by
Michael Jones
Newcomers
to internal martial arts (neijia) typically encounter
a
fundamentally
different approach to training the body than associated
with external martial arts. There is often a great deal
to be unlearned. In the West, attaining physical skill
is commonly associated with vigorous direct training of
muscular strength, speed and mobility. To the Taiji, Xingyi,
or Bagua novice, the different approach of internal martial
arts training methods may seem somewhat counter-intuitive.
Although speed, strength and mobility are ultimately desirable
fighting attributes, traditional internal martial arts
first train slowly without power and even in static postures
(zhan zhuang). Of course, after building a proper foundation,
a skilled neijia adept often can move with surprising
stealthy speed, hit with startling power, and smoothly
change nimbly in relation to his opponent(s). When watching
a high-level neijia master, sometimes it seems as if his
optimal body mechanics and tactical mastery of the situation
enable him to win even without apparent strength or speed.
The
basic distinguishing characteristic of internal martial
arts is to focus primarily on developing the use of the
mind-intent (yi) to direct movement. The three internal
harmonies (nei san he) are commonly expressed: as heart
(xin)leads mind (yi); mind leads qi; qi leads strength
(li).
Training
slowly without power is conducive to focusing the mind
to consciously conduct force from the ground through the
legs, directed by the waist,augmented by the spine, and
ultimately expressed at the hands. Unless one trains slowly
and deliberately, it is difficult to study the body in
close enough detail to optimize one's movement and structural
alignments. If one uses power initially, one interferes
with one's ability to relaxedly repattern body movement
in an optimal way, kind of like a plumber trying to connect
up a plumbing system while pressurized water is running
through it.
However,
traditional neijia training even goes so far as to learn
to use the mind-intent while one is standing in a stationary
upright posture to optimize relaxed body alignments that
permit, and even encourage the "flow of qi" fully and
completely through the body. If one is able to first develop
this quality in zhan zhuang (standing post) training,
one can then attempt to incorporate this skill while moving.
Although one's body is still, the mind-intent is moving.
Later, while moving the body, one's mind becomes still
and calm.
Michael
Jones, writing for Plum Publications for the first time,
is the Editor of INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS, a bimonthly print
journal published by Six Harmonies Press since June, 1999.
This is a publication dealing in depth with T'ai Chi,
Ba Gua, Chi Kung, Xing Yi and others such internal arts.
Please contact him at www.sixharmonies.org.