art with greater ease and skill. Strong, vital martial artists can land kicks and blows with greater force, and also better withstand the attacks of their opponents. Health and vitality also supports longevity. Master martial artists often maintain their formidable powers well into old age.
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.
They also begin to gain the ability to detect where their qi is blocked, or where there is too little or too much. They can then remedy these imbalances by directing their qi appropriately. In addition to greater faculty with qi, breath control also enables practitioners to take in more oxygen. This enhances mental and physical energy as well as boosting 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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