The Roots of The Mind and Body Series
Opinions vary on the origins of Chinese boxing, or Kung Fu. Systematic methods for training unarmed combat were probably first developed for soldiers by the military. Training included not only fighting techniques, but physical and mental conditioning to endure in battle. Many fighting systems would have been developed among rival armies. Tested against each other in combat, only the most effective systems would produce survivors to pass them on. Over the centuries the best techniques for training and fighting evolved into a highly efficient, scientific training system, putting mind and body in a state of readiness for confrontation.
Qi Publishing: In Chinese culture, Qi pronounced ch'i or ki (in Japanese romanization) is a kind of "life force" or "spiritual energy" that is part of every living thing. It is frequently translated as "energy flow", or literally as "air", "breath", or "gas". (For example, "tiānqì", literally "sky breath", is the ordinary Chinese word for "weather").
On leaving the military Kung Fu exponents taught their skills to
family members. Handed down from generation to generation, fighting
ability could be decisive in resolving disputes and reinforcing a
particular clan's position in the social order. As a result Kung Fu
training techniques and skills became jealously guarded family secrets.
Shrouded in social tradition and secrecy, speculation around the
abilities of Kung Fu practitioners often transformed them and their
deeds into legend. It was often in a clan's interest to perpetuate
these myths, a phenomenon which continues to this day, to create awe
and wonder in the mind of a potential opponent. Beneath these
distortions the effectiveness of this training system is
evidenced by the fact it continues to thrive today.
Total fitness conditioning through Eastern Martial arts Kung Fu
training is a progressive and powerful conditioning system, grounded in
solid scientific principles. There are no fads, no gimmicks and no
false promises. It is simple, direct, and it works. The Mind and Body
Series explains why Kung Fu training works and how to use it to meet
your goals.
Fitness is defined by the demands of our lives. Conditioning and
training aims to improve our readiness to meet these demands. Modern
life finds us struggling with the pace of change and teh effects of
sedentary lifestyles. The following list could doubtless be expanded,
evidence suggests our training should target:
- Self-confidence - maintaining a positive view of ourselves.
- Weight control - maintaining body fat at reasonable levels.
- Age prevention - maintaining the strength of muscle and bone.
- Disease prevention - maintaining the health of internal organs such as the heart.
- Mental relaxation - the ability to enjoy life and see things calmly.
- Breathing and mobility - the ability to move joints freely and breath fully.
- Stamina - the ability to keep going, have energy to spare and keep weight under control.
- Strength - the ability to carry with ease, maintain muscle tone and slow the effects of ageing.
Each book presents fully illustrated exercises, arranged in order of difficulty and graded by colour (like the belt systems in Judo and Karate). From beginner to expert, the sequence of lessons are designed to develop a relaxed mind, positive focus, enhanced stamina and enhanced muscular power.
The advantages of The Mind and Body approach are:
- Inclusive - anyone can join in.
- Confidence - systematically develops positive attitude.
- Challenge - enough difficulty to grow, but not put us off.
- Progression - seeing and enjoying improvements.
- Variety - enough scope to change the strategy.
- Enjoyment - scope to imagine, play and have fun.
- Convenience - no special equipment or clothing required.
- Portability - perform anywhere.
- Flexibility - adaptable to time and personal constraints.
- Adaptability - applicable to our own objectives.
- Range - good for groups or those who would rather exercise alone.
