photos by Dean Hill

photos by Dick Gabriel

photos by Dick Gabriel

Shaolin Kids class at the Beaumont YMCA, Lexington, Kentucky

Qigong (also Chi Kung, which is the older Wade-Giles spelling) is the science of cultivating the body's internal energy, or Qi (Chi). Translated as "Energy Work," Chi Kung practice has roots that go back in China at least 4000 years. The practice is based on the theory of Yin and Yang which describes the relationship of complementary qualities such as soft and hard, female and male, dark and light, or slow and fast, for example. According to this theory, nature tries to harmonize these qualities for balance. For us, achieving that balance can result in improved health, greater self-awareness, and overall fitness.

The concept of Chi is the foundation of traditional Chinese medical theory and Chi Kung. Like the Greek "pneuma" and the Indian Sanskrit "prana," Chi is considered to be the vital force and energy flow in all living things, circulating through channels in the body. Chi Kung theory says when this Chi flow becomes stagnant or stops, illness, pain, or mental and emotional problems occur. Chi Kung practices seeks to not only increase the level of Chi, but restore and improve its circulation. Accupuncture is also based on this theory.

Most researchers credit an Indian monk, Da Mo, also known as Bodhidharma, with not only founding the Chan (Zen) sect of Buddhism, but as the father of Chinese martial arts, incorporating Chi Kung practice into sets of exercises at the original Shaolin temple in Henan province around 550 A.D. The monks at the temple practiced these methods and found that they greatly improved not only their health, but increased their strength and power. The Shaolin monks continued to develop these techniques by integrating them with sets of martial arts forms that imitated the movements of animals known for their fighting prowess, like the tiger, dragon, snake, and crane. Later and outside the temple, other meditative martial arts practices that use Chi training, like Tai Chi Chuan and Pa Ku Chang, were developed 

Our present day Chung Yen Shaolin martial arts group often refers to the Chi Kung development area of practice as "internal" or Nei Kung. Not only does it include more typical still-type meditation and focused breathing, but also incorporates using the Chi Kung techniques with stances, punches, kicks, sparring, conditioning and endurance training. Our regular martial arts classes usually starting incorporating Nei Kung at the intermediate, Brown Belt, rank level, introducing a form called, San Nije or "Three Unity."

Our specialty Chi Kung classes are for both martial arts and non-martial arts students. Classes are usually held in 8 or 12 week sessions for one hour a week. We use some or all of Bodhidharma's original 18 position set of exercises to help with the practice. Though concentration and special breathing techniques, we first help students accumulate and increase their Chi. We then help train them to mentally focus on their breath and at the same time, imagine guiding energy to their vital organs and throughout the body while maintaining several different body postures. The postures and techniques are actually not very complicated and can be quickly learned with the proper guidance. It is through one's regular effort,  focus, and diligence in the practice of these techniques that brings the benefits. We also offer Tai Chi Chaun "moving meditation" classes to non-martial arts students.

I would like to add that one of the greatest benefits of Chi Kung practice is through the effort that it takes rather than something attained. The "Kung" in Chi Kung is the same as in "Kung Fu," which is a term often used to refer to Chinese martial arts, but is literally translated "energy-time." Some attainment is like inherited wealth; obtained without effort or discipline, and is often soon used up or loses its value. When something is earned through time, patience, and effort, it resides in you--you own it. The effort of self-study, searching, and self-cultivation is, I think, the pursuit of a better understanding of the meaning of our lives. 

photo by Mary Cockriel

From the YMCAs of Central Kentucky, December 2006 Newsletter: There are four important chinese characters, "Sang Wu Ching Shen," printed on the rank advancement certificates that Central Shaolin martial arts students receive. These four characters are also part of patch sewn onto the arm of the more advanced Brown and Black Belt student uniforms. Translated, the four characters mean "Excellence in Martial Arts Character/Spirit."

Notice that the characters say nothing about how fast someone can punch, how high they can jump, or how perfectly they do a form, although these skills are important in martial arts. But they speak about what is inside the martial artist. Perhaps not even what they possess today, but what they aspire to, what they hope to embody as a human being, and in turn, what they give to others.

Of course, a certificate or a patch cannot bestow character upon the recipient. It is developed by doing. In deed and in action. In the martial arts classroom, it is earned by the sweat running down the side of one's face in an effort to be the best you can be. By accepting the challenge of getting up in front of a packed gym by yourself and performing your material on test day or in a tournament competition. Or by helping your classmate who's having a difficult time with a particular technique, and even complimenting your sparring partner on a job well done as they help pick you up off the floor. And sometimes it's by picking yourself up from the floor by struggling or even failing on occasion. Outside of the gym, it grows from practicing when your teacher isn't there to watch you. And more importantly, it's when you choose to do the right thing in everyday life when no one else is looking--when no one or no law is telling you what to do.

Part of the YMCA's mission is to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all through building strong families and relationships. While martial arts training can help develop self-defense skills, physical and mental health, self-discipline, and lead to a healthier lifestyle, the cornerstones of our program at the Central Kentucky YMCAs are about helping to develop excellence, character, and spirit. Whether you are an adult or child, man or woman, 7 years old or 70, the Y's Central Shaolin martial arts program is a great way to achieve these goals. Some current members have been practicing together nearly 30 years, building relationships that have lasted a lifetime. Head Instructor, Grandmaster Hiang Kwang The, has been teaching over 40 years. Parents, children, siblings, and families of all types make up a large portion of our group's membership. Many parents cheer their kids on in a sport. Many parents also help coach or officiate in their kids' sports, as well. But how many parents get to practice and compete in the same sport with their kids? Attending class together, practicing at home together, testing together, participating tournaments together. These shared challenges, successes and failures are more than precious memories--they're strengthening relationships against the pressures of a world that often seeks to unravel them.