Qi.
氣.
One of the most enigmatic concepts in Chinese martial arts is Qi. Its intricacies are often lost in translation, as many English speakers attempt to grasp its essence without a deep understanding of the language or culture. When I reflect on my own journey, I recall being initially taught by my Ging Wu Shifu that Qi was synonymous with 'life energy'—an elusive force that could be felt coursing through the body, purportedly capable of creating profound changes. However, as a Western-educated individual, this notion initially led me down a path of skepticism, akin to believing in magic rather than practical training methods. Needless to say, this perspective was not particularly conducive to my early years of martial arts training.
Qi is a Verb, not a Noun.
From a Western-educated standpoint, it proves more fruitful to conceptualize Qi as a verb rather than a noun. It is not a static entity but rather an ongoing action or process—a dynamic force representing the intricate relationships between all factors involved in bringing about a transformation. Whether it's the ignition of friction into fire or the comforting aroma of a mother's cooking evoking a sense of safety, Qi is at play in every interaction.
By viewing Qi as a process, we can dispel notions of mystical powers and instead focus on understanding the complex relationships within and outside our bodies.
Types of Qi
Nei Qi (內氣), or 'Inside Relationships,' serves as the foundational stage of understanding this concept. Experienced practitioners with impeccable body mechanics seemingly possess inexplicable power. The seamless cascades of muscular contraction, when well-trained, appear unnaturally potent. This is what is meant by having 'strong Qi.' Furthermore, strong Qi also correlates with overall good health, a crucial component of martial arts practice.
Training to develop strong internal Qi involves honing specific internal relationships. It entails consistently aligning oneself with fundamental principles to engage the entire body. For instance, during my training with my brother Shug, he often reminded me to lower my 'Qi.' In his teacher's parlance, this meant sinking my chest to establish a stronger root. When the body's center shifts from the chest to the hips and abdomen (dantian 丹田), a sense of heaviness and stability emerges.
Yi Ling Qi (意領氣 Mind leads the Qi)
What does this entail? It involves directing the mind to the hips or abdomen and initiating muscle contractions for movement from there. As the saying goes, 'the mind leads the Qi.' Thus, understanding the task at hand is essential for the Qi to follow the mind. The mind must initiate the chain of events, ensuring that each step unfolds in the correct order—a harmonious process.
'Lower your Qi': Focus your mind on your belly.
Wai Qi (外氣), or 'Outside Qi,' delves into the study of relationships beyond one's own body. This encompasses employing martial techniques on an opponent or managing emotions like anger to prevent conflict. In both scenarios, the individual assumes responsibility for orchestrating these external relationships. A skilled martial artist compels their opponent to align with their Wai Qi, thus averting or swiftly resolving violence. If an individual possesses strong internal Qi, they can influence an opponent's organizational relationships, disrupting or incapacitating them.
Taking command of the relationships within our own bodies entails scrutinizing aspects often overlooked. Consider the quality and depth of our breathing—a facet most people seldom contemplate. Proper respiration can positively impact various bodily relationships, exemplifying the concept of 'Qi healing.' Cultivate good relationships to foster health.
Qigong Training
Here are some examples of qigong (Qi work) training:
Slowing respiration to 4 to 6 breaths per minute during seated practice.
Standing and releasing bodily tension, allowing the skeletal system to support the body's weight.
Releasing tension and suddenly dropping body weight through a single hand, a component of iron palm training, emphasizing relaxation over tension.
Transitioning from limb-centric motions to fluid ripples of movement throughout the body, altering the origin points of movement, as exemplified in Zuiquan's pre-heaven generated force.
More esoteric Qi methods often involve Wai Qi, affecting relationships beyond our bodies. A tangible example of this is maneuvering an opponent to change the dynamics of a confrontation—akin to Sun Zi's adage, 'Keep the sun over your left shoulder.' By altering the opponent's relationship with the sun, one gains a strategic advantage.
Esoteric methods often lead to misconceptions about Qi, often due to the nature of these exercises and inadequate instruction. However, delving into these methods is beyond the scope of this essay. Nonetheless, consider the example of manipulating an opponent's emotions. Just as you experience fear and confidence, so does your opponent, influenced by your projection of emotions. Controlling these emotional dynamics is crucial in combat scenarios.
Three essential elements characterize this type of training and understanding:
Real Knowledge: Acquiring knowledge from a teacher, understanding the methods and their intricacies, and engaging in discussions to clarify any uncertainties.
Real Experience: Gained through direct practice, offering firsthand insights rather than relying on hearsay or literature.
Real Wisdom: A culmination of genuine knowledge and experience, guiding practitioners toward deeper understanding and mastery. True wisdom emerges from this synergy, distinguishing between authentic insights and illusions.
Through 40 years of practice, I've learned the importance of revisiting the basics— not just the physical movements but also the relationships within and with them. Each refinement, whether in likes and dislikes or errors and successes, gradually transforms everything. My advice is to delve into language and culture for deeper understanding, especially for those whose martial arts training has primarily focused on physical movements. That's where our journey often begins.
