Qi

Qi (or Chi) is in everything alive, because it is life. This energy is very universal, but it comes from ancient Asian traditions. The word is not translatable in English. For that reason it is a sound instead of a word, “chee.” So Qi, Chi, and Ki are all refer to the same energy. “Chi is the life force energy that makes you a living being,” writes Sue Benton the author of Chi Fitness (2001) which is a book described as “A Workout for Body, Mind, and Spirit.” Benton also writes, “Whatever system of thought you follow, as a sentient being you can learn to manage your chi to realize your highest potential.” Science cannot prove the existence of Qi, but its power is undeniable. “Qi is a invisible subtle force. We know it exists the same way we know sunlight and wind exist,” writes Ken Cohen in The Way Of Qigong (1997).

The art of using, cultivating, and maintaining Qi has been used by the Asian cultures for centuries. They have developed tranquil techniques of relaxing and cultivating Qi in the form of Qi Gong, as well as fighting techniques such as Kung Fu. But whether you use Qi to relieve stress in the form of Tai Chi or to defend yourself with Aikido, the basic elements are the same and the goal is the same: to be able to use four ounces of pressure to move a thousand pounds and to be as fluid as a river while being as strong as steel. In the moment of relaxing or fighting, the ultimate goal is to be relaxed. Qi is always flowing through you. You’ll never have to engage in a fight because Qi is always protecting you and warding off enemies. If a fight begins then you will be able to act before and with your opponent because relaxation has put you in the moment. Reaction is slower than action.

Beginners need to practice exercises such as Qi Gong to achieve the wisdom of Qi. However, the master will not have to take time out to practice. Instead, his or her life will be his or her practice. With every step, every motion, and every breath, the master is using the art to perform the task. Such cultivation and usage of Qi will lead to being whole with the universe and feeling healthy. This takes a great amount of concentration, emotional stability, and spiritual connections.

If you want to achieve such an ultimate goal of using Qi, then you must start by practicing some form of the art for a period of time each day until it can be done all the time. Every person is unique so each person should discover a particular type that will benefit him or her the most. Consequently, there have been many masters who have developed their own form that meet their needs and later their students’ needs. Each teacher that teaches a form has changed the form slightly, consciously or unconsciously. Therefore, the list of styles is endless.

First, the most basic type of Qi cultivation is called Qi Gong or Chi Kung. The translation is based on the sound because Chinese does not use English letters. Therefore, Chi and Qi are the same words and are pronounced the same, chee. In Qi Gong, simple repetitive movements are used for being, feeling, moving, and creating Qi. “For people with health challenges as well as those who simply wish to increase their personal energy and inner calm, ancient Chinese Qigong could be the gift of a lifetime,” writes Roger Jahnke in the book The Healing Promise Of Qi (2002).Qi Gong can be done by a person of any age but children usually find it to be boring, thus they will not be able to feel the flow of Qi. It takes very little space and no equipment. Also, the series of moves can be done quickly or can be done for a long period of time for different effects. The mental state is very serene and the mental goal is to relax the mind and not think needlessly for a time. Emotionally, the rush of adrenaline will not be felt by an active type of person. Instead, the rush of Qi will create a similar feeling of euphoria. Spiritually, this practice will allow the chakras to open and universal energy to flow. There are some motions that directly apply to prayer and mantras.

Tai Chi Chung is the blending of these aspects used in Qi Gong into a form which symbolizes fighting and defending moves. The movements are based on aspects of nature. It allows the practitioner to be as fluid, flexible, and slippery as water, but in an instant deliver a punch, kick, or push that is as powerful, fast, and dangerous as a bolt of lightning. One moment a person practicing Tai Chi Chung may be simply breathing, exercising, and stretching the body to maintain good health, but if confronted by an attacker this same person may suddenly turn that exercise into a quick mode of self-defense. This ability was originally developed in the ancient days of China to defend oneself or family. Still, this is not the only use for Tai Chi Chung. It involves body mechanics, which can help achieve and maintain a healthy body. Its breathing exercises expand and strengthen the lungs. The fluid, easy movements stretch the body’s muscles without strain, and the body mechanics can be applied to every day life to make every action effortlessly beneficial.

