Athletic skill sets should be defined and are relatively specialized according to usage.
Swimmers are not runners, rock climbers are not swimmers.
Some mention was made of qi bellies, apparently in jest, the assumption that the
Qi belly is not due to some type of training unique to IMA arts or art.
I would say dantain, or hara is very develop among those who truly have IMA skill sets.
This might account for what some view as a qi belly.
“Almost to the point where I am becoming convinced that this is the edge that top fighters have. Obviously skills are skills but without fitness then forget about it.”
It may be true for someone working in a very defined environment against others also working in the same environment.
For day to day living fitness to me spans many things, lifestyle, food, ect.
If one practices to really meet IMA requirements, this is also very physically demanding. Much of it depends on depth and skill level one is working for.
There are many things that those who are “fit” in other areas actually work against the type of fitness that IMA develops. Much of the posting on
this site revolves around the confusion about this.
IME it depends more on time, and intended goal. If one wants to be “fit” in the IMA sense then more "right" practice is key.
TIme and goal is key….hard to manage in today's busy lifestyle .