Qigong and Martial Arts?

Through the history of Eastern Martial Arts, Qigong and external systems have grown up together. Bodhidharma's Marrow Washing exercises grew up beside his 5 animal style kung Fu... ultimately influencing most other arts... Karate, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Kobudo.


My style, Isshinryu has one kata, Sanchin, which I would consider to be a straight up Qigong form. (Iron Shirt Chi Kung) We also do Mokuso (sitting meditation) during class, which is similar to many Qigong exercises. Does your style have any practices you would consider Qigong. (Ki, Chi) maybe even Ki-ai. (The Shout)

Qigong and Martial Arts?
well in my arts: thai boxing and capoeira we don't do that stuff. however i took it upon myself to supplement my training with a lil qi gong so i have a few videos and a book: "Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body: Chi Gung for Lifelong Health" [a pretty good read might i add] that makes me feel more energize and have a better control over my body
Reply:hmmm well in my bujinkan budo taijutsu use chi kung breathing exercises along with kuji-kiri. we also used the iron shirt technique during conditioning exercises. also in wing chun i used chi kung breathing exercises.
Reply:In Shinbu Aikido we have several kata that has to do with Kinot to mention techniques. We have our 2 sets of foot movements.One set of 24 and the other of 56 the 1st one is called Unsuko and the 2nd is called Tandoku-undo.Then we have the 8 releases, it is called Hoppo-undo-no-kazushi. Then we have a breathing exercise at the end of class, that is in a seiza (seated posistion) at the end of class called Shin_kokyu.
Reply:According to tradition, Kung Fu and Tai Chi evolved directly from the practice of Qi Gong. Yes, I agree with your observations. There are forms and breathing exercises in most martial art styles that appear to be almost exactly the same as Qi Gong exercises.





Qi Gong evolved from the the ancient text called, "The Secrets of the Yellow Emperor," a medical text. As legend goes, the emperor was never to be touched by a mortal hand. Qi Gong was developed as the medical treatment system for the Yellow Emperor. The physicians quickly realized that they were left weak or sometimes ill following these treatments. This began the study of increasing the body's essential energy through exercises and breath work. Thus, Qi Gong was born.





I don't know of any Qi Gong exercises that would include Ki-ai, "The Shout". Although there are quick exhalations used to expel cool or hot energy, through the nose and mouth respectively. Sounds, were not part of Qi Gong until Dong Fong Fang Fu.