Internal Martial Arts

[dev_null]

First of all, I'm not looking for "my style is the best" or "I've only tried one, and..." responses. I'm asking those that have tried different styles for their thoughts on the comparison between them in terms of "internal" martial arts. Let me explain:

I'm already taking karate, and I'm not really looking for another "hard" or "external" school, not until I feel I've progressed lots farther with the one I'm doing now. However, I'm looking to augment that with learning on the "internal" work of raising and moving chi/ki. I have a lot of booklearning in this, but almost no master-student teaching. It seems to me that the answer might be either aikido or tai chi/nei kung/chi kung.

I'd be grateful for any responses from those who've tried both of these (or an alternative) and can address the question as to whether either of them is likely to be the appropriate way to learn that area of the arts, and which style, in their experience, helped them more. Again, I'm not looking to take on Ba Gua, Chin Na, Kung Fu, TKD, Jow Ga, etc., but rather to get some training in working with chi/ki. (Yes, I know that they all involve working with chi/ki, but you know what I mean, hopefully. And yes, I know that much depends on the sifu/sensei, but let's leave that variable out of the equation for the time being.)

Any help most gratefully received!

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[Erik]

Well, after the find a reputable school and teacher advice, I'll skip to the part about planning to take quite a bit longer to be proficient in deploying internal techniques effectively than external ones. That and be careful not to rush things, as internal "soft" arts may be quite rough and "hard" on one's body at times, despite the reputation to the contrary.

 

[El Tejon]

Second what Erik said.

Most of the styles, Japanese, Chinee or Korean, involve a "hard" and a "soft" style. Part of the whole balance mantra.

In HapKiDo we were required to demonstrate basic knowledge of healing and relaxation for black belt. In the style I currently study, seven star praying mantis kung fu, fixing/breaking your body and others as well as relaxing the mind is stressed.

It really depends of the sifu (I know you told us not to say it). Look around in your AO.

 

[dev_null]

In my area (well, anywhere from a 20-40 minute drive), there's a choice between several well-recommended Aikido dojos and several well-recommended Kung Fu/Wu Shu schools (that also offer Tai Chi). Thus my dilemma...

I know that both of the above styles teach the internal side of things, and I do plan to drop in on both and see what they're like, but I would like to hear others' experiences on this topic.

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[DakotaSig]

Here's a site you might want to check out: http://taichiworld.com/

 

[dev_null]

BTT

 

[Nippy]

Just my 2cents.

to develop internal chi to the point where it would actually be of use would take a life time of training or a correct state of mind. I guess there are many "ways" of developing it and I suggest you pick your "way" because if you don't then you won't develop your "chi" because there are many types of "chi".

You can do potery and devlop "chi" if you knew the "way".

My suggestion is you do everything you can and after many tens of years you'll begin to understand what you should do. "Chi" has a lot to do with your character, so developing that is very important as well. Reading books and expanding your knowledge, develop artistic talent, helping poor people... etc.