KI DEVELOPMENT
By Master Sam Plumb
It’s called Chi in Chinese; in Japan and Korea it’s known as Ki – the
nearest word we can get to it in English is “vigour”.
refers to the body’s inner energy or life force.
In martial arts, Ki
Ki training within the
martial arts can generate up to seven times the practitioner’s power into
each technique.
Ki training is not limited to the martial arts.
Yoga stresses Ki
development (Prahna), and the Chinese practise Chi Gong for both martial
arts and health.
Martial arts require a special kind of Ki development
training that incorporates both the health benefits and improved self defence
techniques.
Ki development is strongly emphasised in Hapkido.
Hapkido techniques
are based on “relaxed power”, such as that used in Tai Chi, Aikido and
Hsing-I.
Relaxed power means that sheer force against force is not used.
Hapkido practitioners take control of an opponent by unbalancing him, then
countering with a relaxed power strike or a joint lock or a throw to finish
the confrontation.
Ki power helps the student stay relaxed and therefore
deliver a more powerful blow.
According to Grandmaster Sung Soo Lee; “In Korea, before martial arts
became sports and recreational activities, serious martial artists studied Ki
development alongside the physical techniques.
seems to be overlooked in martial arts classes”.
In modern times, Ki training
There are two main branches of Ki development in Hapkido.
One is
meditation and the other is Dan Jun Ho Hup (abdominal breathing).
Both
are essential to developing Ki.
There are many different ways to develop more powerful Ki but all must
include abdominal breathing.
Without correct breathing there can be no Ki.
Correct breathing begins with taking slow, long and relaxed breaths.
This
type of breathing delivers more oxygen to all body cells. The skin will have
better colour and stay younger for longer.
Ki development also aids in
quicker recovery when one is sick.
Ki increases speed and muscular force.
The martial artist who has no ki
training will do well in his first round of sparring.
After this he will not
have enough stamina to continue for long. With Ki development you keep
your energy.
Daily meditation is important to keep the mind and body relaxed so that
Ki can flow freely through the body.
Quiet, calm breathing helps the body
relax and therefore Ki flows freely.
As Ki flows smoothly, the body will become warm.
the hands, the hands will become warm.
As the Ki flows into
Relaxation is imperative because
tension in the shoulders or arms prevents Ki from flowing into the hands.
All kinds of Ki training should be pleasant experiences, done without force.
It is easier to develop Ki if you are not stressed.
disrupt Ki development, so try not to be upset.
and many novices try to stop thinking.
the mind is always active.
Meditation is difficult at first
It is impossible to stop thinking as
Just relax and practise daily.
develop overnight, it takes many years of practise.
Most
Ki power will not
people breathe high in their chests using only a third of their total
lung capacity.
capacity.
Every day worries can
Breathing to the lower abdomen helps develop full lung
Deep abdominal breathing is done by pushing the abdomen
outwards with each inhaling breath.
This causes the diaphragm to relax
allowing air to move into the bottom of the lungs.
The abdomen is pulled
in with each outward breath, forcing carbon dioxide out of the lungs.
Dan Jun Ho Hup, or abdominal breathing exercises, are strictly for martial
arts use.
Dan Jun Ho Hup brings Ki into the hands and fingers whenever
needed.
These exercises are performed by spreading the fingers wide while
inhaling and exhaling with deep abdominal breathing.
Not only does Dan
Jun Ho Hup help internal power, it also physically strengthens the hands and
fingers.
Dan Jun Ho Hup should be practised for at least five minutes
every day.
After practising Ki Development exercises for some time the results will be
impressive.
Sung Soo Lee claims that students of Ki Development exercises
can strike with up to seven times their normal power.
something that any martial artist can live with.
Surely this is