The air we breathe and the food we eat gives us the energy to think, feel, move, and function.

Our ability to harmonise the different manifestations of this energy, to use them intelligently and alchemise their harmony is the base of all martial arts study.

We call the energy qi, the ability to look inwards and study it neigong (inner work), we exercise it by stimulating, storing and releasing it with qigong (energy work) we diversify that with solitary technical self defence of our health, skill and body with forms (kata) and apply it toward others with partner work.

If our energy is not trained, harmonised, educated or alchemised it is wild and scattered and will manifest as ignorance, fear, aggression and addiction.

If it is educated, harmonised and alchemised it will manifest with a soft front and strong back, giving emotional intelligence with patience, kindness, tolerance and compassion coupled with resolve, determination, courage and dignity.

This is our personal journey in the martial arts and we are lucky if we have a coach to guide us through it and show us the ‘way’ (Tao or Do). https://rb.gy/ag9tv8