What is this mysterious Qi (Chi) energy everyone talks about ?
There are many misconceptions about this word as it used to mean many different things in different contexts. Chinese is a contextual language and words aquire meaning by the context within which they are put. The term Qi can mean breath, and breathing correctly is an important aspect of Taijiquan. Qi can mean full body power which can only be utilised if the body is relaxed and coordinated, thus creating the concept of stiffness blocking the flow of Qi. Exercise designed to increase Qi are a combination of stretching, relaxation, strengthening and coordination drills that exercise the muscles in a different way from Western Exercise regimes, the aim not being to develop bigger muscles or better body definition but to make the most efficient use of existing muscle. The exercises give the muscles an elastic quality that enables them to also absorb force enabling the practioner to withstand punches and kicks. I have found these exercise to be much tougher than Western exercise regimes an
