Chi And Posture By Pete Starr

[Bob Hubbard]

CHI AND POSTURE

In the practice of martial arts, applying fajin (emission of power; chi) is inseperably linked to posture. This is a point that many students (and even teachers), especially those of the internal arts (neijia), misunderstand or miss altogether.

The idea is really pretty easy to grasp. Intrinsic energy (chi) travels through the body in a sort of invisibly circulatory system. There are various pathways through which it moves and the main ones have been known for some time (as per the practice of acupuncture). These are known collectively as jing-luo. While these channels are normally unseen by the naked eye, they actually have been seen by persons who have reached a high level of chigong.

Traditional acupuncture theory holds that if the energy (chi) does not travel smoothly through these channels or if it should become blocked for any reason, illness and/or pain will result. Needles may then be inserted at certain point where certain channels come up close to the surface of the skin, and they are then manipulated to help remove the blockage and/or smooth out the flow of energy.

In the practice of martial arts and forms of chigong, the ancients determined that there is a relationship between physical posture and the free flow of intrinsic energy. If the physical posture is such that it causes "kinks" in the energy channels, the energy will not move smoothly nor powerfully through them. A good analogy is that of water flowing through a hose. If the hose gets "kinked", the flow of water will be either reduced or cut off entirely.

This is why, in the practice of these arts, great emphasis is placed on precision in the performance of (martial arts) postures and movements. The physical posture must be just so and the movement(s) and posture must be in accordance with the laws of nature (ie., laws of physics and principles of kinesiology). The ancients regarded the whole notion of chi as simply being a part of nature; there was nothing particularly "magical" about it.

Like John Heilein said in one of his books, "One man's magic is another man's technology."

This is one of the reasons (not the only reason) why the practice of holding static postures was, and still is, so heavily emphasized in the practice of most internal martial arts. It was/is thought that only by holding a given type of posture for extended periods could one determine where all of the "kinks" are, and "fix them." Moreover, basic movements/techniques (which involve movement) should be practiced repeatedly - under the watchful eye of a qualified teacher - for the same reason.

For purposes of clarity, I refer to a "posture" as the ending position of a given technique. In the Chinese martial arts, these positions are often given colorful names such as Part the Wild Horse's Mane, Bengchuan, and White Snake Coils on Field, and so on. Japanese and Okinawan martial arts just name postures by the actual techniques they employ (which makes more sense to me) like reverse punch, side thrust kick, and so on.

A "movement" is what happens in between postures. It's how you get from one posture to the next. Very often, teachers and students alike maintain a vigilant watch over their postures to ensure that they're exactly right but they forget about what happens in between them...

Excessive or unnecessary tension in any of the muscles or other tissues can (and usually does) "constrict" certain energy channels so that the energy flow is greatly reduced. Students may have a lot of trouble determining if they're doing this (especially if they're normally tense anyway) and this is why a good teacher is so essential. He/She knows what to look for and can usually tell (and usually pretty quickly) if a given posture or movement is incorrect.

However, the postures and movements may look correct on the outside but still be incorrect on the inside. A "tense" mind can block the free flow of chi just as effectively as a tense body. Certain internal tissues can be overly tensed and obstruct the free flow of chi, too.

The mind's "intent" must also be properly focused. If you are holding a particular posture or executing a certain movement, you must not allow your mind to become distracted or "tense." At the same time, a mind which is too "flaccid", as it were, will have the same effect as one that is distracted or tense; it doesn't necessarily block the movement of chi but it doesn't help move it, either. Remember that chi moves only as the mind moves. Chi has no mind of it's own (although it may seem to, sometimes). It is not a living organism. It is simply energy that is directed by your mind.

Breathing plays a key role in the application of fajin. Remember that chi may also be translated as breath. Incorrect breathing technique can cause internal tensions, so to speak, and prevent smooth and easy transmission of energy. The Daoist technique of reverse breathing should be employed for best results (although there are certain more advanced breathing techniques as well).

When you have correct posture + correct mind + intent + proper breathing, you get fajin. It's very natural. You don't need to strain your brain trying to visualize a sudden pulse of chi shooting out your fist; it just happens very naturally. In fact, straining your brain ("trying too hard", mentally...or physically) creates internal tensions which obstruct the smooth movement of energy.

So in your practice, stay relaxed, stay calm, stay focused, and listen to your teacher. Take your time. Real martial skill is natural.

[marlon]

Thank you for the article. Could you please describe reverse breathing?

Respectfully,
Marlon

[Xue Sheng]

Very nice article.

[mantis]

Originally Posted by marlon

Thank you for the article. Could you please describe reverse breathing?

Respectfully,
Marlon

you expand your stomach when you inhale and you relax (kind of expand it too) it as you exhale

[mantis]

that's a very good article.
keep 'em coming.
thanks!

[donna]

I really enjoyed reading this article, Thanks

[Dragon_Palm_1987]

Could you elaborate on the distinction between Chi of the Internal Martial Arts (Neijia) and the External Martial Arts (Waijia)? A very good artical, by the way.

[pstarr]

The idea of intrinsic energy (chi) as it is referred to in both the neijia and waijia, is the same thing. The only difference is how these two types of martial arts approach it.

[J-Man]

Originally Posted by pstarr

The idea of intrinsic energy (chi) as it is referred to in both the neijia and waijia, is the same thing. The only difference is how these two types of martial arts approach it.

This may be a stupid question, but...does chi come into play in any of the grappling arts? Or is its use mainly for the internal and external standup martial arts? Just curious...

[pstarr]

Yes, chi is used frequently in various grappling forms. In the neijia (internal Chinese systems), many grappling techniques are employed and the manipulation of chi in the application of these techniques can make them that much more effective.

Aikido is another prime example-

[J-Man]

Originally Posted by pstarr

Yes, chi is used frequently in various grappling forms. In the neijia (internal Chinese systems), many grappling techniques are employed and the manipulation of chi in the application of these techniques can make them that much more effective.

Aikido is another prime example-

Thank you very much for the response. Any advice, besides Aikido, in exploring this further?

[pstarr]

To get a good handle on it you'd need to investigate one of the internal systems (Taijiquan and Baguazhang would be best as they both utilize a good deal of grappling).

[J-Man]

Originally Posted by pstarr

To get a good handle on it you'd need to investigate one of the internal systems (Taijiquan and Baguazhang would be best as they both utilize a good deal of grappling).

I will certainly look into those. Thank you!

[Mikael151]

Very informative post. I'm starting to learn the importance of this. It is extremely helpful.

[pstarr]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!