The Internal Arts

Unlike the “hard” or “external” martial arts that involve using muscular force to counter an oncoming attack, the primary principle behind the “soft” or “internal” martial arts is to evade or yield to an oncoming force and use that force against itself.

Within the Shao-lin system there are 3 main “internal” fighting arts that we teach. They are Tai Chi Ch’uan, Ba Qua Chang and Hsing I Ch’uan (pronounced “shing ee”). Tai Chi Ch’uan is considered the “softest” of the arts and is the first one taught. Ba Qua Chang is the second and Hsing I Ch’uan is the third.

Tai Chi Ch’uan

Tai Chi Ch’uan translates to “The Grand Ultimate Fist” and has been called the gift to the world from China. With millions of dedicated practitioners worldwide, Tai Chi Ch’uan is one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the world today. It is considered by many to be the perfect exercise. The practice of Tai Chi Ch’uan has been known to lower blood pressure and relieve stress; to increase bone mass and help with the relief of arthritis; to develop and maintain good balance; to build coordination; and to develop internal and external strength. These are all positive things that everyone needs in their life to stay healthy.

As an “internal” fighting art it uses a combination of linear and circular upper body movement, but the footwork is generally linear and yielding. All of the movements are fully functional joint locks, punches, open hand strikes and kicks. It is based on the balance of opposite powers. This style of defense seeks to find the harmony between opposite forces of Yin and Yang (hard and soft). Like placing a needle in a ball of cotton, the cotton seems light and soft to the touch, but squeeze it just right…ouch!!

In ancient China, Tai Chi Ch’uan was practiced by high level martial artists to bring the mind and the body together and to be able to move and to meditate all in one. Tai Chi Ch’uan was developed by a former Shaolin Monk approximately 1000 years ago. Chang Sang Feng developed Tai Chi Ch’uan to improve his martial arts abilities. Over time, those that followed in his footsteps soon discovered that through proper practice, not only did Tai Chi Ch’uan improve their martial arts ability; it also improved their health and fitness. Today, young and old alike enjoy Tai Chi Ch’uan for the many health benefits that it offers. Tai Chi Ch’uan is a very important aspect of our training; helping to balance and promote our self defense abilities as well as our health.

Tai Chi Ch’uan is just the beginning

After our students develop a foundation in Tai Chi Ch’uan, they are introduced to the weapons of Tai Chi, (Straight Sword, Fan, Broadsword, Short Staff… just to name a few). As their internal training continues our students begin the study of Pa Pa Kua Chang; “8-Directional Palm”. As one of the three major internal martial arts, Pa Kua offers a very different approach to training in the internal arts. Its supple yet fluid movements are very conducive to developing a strong, flexible, and well balanced body.

As their training continues, they are exposed to  many more methods of internal training, breathing techniques, Chi Kung, and Nei Kung meditation exercises. The material is as intricate as it is fascinating, requiring you to focus and concentrate. Through this training we keep your mind and body actively involved together, helping to ensure that you will most definitely never get bored!