[POLL] Internal or External

[italian_guy]

Both, I agree with Treebranch I started with a purely external art (kickboxing) and yesterday I took my first lesson on Tai Chi Chuan-Yang Style and enjoied a lot.

[Rey]

I'd have to go with external. While I can see how the internal aspects can help you life, such as becoming more in tune with nature and caring more about others, I can get that from other sources. To me, Martial Arts are meant for external combat.

[Rich_2k3]

Both together is always best, but I think external is more important.

[SevenStar]

I'd have to go with external. While I can see how the internal aspects can help you life, such as becoming more in tune with nature and caring more about others, I can get that from other sources. To me, Martial Arts are meant for external combat.

 

That's not internal - internal in MA ususally refers to a different type of body mechanics. Internal styles generate power differently than internal, supposedly.

 

However, that may not be the true definition either, as the term internal only dates back to about 1894. a few masters noticed several similarities between their styles of bagua, xingyi and taiji. They considered them part of the same family and began referring to them as internal. There is documentation of this, and is more likely the origin of the term internal.

[Rich_2k3]

Guys, guys listen this is how it go's;

 

A good example of an internal technique is utilizing pressure points on the body. External are fast hard techniques that brake bones and cut and bruise the body, Internal are a little more subtle. They require alot less power, they probe sensitive pressure points of the body, like the neck, groin, temples, solar plexus etc. and cause extream pain and maybe death through causing internal damage, for example a reverse punch to the face will probably brake ur nose or give u a black eye, causing "external" damage, an internal however might be a quick jab to the kidney that would cause extream pain and somtimes horrific damage within, sometimes making no mark from the outside. For example Wing Chun is balanced more towards internal, while Kickboxing on the other hand is completely external.

 

Never under estimate either "Internal" or "External", both are very effective and together there deadly .

 

p.s The spiritual side of martial arts is also covered under the internal style.

[Hazard]

In my opinion you really can't compare the two, because they both compliment each other. Just like night and day you can't have one without the other.

[Xtra Tribal]

tai chi is suposedly internal but the tao is a whole. The tai chi symbol is really about external and internal in balance.

 

I see it as integration of strong mind and strong body, can't be good at martial arts without good health and spirit.

 

It's a silly poll. I also agree with Cross that one develops a strong body (health, conditioning) faster than your mind (strategy, coordination, distancing, timing, all the fun stuff)