Power. Energy, and the Six Harmonies

This past year, I have been teaching my black belts a lot about power and energy in kung fu. When you talk about power, everyone knows what you are talking about and they can relate to the concept. Confusion and controversy become issues the second you start talking about energy.

A constant rant of mine is about the difference between practicing the martial arts and being a martial artist. The difference between the two is obvious in the mental, intellectual, and spiritual realms. Fewer people, however, are aware of the physical differences between the two. The gap is found in the depth of understanding of the source of energy and the awareness required to master the control of energy.

Form practice is all about mastering the six harmonies. A person studying the martial arts always focuses on the execution and application of a technique. A martial artist expands their focus to include the space between techniques and the harmonization of the body to expand the explosiveness of their techniques by going beyond the physical, muscular power and tapping into harmonized energy.

Much of true martial arts is taught less and less with each passing year. Fewer and fewer people are willing to dedicate the years required to master the intricacies and understanding necessary to utilize and control chi. With no one to pass their knowledge to, the real art is in danger of becoming extinct as this two thousand year old knowledge ends with the lives of present masters.

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” - Margaret Fuller (1810 - 1850)