[POLL] Internal or External

[Nick_14]

I would say external because you learn at a much faster pace

[1ONEfighting]

External realizes that fighting is physical, not metaphysical.

[monkeygirl]

Please do not ask questions like "which is better", just compare and contrast the two. Thanks.

[Treebranch]

Both together is the way to go. It doesn't have to be metaphysical to be internal. Mind set is very important as well. Keeping your head is a very important aspect of fighting.

[SevenStar]

depends on what you're training and how they define internal. Some teachers/systems consider internal as nothing more than proper body mechanics, ie the coiling mechanics of taiji. The approach is different between internal and external when it comes to training/fighting.

[Drunken Monkey]

i should add that there is also the view that by 'external', they mean pure form without regard to breathing and application of strength/energy/position etc etc...

 

what i mean is, the 'internal' aspects is sometimes seen as the things (and the hard work) you cannot see when you watch a form.

 

* * *

 

there's a little story about two wudang brothers.

 

one would spend long hours everyday doing the stance training, breathing excecises (or if you like, aerobics), footwork etc etc.

 

the other would only learn and practice the forms.

[Scorcho]

Depends on your goals, but doing both is best. My personal experience/opinion is that it is better to start with internal, and then move to external, especially if you are starting as a child. Internal arts give you a base, and the mind set necessary to be successful in the external arts, as well as in life.

[SevenStar]

you don't think external arts give you a base to be successful? I do. In addition, they teach you how to defend yourself more quickly. Ultimately, on the highest level of MA, they are one and the same anyway, so you'll gain internal as you progress, if you are being taught properly. Also, if you start with internal, it will begin to manifest externally also.

[I-Self]

At first many MAs teach one to rely on the external. As time progresses refinement leads to less inefficiency and conscious action- at least in theory . A state of moderation is attained. Once all action becomes virtually reflexive, once a catalog of options can insert themselves into a situation via the practitioner (unconsciously), then the internal aspects are beginning to manifest.

 

Still 7* is on point, as are most of his threads on KFO and various forums. All arts at the highest levels maintain some "homeostasis", as the middle path is often the best route .

 

Relaxed body, ready mind is how it's defined!

[cross]

I think a good mixture of both, your external techniques can only get so strong before internal comes into play.

 

Styles such as wing chun that rely on internal structure basically get most of there strength from the alignment they develop inside, shoulders sealed, hips correctly positioned etc.

 

So its all part of combat and neither really should be neglected.