Internal energy.
It's a phrase that gets thrown about in Tai Chi classes like confetti at a wedding. Unfortunately, the concept is often misunderstood and shrouded in mystical terminology. At it's heart, Tai Chi is a fighting art, however practicing it without martial intent also delivers a wealth of health benefits.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) puts Qi at the centre of its paradigm and Tai Chi incorporates TCM principles in its practice, which in turn actively promotes good health. As a result, the TCM principles are often conflated with the concepts of martial Qi expressed through Jin.
Examples of apparently superhuman strength exhibited by King Fu practitioners are common. These feats are possible because the practitioners have spent years training and developing their internal physiology just as an Olympic athlete would train their muscles and cardio for strength, speed and endurance. The video below demonstrates the incredible internal power than can be developed and released through the body. This isn't a demonstration of "strong fingers". In terms of modern science, you can think of the strike as transferring kinetic energy from the body into the rock through the fingers.
Intrigued? At Ling Shui we try to offer members to the opportunity to develop both the martial and the TCM aspects of Tai Chi as they prefer. Whilst we can't promise to have you smashing rocks with your fingers, we can teach you how to start developing these skills while also enjoying a nice hot cup of the finest green tea!
We have weekly classes in Penwortham, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall and Tarleton. Beginners are always welcome. For further details regarding times and locations, take a look on the classes page.
