Sorry to do this but.........

[northern_mantis]

I have seen many vague definitions or complete denials of the existence of qi in various threads so thought I would settle the argument once and for all.

Qi can be translated as breath,air or vital energy. Breath and air are obvious and vital energy refers to that bioelectricity/mystical force that is stored in the dan tien and flows through the meridians. It can be transmitted for healing purposes or to have a negative effect on the recipient though it cannot be used to physically move an object or a non-compliant person.

To practice IMA without trying to cultivate qi and regulate it's flow is not IMA, likewise if there is no intention to use the energetic system as defined in TCM for combat.

So that sorts that out, I assume nobody else will need to say anything else on the matter

[qiphlow]

just this:

[northern_mantis]

Suddenly I am more interested in having an entirely different sort of mass debate!!

[cerebus]

I can feel my "chi" rising...

[meeks]

Qi can be translated as breath,air or vital energy

is it the same character?

as for the pic..
fap!

[Chris Fleming]

[qiphlow]

fap!

[northern_mantis]

Qi can be translated as breath,air or vital energy

is it the same character?

as for the pic..
fap!

I believe it is the same character hence misinterpretation of ideas such as sinking the qi to the dantien. Though my language skills are limited so everything I know is from secondary resources, no doubt there are others better placed than me to comment. I have also let myself be experimented on in terms of qi transmission (always remaining a sceptic) with some interesting results. Those things are the basis of my opinions on the original post.

As for that second pic..................awesome! I'm switching to mma to get girls like that.

[Ron Panunto]

I can feel my "chi" rising...

Are you saying that chi is equivalent to mojo?

[Felipe Bidó]

Another definition.

In old IMA books (Sun Lutang's Xingyiquan Xue, for example), when referring to make the parts move at the same time they use, for example: "The arms and feet have one Qi". Meaning that they move at the same time, with the same energy, and with the same intention.

[northern_mantis]

Interesting, connection/alignment/intent are never far from the use of the word qi. Shi Yan Ming always uses the phrase 'more qi, train harder'.

[Earth_Monkey]

hey I know this is VERY stupid but, how you guys post pictures like that? Soft soap pahleaze

[Chris Fleming]

You mean a picture like this?

[D_Glenn]

Or do you mean girl next door...



.

[quickstep]

The pics are making this page difficult to read at work.

But if you are interested in qi, this is the best book to read right now.
http://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-Qi- ... 0912111631

It talks about this topic in depth and has a lot to offer to the commentary on qi and how it relates to the many aspects of Chinese Culture including martial arts. If you want to get beyond a very basic level of understanding beyond "qi is energy" then get this book.