internal martial arts

Chinese martial arts are broadly split into two categories: external martial arts and internal martial arts. In reality, it is sometimes difficult to categorise any particular system as internal or external as it is likely to contain aspects of both. For example, many of the Shaolin animal styles manifest themselves as outwardly external, very powerful styles, but the training within those systems incorporates meditative practices called qigong. Qigong is used for cultivating the mind and "qi" of the practitioner and is normally a practice associated with the internal arts. Similarly, the internal martial art called xingyiquan looks like an external art but does not use muscular force in the same sense that the external art would.

There are several Chinese internal martial arts, but the three most well-known are xingyiquan, baguazhang and taijiquan.

Xingyiquan (Hsing-I Chuan) - Shape Intention Boxing

Xingyiquan, usually referred to simply as "xingyi" is a very powerful martial art, devised as a battlefield fighting system. The training consists of three main parts: qigong, using the "Three Body Posture"; the Five Elemental Fists techniques; and the animal forms, where techniques are taught that mimic the actions of various animals. It is sometimes said of xingyi that it is easy to learn, but hard to master. The techniques look external to the untrained observer, but the xingyi practitioner's body is totally soft and relaxed during fighting, except at the moments when landing punches, when the energy is released in an explosive manner. Xingyi is a very direct, almost linear style, ideal for close range fighting. To see an example of xingyi, watch Jet Li in the movie "The One" - the villain does xingyi.

Baguazhang (Pa Kua Chang) - Eight Diagram Palm

Bagua is a very different style, and can appear baffling to an observer when watching an expert demonstrating one of its forms (kata). It is a style designed for defending against multiple opponents and can be effective at all ranges. It emphasises firm, rapid footwork, and the majority of the techniques are circular. It is common to see a bagua practitioner move in and out of a group of opponents, swooping down low to uproot and throw, or quickly take up a position behind an opponent to strike while they are confused. Once again, bagua pays close attention to qigong, and being relaxed in body and mind during confrontation, and so maintains its status as an internal martial art. In the movie "The One" Jet Li - as the hero - also demonstrates bagua forms and applications.

Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) - Supreme Pole Boxing

Tai chi is the internal martial art that most people instantly recognise, although they do not immediately think of it as a martial art. Many of the training forms are performed very slowly, although there are also some advanced routines which are performed explosively fast. In tai chi, the fighting applications are hidden somewhat within the slowness of the forms, but when used in real self-defense situations, the techniques issue their force like a whip; soft, but powerful and penetrating. Everything within tai chi is aimed at developing power, and at using that power in combat situations without losing balance. To gain a thorough understanding of the principles of tai chi for fighting takes many years. The route to that understanding provides other benefits, such as better general health, which is why many people who have no interest in the martial aspects of the art still wish to learn it.

Why Study Internal Martial Arts?

The three main internal styles of kung fu described above, and the other rarer styles such as yiquan and liuhe bafa, are suitable for all age groups, and are beneficial for health and well-being. They tend not to rely on brute force and physical strength, but rather to absorb or redirect an opponents energy. An internal stylist will use the attacker's force against him, rather than meeting it head on. Although the forms practised in these styles look beautiful when performed correctly, they are not designed to be flamboyant, as each technique has a specific purpose, and uses the minimum effort to get the desired result in, for example, a self-defense situation.

Many masters in these arts are able to continue practising well into their eighties, and often they will attribute their longevity itself to the fact they spent years doing their tai chi or bagua or xingyi. That is the best part about internal martial arts; you are never too old to start learning them.