Tai Chi Chuan is called an internal style. What are differences between internal and external martial arts?
To be precise, Tai Chi is categorized as an internal soft-style kung-fu. “Internal” means that the emphasis is on strengthening the internal body, the muscles, tendons, bones, internal organs, and it follows a quiet, meditative training that lets the body do the job without forcing it. While external training, such as in gym exercises and weight lifting, works on certain groups of muscles separately, internal training works on the whole body and the mind as one. The mind needs to be empty, clear and calm. The internal system takes longer to achieve, but it is very powerful — and deceptively so, with no obvious or flashy moves like high jumps and kicks. It offers a more practical and economical approach to fighting. At the same time, Tai Chi has a greater healing effect on the body than other systems. Nei Kung also strengthens the body from within and is important for the development of internal martial arts. High-level Nei Kung training is called “iron vest” or “golden bell,” because i
