Wing Chun and Taichi - Internal Training

We can read a lot of books or be taught that energy is that or energy is this; but unless we actually realize and believe the concept of universal energy it would not benefit us in its complete form. This energy is not seen nor heard, but felt. This is the actual life source connected with all other matter in the universe. The Chinese recognizes it as 'chi', the Arab as 'taaqa' and Indian as 'prana'. People before us understood it better than people in our age who treat everything that cant be seen or understood as a 'myth'.

Just as students of wing chun practice Sil Nim tao as a form of meditation, the role of internal training is pivotal in understanding any Martial Art. Sil lim tao can be practiced like a drill over and over again, but unless you realize the concept of utilizing your breath in every move, synchronized with a still mind, it would be just another show off resulting in waste of time and energy. Tai chi is an internal martial art with various forms and an amazing outline. the base of this art lies in understanding the flow of energy so as to merge with it. Hence you become a pipeline, through which energy is directed and used to your liking. As a martial art, taichi uses this pipeline concept to divert and control your opponents energy, and use it to attack your opponent. This application is widely practiced in the name 'Taichi Push Hands'. You use the sensitivity in your arms and body to feel energy and understand your opponents behavior. A push hands training session would look pretty much similar to the chi sao we practise in wing chun. Most people today gives importance to the drills in wing chun and use chi sao as only to put the drills into application. But the real wisdom is using chi sao to sense energy variations and understand your opponents body.

My scope of explaining taichi with regard to wing chun is quite limited, as I am only a beginner to both, hence this article is only an attempt to outline the concepts used in both martial arts. I suggest you read Sifu Scot Baker's very inspiring article on Wing chun and Internal Energy training.