This is not a thread to argue the existence of Chi/Ki/Qui/inner power, but a thread to pose a question.

 

Presuming Chi exists, is the cultivation of such the best way to perfect martial technique, or is the perfection of technique the best way to cultivate Chi...

 

And how do you weigh internal force against the scientific training methods of today?

That's a very circular question and the answer would lie in both. Either approach could theoretically work.

It is easy for me to answer the poll because I am currently training in Muay Thai in a gym, no chi.

 

However, the question you pose as a follow-up in your message, can not be answered given the way that you have asked it. If one were to presume chi exists, then the answer would be ridiculously obvious, the importance of it would outweigh any other consideration. The arts that cultivate chi are guided by and designed around this presumption being a certainty (aikido for example). All arts teach chi only to the degree that chi's existence is believed to be a certainty. Clearly the man who developed Krav Maga did not believe that chi would be as effective as properly modernized technique. You can not separate the question of chi's existense from the question of whether it is more or less important than technique, it's existence is the core factor in determining whether it is more or less important than technique.

 

GreenDragon

I study karate/TKD. I've seen stacks of bricks broken by higher belt practitioners who believe in these things:

 

1. focus.

 

2. confidence.

 

3. technique.

 

4. timing.

 

But no chi. I have my own little positions about it that I prefer not to get into. However, I don't think it is a needed component to make a good fighter/Martial Artist.

Well, even presuming Chi exists does not mean all of the feats attributed to it are true. Say it does exist. Does this mean a young Mike Tyson would have punched harder with a little Chi development?

 

Chi may exist and be very beneficial to one's health and well-being. This does not mean Chi development is the only or best way to prepare for a fight.

I don't believe in the tooth fairy and I don't believe in chi either. Even the people who do believe in chi have different definitions for it: correct breathing, correct use of posture, a life-force. No matter what you want to call it - it still cannot be proven to exist. If it could be proven in scientific tests, I'm sure that the Masters who possess it could earn themselves $100,000 from the Skeptics Society, as well as putting to rest the controversy over it. Yet they don't, which makes me highly dubious of it's existence.

I believe in chi as ive tried it and it worked. I havnt done anything good yet though.

my school is big on chi but not in the spirtual sense

I believe in the tooth fairy.

some people view chi as merely proper breathing and flawless internal body mechanics - coiling, etc. I know of hsing-i exponents that believe this. I've also heard theories that chi is merely a reference to metabolism. I don't think you can make such a general distinction of art/science based on voting in this poll...