Hsing-Chen Internal Martial Arts Defined >> Chi Arts Association

The internal martial arts represent an evolutionary point in human history. Unique features the internal arts such as the use of highly efficient mechanics, the development of internal energy and effectiveness through a focused, but tension-free method which allows elements of consciousness and refinement to merge with physical self-defense discipline. These arts, when correctly taught, open the mind to awareness of new possibilities. Through the study of these methods, skills develop that are employable in daily life such as the use of subtleness in conflict resolution, the understanding of the relationship of how the way that one thinks affects one’s bioenergetic field, the power of choosing not to be "in fear" and the power of softness to defeat a hard attack.

The internal martial arts can be challenging. They are much more than a method of fighting and to master them requires more than form or physical strength. Penetration into the secrets of internal boxing necessitates the merging of spirit and Will with internal energy which opens the individual to the secrets of "soft power" attributes which involve not only mechanical skills but an inner journey to the essence of being to discover one’s inner reservoir of courage, truth and the calling to act in a noble way.

Of all the combative arts, the authentic internal arts are the most difficult to study. In these arts, success is not only measured by objective measure such the ability to defeat one or more opponents, but includes less concrete goals such as the degree of peace, inner harmony and self-healing that one gains from practice.

Internal Martial Arts
The internal martial arts represent an evolutionary point in human history. Unique features the internal arts such as the use of highly efficient mechanics, the development of internal energy and effectiveness through a focused, but tension-free method which allows elements of consciousness and refinement to merge with physical self-defense discipline. These arts, when correctly taught, open the mind to awareness of new possibilities. Through the study of these methods, skills develop that are employable in daily life such as the use of subtleness in conflict resolution, the understanding of the relationship of how the way that one thinks affects one’s bioenergetic field, the power of choosing not to be "in fear" and the power of softness to defeat a hard attack. The internal martial arts can be challenging. They are much more than a method of fighting and to master them requires more than form or physical strength. Penetration into the secrets of internal boxing necessitates the merging of spirit and Will with internal energy which opens the individual to the secrets of "soft power" attributes which involve not only mechanical skills but an inner journey to the essence of being to discover one’s inner reservoir of courage, truth and the calling to act in a noble way. Of all the combative arts, the authentic internal arts are the most difficult to study. In these arts, success is not only measured by objective measure such the ability to defeat one or more opponents, but includes less concrete goals such as the degree of peace, inner harmony and self-healing that one gains from practice. The Internal Arts are not only for the young. For many, one of the most attractive features of the internal arts is that they can be practiced for one’s entire life. In contrast, arts that rely on torque, being repeatedly thrown, forceful contact, and the snapping of one’s joints during exercise tend to be limited to a youthful and strong participant and carry with them the inevitable promise of future pain and discomfort as one ages. The sects of Chinese martial arts that became known as "internal" are most notably those going by the names Ba Gua (Pa Kua), Hsing I (Xingyi) and Tai Chi (taiji), (however, there are a few others which can correctly be categorized as "internal"). Internal martial arts are characterized by effortless power, grace, compassion, dignity, respect, honor, internal energy, aspirations toward evolved thinking, and mastery of Mind, Breath and most importantly *the ability to demonstrate* soft Power. Ways to study the internal arts with Hsing Chen: Paths the explorer & self-healer? Or, The warrior ? Choose your path… Are the Internal Martial Arts practical? The Explorer & Healer MORE INFO Those who choose the Path of the explorer and healer learn to understand the amazing power and art of Mind-Body connection. Through methods of Taoist yoga, breathing arts, "standing practice," Tai Chi and other art forms and energetic and traditional Chinese medicine. On their journey they learn a Mind-Body training regimen that they can practice their entire life. Whether they pursue these methods as an alternate to, or as a complement to regular gym workouts and standard athletics, these gentle and healthful arts teach them to become aware of their internal energy and master one of the arts of moving meditation. WHAT IF I WANT TO STUDY BOTH PATHS? This is an excellent way to study, and many of our students choose both paths. Each areas works to build upon the skills of the others. For example, through participation in a traditional healing workshop one tends to become sensitive to the movement and flow of internal energy, which in turn, increases one’s success in being able to direct internal energy in a martial way. Likewise, when one studies efficient body mechanics, one learns healthful ways to hold the body and repair old injuries, which is a tremendous aid in allowing one to become more effective as a healer. The Warrior MORE INFO Those who choose the Path of the warrior have one or more of the following goals: A desire to learn ways of effective self-defense that relies less on size and strength and more on efficient leverage and sensitivity. A desire to learn how internal energy can be trained in such a way that increases one effectiveness in real self-defense situations. Those choosing the path of the warrior, learn to concentrate on one or more of the following areas: Ba Gua Zhang Tai Chi Chuan Hsing I Chuan Internal Shaolin Hsing Chen Kung Fu (comprehensive training) TRAINING FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS FROM OTHER STYLES MORE INFO FOR CHIEF INSTRUCTORS OF SMALL GROUPS AND OWNERS OF MARTIAL ART SCHOOLS: ADD AUTHENTIC INTERNAL ARTS TRAINING TO YOUR CURRICULUM! MORE INFO The important points about genuine internal martial arts: Mind is emphasized over brute strength. Develop and control inner qi (ch'i). Movement principles applied from Taoist Yoga. Body hardening not advised. (hand hardening, tension and torque are throw-backs to pre-taoist martial arts) In books authored during the 1920s he was the first person to write extensively on the internal martial arts and identify Hsing I, Ba Gua (pa kua), and T'ai Chi as being of the same family. His definition of these styles as "internal" stuck and today these styles are nearly always referred to as "internal." Consider the following quotes taken from one of the the first writings published on the internal arts written in the late 1800s by Li I-Yu, translated by Douglas Wile in lost Tai-Chi classics of the late Ching Dynasty. "How wonderful is T'ai Chi Chuan whose movements follow nature. The whole body filled with one unbroken chi. Use the mind and not strength. The body feels relaxed and the chi lively. For everywhere chi goes there is a manifestation in the body. All this is a function of the mind and has nothing to do with brute force. Movement arises from stillness, But even in movement there is stillness. The spirit leads the chi in its movement...Let the strongest aggressor attack us, While four ounces deflects a thousand pounds."

