Quote:
zero1 wrote:
I've been training in the martial arts for something around five years. The style I study borrows from all sorts of other styles, including aikido, but there has never been a great deal of emphasis on ki. What kinds of exercises/meditation should I do to strengthen my ki, learn to control it, sense it in others, etc?
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The Ki Society (Ki-Aikido) has its own programs of Ki development. However many martial arts have developed their own training when it comes to Ki. I'd like to mention several ways of
Ki Development that have appeared in various forms of training.
Ki exercises - Qi Gong is a good example. These are slow moving movements that are suppose to allow the Qi/Chi/Ki to flow through the body.
Accupuncture/Accupressure therapy - This medical approach also helps the flow of Ki through the body.
Breathing exercises - Generally some form of abdominal breathing to gain self-control.
Meditation - The form varies from type of training. Generally it is a variation of Zazen (Zen)training, stillness sitting.
Diet/Herbs - Some believe Ki can be improved through special diets and/or taking certain herbs.
Some of the above methods are dangerous, others are a waste of time. For my money, I'd go with the breathing exercises and meditation. It's cheap, needs no special equiptment and has proven to be beneficial.
Many forms of martial arts have traditionally practiced breathing to improve. It's generally been pointed out that breathing is a behavior that is controled by both the subconcious and the conscious. It provides a natural way to train in mind and body.
Meditation has also been proven to relieve stress and has other benefits to it. The primary focus for many meditators is gaining self-discipline in their training.
If you'd like to read more about
Ki go to
http://www.geocities.com/tedehara
[Edited by tedehara on December 29, 2000 at 03:36pm]