Neigong
The whole is simpler than the sum
of its parts.
(Willard Gibbs)
Neigong
Tai chi students do not need to perform press-ups,
sit-ups, weight training or cardiovascular work.
Strength can be gained without straining the body.
A more gentle approach is practiced.
Neigong involves the cultivation of an unusual kind of
physical strength which can be used in self defence and everyday life.
Every exercise in our class serves to explore neigong.
External strength
'External' strength uses local muscular tension to perform an action.
The elbows and shoulders are involved. Typically, the stronger, faster person
has an advantage.
If something fails to work, you just push harder.
Most martial arts use external strength. It is easy to learn and effective.
Internal power
Internal power is different to external strength.
It unites the entire body and never uses local strength. The larger muscles of
the torso and legs do most of the work.
Not many martial arts use internal power. It takes longer to
learn, but requires
far less effort to apply.
If I concentrate while he divides, I can use my entire strength to attack a fraction of his.
(Sun Tzu)
Something more is required
Neigong is the way in which you do the movements, rather than the movements
themselves.
It is an area of study in its own right.
Internal power changes the way in which the body is used by adding subtle
considerations.
These qualities augment the practice and strengthen the body.
Body and mind must be clearly united, and a high degree of physical sensitivity
is necessary.
Neigong is not an exercise.
Page created 3 March 1994