What is an Internal Martial Art?

Internal Martial Art is a term used to describe what has come to be known as soft styles of Kung Fu. In modern times Martial artist developed various approaches to mastery of fighting styles. Most Martial Arts use speed and strength to overcome an opponent. These are known as external styles. Internal Styles focus on using techniques where the power usage is not apparent.

Power generated is developed through body alignment and mental concentration using relaxed muscles. Movements are often done in slow motion or normal speed. Very rarely will you see speed in practice. The advantage of the Internal styles lies in the development of internal energy (Chi)or life force.

External systems develop Chi also, however, in the internal arts it is the main goal of the practitioner. Chi is an Internal energy that has no equivalent in western terminology but can be best described as Bioelectricity or spirit force. Without it you wouldn’t be alive.

If you search hard enough you would be lucky to get a demonstration from Internal Kung Fu Masters in their Seventies and eighties who can still perform and effortlessly beat opponents twice their sizes and half or less their ages. You’ll have to search twice as hard to find an external practitioner in that age range that can do the same.

Most importantly the Internal arts are known for their superior health maintenance and healing potential. The relaxation and mental training are key factors in stress reduction and are important in energy and vitality maintenance so important to good mental and physical health.

They are presently being utilized in Hospitals and Institutions to rehabilitate people with the so-called “standard chronic functional disorders” associated with the aging process. Illnesses like high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, diabetes etc. can be alleviated and in many cases cured with a regular practice program.

There are many Internal kung fu styles as well as styles that combine Internal and external approaches to learning and utilizing the techniques. There are three major styles in the internal school.

Tai Chi Chuan, or supreme ultimate fist, Hsing-I Chuan or form of mind fist, and Ba Gua Zhang or Eight diagram palm. The goal of these styles is to teach one balance through relaxation, building solid footwork -rooting- and superior mental control over thoughts and emotions.

There are also systems classified, as Internal but are oriented to different aspects of health and energy development for various utilizations. These are called Chi Kung- often spelled Qi gong in modern publications.

At this association all of the above are taught along with periodic classes in External styles including Basic Karate, Capoeira, Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Flower fist, Dragon, Korean Mind fist.