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Nei Jia (Internal Family) Chuan is a term that has become
associated with the grouping of three Internal Chinese Martial Arts known as: Ba
Gua Zhang (Eight Diagrams Palm), Xing Yi Chuan (Form and Mind Boxing), and
Taijiquan (Ultimate Supreme Fist). All three of these arts are known for their
health maintenance properties and their sophisticated and effective approach to
self-defense, which is generally characterized by using softness rather than
hardness, and timing, patience and flexibility over brute force. This approach
is different from Wei Jia Chuan (External Martial Arts), which are characterized by
maximizing speed and force.
"Internal" martial arts, although quite different
from one another, share the basic principles. Nei Jia Chuan is
different from other "external" martial arts in that all
movement begins deeply within the body, and then moves outward
towards the skin. Some of the basic principles of Nei Jia Chuan
are: 1) Heightened awareness of one's internal body posture and
structure; 2) Letting go of physical/muscular strength to
perform techniques and postures; 3) Releasing of tension, both
internally and externally; 4) Sinking of the “chi” or energy and
the development of foundation "root", where the center of
gravity and origin of movement starts within the body; 5)
linking of internal organs to assist the flow and movement of
"Chi" or energy; 6) the development of an internal peace or calm
emotional state.
Positive aspect in studying of a Nei Jia Chuan is
that while a student may not be able to use it as a self-defense
until they're well experienced, the health benefits to
physical, mental, and emotional states can be cultivated
quickly. For example, a simple posture like standing still for
extended periods of time each day can have dramatic effects on
the practitioner’s well being.
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