Internal Strength training is a vital part of a complete t’ai chi martial arts training process. It is generally taught to more advanced students.
The idea is to have a daily practice that can accomplish many things. It’s known as internal strength (Neigong in Chinese) because many of the qualities it builds and develops are intangible, subtle skills and also there is a focus on improving the quality of the more ‘internal’ parts of the body.
The skeletal and bodily alignment is of key importance. This helps the body to operate more harmoniously and makes attacking and defending techniques more potent.
The breath is trained to descend deeply, so we can better provide oxygenated blood, along with nitric oxide, to better fuel the bodies needs. Deeper breathing combined with subtle rotational movements provides a massaging effect to the internal organs, making them healthier and better functioning.
Muscles, tendons, sinews and the bones are deeply conditioned and strengthened.
Core power movements are strengthened and refined, so the the whole body ‘becomes one muscle’. So whenever you apply a techniques the whole body is recruited into the effort.
Explosive power is trained, along with spiralling and torquing body movements, leading to what Chinese martial arts call Jin – trained or skilful force production.
The exercises are done with a cam relaxed mind and very deep breathing leading to a feeling of deep relaxation.
We have 12 Yin exercises, done softly slowly and smoothly, with some explosive elements. There is a complimentary set of 12 Yang exercises which use self imposed physical tension throughout to stimulate the development of stronger tendons and ligaments as well as the fascial sheathes that surround the body. Each set can be practiced on alternating days.
