There are no exact definitions as to what internal and external martial arts actually are, but in essence, external schools are based on the virtues of muscular power and combat skills. Depending on the particular school, they emphasize speed, skill, kicking, striking and grappling. Internal martial arts by contrast, although they may include these elements, place more emphasis 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 overall goal of qi development and other internal exercises is to strengthen the body from within. This supports robust health and the ability to execute techniques with greater poise and skill. Healthy, physically strong practitioners can strike harder and more skillfully, and also better withstand opponents strikes. Optimum health also means these skills and capacities can be maintained well into one's 'retirement' years. Master practitioners remain formidable well into their 70's and 80's.
A key practice for qi development is breath control. Deep breathing combined with visualization is used to gather and direct qi. As part of this, students have to develop the ability to breathe from the lower abdomen. This takes practice since most people's breathing tends to be shallow and restricted to the upper chest. As students become adept at deep abdominal breathing, they become more sensitive to their qi and better able to direct it.
This sensitivity enables them to detect where qi may be blocked or where more or less may be needed. If imbalances are detected, they can be by alleviated by directing the qi appropriately. Deep breathing also enables practitioners to increase their oxygen intake. This helps boost the immediate energy needed for physical challenges, but it also supports 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 overall goal of qi development and other internal exercises is to strengthen the body from within. This supports robust health and the ability to execute techniques with greater poise and skill. Healthy, physically strong practitioners can strike harder and more skillfully, and also better withstand opponents strikes. Optimum health also means these skills and capacities can be maintained well into one's 'retirement' years. Master practitioners remain formidable well into their 70's and 80's.
A key practice for qi development is breath control. Deep breathing combined with visualization is used to gather and direct qi. As part of this, students have to develop the ability to breathe from the lower abdomen. This takes practice since most people's breathing tends to be shallow and restricted to the upper chest. As students become adept at deep abdominal breathing, they become more sensitive to their qi and better able to direct it.
This sensitivity enables them to detect where qi may be blocked or where more or less may be needed. If imbalances are detected, they can be by alleviated by directing the qi appropriately. Deep breathing also enables practitioners to increase their oxygen intake. This helps boost the immediate energy needed for physical challenges, but it also supports 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.
About the Author:
You can visit www.warriorsofstillness.com/ for more helpful information about A Brief Overview Of The Internal Martial Arts And How They Differ From External Approaches.
