Internal Martial Arts Training

It can be said as an overview that training in the internal systems is founded upon the process of re-educating what is often a ‘normal’ body (and mindset) to that of a more ‘natural’ one. The process begins with structural and postural directives that may at first seem to only act on a physical level, yet the student has already begun a remaking process, which can, and often does, bring about quite remarkable changes on many levels.

From this template of structural integrity the internal systems practitioner can begin to develop natural strength and encourage the free and harmonious movement of energy and blood, which can be clearly and unambiguously demonstrated (both to him/herself and to others if necessary) by the ever developing skill of ‘nei-jin’, or inner power. This is not something mysterious but rather the natural product of correct and systematic training.

We emphasise again the fundamental importance of having access to a complete and integrated system of training if one’s desire is to develop true skill (gong fu) – this approach to training graced the education of many, if not all, of the great old masters, yet is lacking in many of today’s schools.

First and foremost the beginning student needs to understand that training in an internal martial arts system(s) is difficult and demanding, both physically,mentally, and sometimes emotionally. The very nature of the work ensures, even demands, that this is so.

There is no place in real internal martial and Daoist nei gong work for a “softly, softly, feel the chi!” esoteric approach; or for a compulsive mindset, devoid of any structural foundation and energetic root, to “connect my du channel to my ren channel” – if one’s du and ren channels are not connected then one might very well need to be on life support!

No, real ‘internal’ work will (and should) push and challenge the student on many levels and yet it is precisely because of this that the transformational treasures inherent in this work are revealed.

I walk the walk

long before

I talk the talk