Anyone can practice this ancient art. It is great for calming the young and exhilarating the old. It can be used to fight or defend as well as to heal the sick or stay healthy. Learning Tai Chi Chung could change your life for the better. Tai Chi is relatively slow and smooth, but can develop fast and strong fighting motions which can be applied to other martial arts. On the other hand, Tai Chi can be practiced to gain balance, health, and a spiritual connection. Furthermore, it is more than just a way of moving. “T’ai Chi is a way of life that has been practiced by the Chinese for thousands of years,” according to Waysun Liao in the book The Essence of T’ai Chi (1995).
        
There are many types Tai Chi such as Yang Style, Chen Style, Wu, Hao, Sun, and Zhao Bao just to name a few, as well as various sword forms, staff or stick forms, and two person forms. On a more advanced and competitive level Tai Chi Chung can be used as self-defense. This technique is practiced by playing a game called Push Hands.

Each form is slightly different, but the basic principles are the same. Yang style is the slowest and most subtle of the forms, while Wu is much faster and sometimes includes aspects of gymnastics. Chen style is called the “large frame” style because done with bent knees so that the practitioner has a lower center of gravity. Chen style was the original style from which all other styles emerged.

The types of Tai Chi form are not as important as the particular way to use Qi. Some people teach Tai Chi as if it were a series of movements done for physical benefits. However, this is only the appearance of Tai Chi. The Tai Chi forms are tools to help a beginner learn how to circulate Chi, move with particular body mechanics, and become aware of this effortless way of moving. Tai Chi can take a devoted practitioner much further than the surface full of forms.

When done correctly Tai Chi can make any movement effortless. If mastered, a person can be doing Tai Chi with every motion; therefore, moving effortlessly. This is because with a firm and relaxed root Qi can flow briskly through the body, creating movement out of stillness. Tai Chi will also keep Chi and blood flowing smoothly through the body. Also, Tai Chi will help your centers of Chi open and connect to greater powers.

Each move in the Tai Chi form is a martial art move that can be applied to a situation of self-defense or fighting. Likewise, each move can be applied to every day life. You can take the move that originally was used to grab an opponent’s wrist and pull the opponent over, and apply it to the motion of opening a door. Though opening a door takes little effort compared to fighting, most people open doors more often than they fight. Almost every move in any of the various Tai Chi forms can be applied in this way to both fighting and simple, everyday motions.

Once you can do Tai Chi every time you move, then you can begin practicing Tai Chi while you play sports, go for a swim, or walk down the street. The Tai Chi form will help you get to this point. However, the benefits of Tai Chi become much greater once you can always be practicing Chi in every move. Be full of Chi throughout every moment.

Martial Arts also use the same basic concepts of Chi cultivation. In ancient times martial arts were used for combat. It was, in part, the art of using the body as a weapon for fighting. However, with the progression of technology, the fighting value of martial arts has decreased. Today, martial arts are often taught for health and personal, spiritual purposes. This progression is illustrated by Joe Hyams who wrote the book Zen In The Martial Arts (1979), “Thus the art of fighting with the sword, ken jutsu became transformed into ‘the way of the sword,’ kendo. Soon other martial arts were given the ending -do, which means ‘the way,’ or more fully, ‘the way to enlightenment, self-realization, and understanding.” Even in ancient times the Tao or ‘the way’ was always emphasized. Because even if martial arts is being practiced for fighting purposes the “ultimate aim is to free the individual from anger, illusion, and false passion.” In such a state of clarity, the practitioner can act, move, and fight with more precision.

Hyams writes that “the deepest purpose of the martial arts is to serve as a vehicle for personal spiritual development.” Hyams goes on to write that all forms of martial arts will help the practitioner “achieve spiritual serenity, mental tranquillity, and the deepest self confidence,” as well as physical benefits. Therefore, a body, mind, emotions, and spiritual connection exists in all forms of martial arts. These arts can teach us “who we are and how we react in the world,” writes Hyams.

Nevertheless, there is very little information that can be truly understood in a course such as this about the complex art forms that accompany Qi. True knowledge of the art must be gained by practicing the act yourself.

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