Basics of Chi

[bushido_man96]

I'm not familiar enough with how chi actually works to speak about that but I do know the science behind it. By opening their hands I'm assuming that they're not tensed at all and then at the last minute they tense up. They are relying on a mixture of their gravity and weight to increase the velocity of the strike. At the last second they prepare for impact. If you stay clinch all the way it is only you who is doing any kind of movement, and you factor out gravity a bit more than when you kind of let it do its thing.

Its basically kime in striking. Tighten everything at the end of the movement to focus the strength. Not so much chi; more biomechanics.

[Zaine]

That's kind of what I usually keep in mind when people talk about chi. Although there are some who take it to the extreme.

[bushido_man96]

Unfortunately, you are correct there. Some people read way too much into it.

[SonGoku92]

Chi (or Qi, Ki) maniulation isnt something everyone has the patience for. but its there. most people do it on a basic level without even recognizing it. The concept of a kiai (the yelling and whatnot) during a strike or when feeling pain actually unlocks some of the chi from within you. so really everyone can do it on a basic level without even really trying. but to purposely use chi in attacks and defense to where its obvious something other than physics is at play is a very rare skill indeed. But for the few who have mastered it its a force to be reckoned with. Of course Im something of a mystic specialist anyways. so a lot of people may not believe what I say but its true... The human body, when pushed past its limits displays incredible power. My studies outside the dojo are largely composed of researching ways to harness that power. Making believers out of skeptics is the hardest part though, as with anything of this nature.

[bushido_man96]

I believe the "chi" unlocked during a kiai is probably akin to endorphins being released during a high-stress situation, or when in pain.

[mal103]

I believe the "chi" unlocked during a kiai is probably akin to endorphins being released during a high-stress situation, or when in pain.

But with a perfectly empty and calm mind using all of the best physical techniques makes for the perfect Kime and the most powerful strikes.

Around/green/purple belt I get some students to perform all techniques without clenching a single muscle, the sudden increase in speed should be felt. You may feel strong training with clenched muscles but it's too slow and you will tire too quickly. I also get them to punch without making a tight fist.

Then go back to tensing at the end of the move or point of impact, then look to channel your spiritual power, chi, Ki - or whatever you want to call it - into the Kime.

The hardest strike is using the best techniques physically but combining them with the strongest mind wanting to smash through the target.

Without either of these then it's just dancing.

[bushido_man96]

In order for muscles to move, there has to be some tension. Otherwise, you don't get any muscle movement. I do agree there is a difference in being more relaxed and trying to force a technique. But up to there, really the only channeling comes from proper technique and body alignment, and driving power up from the floor through the body and into the punch.

[cheesefrysamurai]

My Sensei says to stay loose until the strike. At that point it show be like a sneeze, that sort of intensity. It makes that brilliant snap the gi makes that we love so much.

I think it's some degree of fajing.

[LSc]

if you started the strike with an open hand and then clenched it as it came down, it would be more powerful than if you started with a clenched fist.

Call it chi or just muscle tension. I learned, that when you relax in your muscle while your fist is "on its way to the target" and tense it just before the target, you are simply able to move faster. And the same with the hips! Tensed muscles makes you more stif.

[cheesefrysamurai]

Kiai, and proper breathing channels ki from what I understand