The Internal Arts are not only for the young. For many, one of the most attractive features of the internal arts is that they can be practiced for one’s entire life. In contrast, arts that rely on torque, being repeatedly thrown, forceful contact, and the snapping of one’s joints during exercise tend to be limited to a youthful and strong participant and carry with them the inevitable promise of future pain and discomfort as one ages.

The sects of Chinese martial arts that became known as "internal" are most notably those going by the names Ba Gua (Pa Kua), Hsing I (Xingyi) and Tai Chi (taiji), (however, there are a few others which can correctly be categorized as "internal"). Internal martial arts are characterized by effortless power, grace, compassion, dignity, respect, honor, internal energy, aspirations toward evolved thinking, and mastery of Mind, Breath and most importantly the ability to demonstrate soft Power.

Paths

The Explorer & Healer

Those who choose the Path of the explorer and healer learn to understand the amazing power and art of Mind-Body connection. Through methods of Taoist yoga, breathing arts, "standing practice," Tai Chi and other art forms and energetic and traditional Chinese medicine. On their journey they learn a Mind-Body training regimen that they can practice their entire life. Whether they pursue these methods as an alternate to, or as a complement to regular gym workouts and standard athletics, these gentle and healthful arts teach them to become aware of their internal energy and master one of the arts of moving meditation.

WHAT IF I WANT TO STUDY BOTH PATHS?

This is an excellent way to study, and many of our students choose both paths. Each areas works to build upon the skills of the others. For example, through participation in a traditional healing workshop one tends to become sensitive to the movement and flow of internal energy, which in turn, increases one’s success in being able to direct internal energy in a martial way. Likewise, when one studies efficient body mechanics, one learns healthful ways to hold the body and repair old injuries, which is a tremendous aid in allowing one to become more effective as a healer.

The Warrior

Those who choose the Path of the warrior have one or more of the following goals: A desire to learn ways of effective self-defense that relies less on size and strength and more on efficient leverage and sensitivity. A desire to learn how internal energy can be trained in such a way that increases one effectiveness in real self-defense situations. Those choosing the path of the warrior, learn to concentrate on one or more of the following areas:

Ba Gua Zhang

Tai Chi Chuan

Hsing I Chuan

Internal Shaolin

Hsing Chen Kung Fu (comprehensive training)

FOR CHIEF INSTRUCTORS OF SMALL GROUPS AND OWNERS OF MARTIAL ART SCHOOLS: ADD AUTHENTIC INTERNAL ARTS TRAINING TO YOUR CURRICULUM!
MORE INFO

Mind is emphasized over brute strength.
Develop and control inner qi (ch'i).
Movement principles applied from Taoist Yoga. Body hardening not advised. (hand hardening, tension and torque are throw-backs to pre-taoist martial arts)

In books authored during the 1920s he was the first person to write extensively on the internal martial arts and identify Hsing I, Ba Gua (pa kua), and T'ai Chi as being of the same family. His definition of these styles as "internal" stuck and today these styles are nearly always referred to as "internal." Consider the following quotes taken from one of the the first writings published on the internal arts written in the late 1800s by Li I-Yu, translated by Douglas Wile in lost Tai-Chi classics of the late Ching Dynasty.

"How wonderful is T'ai Chi Chuan whose movements follow nature. The whole body filled with one unbroken chi. Use the mind and not strength. The body feels relaxed and the chi lively. For everywhere chi goes there is a manifestation in the body. All this is a function of the mind and has nothing to do with brute force. Movement arises from stillness, But even in movement there is stillness. The spirit leads the chi in its movement...Let the strongest aggressor attack us, While four ounces deflects a thousand pounds."