Internal Energy

Date: Weds, 25 January 2006

I ended last year with an issue discussing Chi – Ki or Qi – if you like.  And I said I’d try to tell you how internal energy works in martial arts.

What I’m about to tell you is a working definition that helps students learn how to move in a way that is true to the internal arts like tai chi.

This is a mechanical definition, not a metaphysical one.

Using “internal energy” means simply – moving from the ground up and through the core, rather than primarily moving the limbs.

That’s why it’s called “internal,” you use rotation to move from deep within the core, rather than developing momentum by swinging the limbs.

Tai Chi emphasizes weight shift, rotation and, to a lesser degree, push pull. That’s why tai chi is called an internal art.

Do boxers do that same thing?  You bet.  Study the mechanics of a left hook and tell me the move isn’t about torso, instead of arm.

Does that make boxing an “internal art.”  No.  But it does mean that elements of internal training are in boxing, as they are in kung fu and other “external” forms.

Likewise, tai chi has external elements.  The next time someone tries to argue with you about “purity” of form and so on, remind them that things aren’t black and white.

Show them a picture of the yin yang symbol.  Contrary to what they might think, the yin yang isn’t black and white.  Really, it isn’t.

It’s white, with a little black, and black with a little white.

I hope this bare bones, working definition of internal helps you.

Until next time, train like you mean it.

Rob LaPointe