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.
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.
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 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.
Central to the development of qi is breath control. All of the internal schools place great emphasis on deep breathing as a way to generate and direct qi. This demands the practice of breathing from the lower abdomen. This is in contrast to most people's habitual breathing patterns which tend to be shallow and centered in the upper chest. As practitioners develop deep, abdominal breathing, they become skilled in the art feeling and directing qi.
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.
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.
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 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.
Central to the development of qi is breath control. All of the internal schools place great emphasis on deep breathing as a way to generate and direct qi. This demands the practice of breathing from the lower abdomen. This is in contrast to most people's habitual breathing patterns which tend to be shallow and centered in the upper chest. As practitioners develop deep, abdominal breathing, they become skilled in the art feeling and directing qi.
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.
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.
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