* Special Articles - Chi in the Martial Arts

 

Chi in the Martial Arts –By SiGung Scott Winokur- Master Instructor

Chi – What is it ? How do I get it? What do you do with it? Chi is the Bio-Electromagnetic energy and vital life force contained within everything in our universe. This energy is also called Ki, Prana, or even Kime, in different cultures, and from different countries. It is the essential element the keeps us alive. For example, if the battery in a toy, gameboy, or even cell phone runs out of energy the toy or cell phone stops working, the same applies to one’s Chi. Chi is like the concept that the spirit of G-D is outside the body and the same spirit is also contained within.  If the practitioner can project his or her chi outside the body, the chi is called external chi. If the practitioner chi flows freely inside the body in is called internal chi. With developed internal chi, one is not susceptible to injury, the body usually stays healthier and the chi flow may be directed by the practitioners will.  Chi can be used by the individual flush out toxins and ill –feelings inside, and or outside the body. Chi helps to maintain balance and the basic functions or the organs, thus inducing harmony. As the chi level of the practitioner increases, it relaxes and massages the organs. Chi can also strengthen and enhance the unique connection humans have with nature, raising one’s awareness to range from the Bio-Physical, to Metaphysical, to Quantum Physical levels, and beyond. Over the last 25-30 years many groups and scientists have investigated the effectiveness of chi Kung (energy breathing exercises) for healing. Even the military, (Navy Seals, Rangers, Tactical Teams, even FBI), have invested time in chi kung/meditation, and visualization training, and study of the brain under combat and stress situations. This study of the amydala the 2 thumbnail size trigger that controls fear, and panic, can be controlled by mediation and visualization techniques, (table meditation set). Scientist have also conducted many studies on how chi helps Cancer, Aids, Fiber Malaysia, and other ailments.  Many Hospitals, Universities, and private or government funded programs continue to investigate the future uses of human energy systems. The way this mysterious force works is through breathing (chi kung-energy breathing exercises), one gets oxygen charged red blood cells in the bloodstream enhancing metabolism and many other things, you never even think about. But it is the ions in the red blood cell that do the real work. Through internal or external training (especially internal), the ions get excited and become more active, hence the circulation is increased. In external training the heart rate will rise, but with internal training the heart rate only rises slightly, much less than with external training. Only when the person is in harmony will the heart rate, and body regulations be met. When doing Chi Kung (energy raising/breathing techniques), the heart rate should only rise slightly, one should be relaxed and connected. To understand some of these principles we look at Chinese Medicine where we learn that it is the chi, not the heart that regulates blood circulation.  Many people have harnessed the energy of chi, and practice it in many forms such as Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Wing Chun, White Willow, as well as many types of martial arts, and religious practices. Most martial arts, yoga, and pilates have some type of Chi, Ki, Prana training either external or internal, however the use of chi or energy is not limited to martial arts. For example, acupuncture stimulates and or regulates the chi flow inside the body. A simple explanation of how you can cultivate chi is that one must be of good moral character and ethical behavior. One must learn to focus attention and become sensitive, and more aware of surroundings. One must also align oneself with the universe. To do this one must use the big Yin-Yang (the harmony of the external environment) to line up one’s own small Yin-Yang (within oneself). To achieve harmony within, meditation and guided imagery will begin to still the conscious level mind, allowing the sub-conscious mind (intuitive mind), to awaken, thus connecting sub-conscious mind to the super – conscious mind (divine mind) opening the possibilities. At these next levels one can really begin to focus on utilizing the the emotions by interjecting the intellect or super – conscious mind. Though all of this process, one has balanced, focused attention, and learned to still and control their emotions (pride, aggression, fear,) as well more control over stressful situations. Then allowing the light of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to permeate the entire essence of the individual.

* for more information on this subject or others speak to Si Gung Scott, contact info below or email me at eightanimalkungfu@yahoo.com 

 

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