We have all seen the martial artist who has discovered this whole body force. He may not be impressive in a weightlifting environment, but he can crush you with his ability to apply all of the strength he possesses in sparring or combat. In order to develop the tremendous power of external and inner strength one has to first develop the physical connections that links each segment of the body and then using the mind develop what I will call functional strength.

In Chinese this functional strength is (Qian-li), hidden strength. Hidden strength is the ability to coordinate the muscles with the mental intent (Yi) and combine this with the heart or emotional power of visualization referred to as the (Xin). A coordinated strong body combined with intent and visualization will make come together so that one begins to use the most sought after power in martial arts, Zhengti-jin 整體勁 or whole body force.

Whole body power is difficult to achieve. The student must learn to coordinate his mind and body as one unit instead of separately using parts of the body to move and strike. After this the strength is like iron and must be refined again to become even more subtle strength.

Training in the Jiulong Zhandouli methods that incorporate both internal and external power development methods such as meditation, standing martial Qigong forms, yoga, circle walking and special equipment training is the way to find the true levels of useful martial.

WHERE DOES INTERNAL TRAINING COME IN

With our training various phases of both internal and external development are undertaken simultaneously as the student progresses new layers and nuances are added to the same training methods in order that one skill builds upon another in an orderly fashion.

MIND: mind must be trained to control the body
a. A Type of Meditation Training
In the Jiulong Baguazhang system beginners first learn Zuo-gong or Zuochan (Quiet Sitting Methods), and then they are introduced to Zhan Zhuang (Standing Exercises). The purpose is to develop the ability to use our mind as a functional tool to focus external as well as internal development towards our goal.

b. Visualization Training
Next the ability to us visualize is the key to engaging powerful imagery that will lead the body towards the desired goals. Examples of this are found throughout Chinese martial arts. Forms and styles are often given ferocious animal names like Tiger and Snake or Lion. Moves and tactics are descriptive images of forces in nature, typhoon palm, thunder palm, mountain palm, lightning fist etc. This is known as Yigong or mind skill training.

We also train the body with Zhan Zhuang (standing at stake) meditation exercises. There are basic forms to open joints, develop intention power and visualization abilities as well as to improve Qi flow through the meridians and achieve rooting skills.

Later we graduate to Li family Zhan Zhuang Power Standing® to begin using the Yi as a means of controlling the more subtle aspects of muscles, tendons, bones and Qi. In Jiulong this practice is part of our art know as Yizhang or mind palm. The results of this coupled with correct breathing will be the foundation of our Jin-Gong, lit. Force Skill. This will evolve from standing to Yi Xin Gong or Intention of Heart / Attitude Skill training where we use Yinian (to create and sense energy by thought) ability in order to produce higher levels of physical speed, sensitivity and strength

BODY:
Trained for flexibility, agility, strength and endurance
Jin-Gong a product of mind and body can only be as strong as the state of our physical musculature. If we want to increase the power of our Jin-Gong we must also increase the strength of our primary and secondary muscle groups. For this we include Daoyin (way of the gentle energy) a form of Yoga created over 2,000 years ago in China by Daoist masters. It was designed as a method of unifying mind and body for the purpose of improving health, vitality and increasing longevity.

Walking The Circle
Students learn the famous Baguazhang circle walking. This type of training has many levels. One of the most important is to develop what I refer to as “moving root”. One needs to be fluid and mobile to practice Baguazhang as a fighting art. Unlike most other martial arts Baguazhang is one of the only methods truly designed to combat multiple opponents and to strike, lock, kick and throw opponents while walking and or running. We also learn to apply the principles of Yi Xin Gong to the circle walking practice using Yinian skills.

There is almost no stopping or rooting to the ground as in Taijiquan or Xingyiquan. So power of a different kind is needed. Circle walking can teach us how to create balance and later as we walk the nine posts striking and flowing in and out how to carry our center and root while on the move. We can also employ circle walking as a form of aerobic training to produce endurance and stability.

Nine Palace and Light Body
Equipment training has many levels. One of these is the Nine Palace training Jiugong-Dian where the student learns to maneuver deftly around nine posts set in the ground as if dodging and attacking multiple opponents. At the Gompa Center our Nine Palace training area is layered with shingles and covered with gravel. This makes for precarious footing and trains precise stepping patterns while running the poles.

Students are also introduced to Qing Gong (light body skill) that involve circle walking on bricks and balance beams or navigating an obstacle course with logs or debris littering the circle walking area. All of this type of exercise trains awareness and deft footwork necessary for real combat skill.