Yes. Last week I visited James Guo’s club and was impressed by his knowledge. I appreciate the fact that he can approach martial arts in a very scientific manner, although I would not discount ‘internal’ exercises as fairytale. While I was talking to him, I got the feeling that he felt that ‘internal’ exercises were counterproductive in real combat. At this point of time, I can’t debate with him because he has obviously more expertise and has even studied under a well-reputed grandmaster. However, ‘internal’ strength is hardly fantasy–it obeys the laws of physics. As I see it, developing internal strength builds your body’s connection to the ground and exploits this to meet and deflect any incoming force. Having done Baji, Chen style taiji, and baguazhang, I am sure Sifu Guo would know what I am talking about.
Having said all that, have you seen him do any parlour tricks? Have you seen him demonstrate a skill that was beyond brute power? For instance, Mike Sigman has this test:
"Have the person put the palm of their hand on your upper chest (to one side) or, if you prefer, on your shoulder from the side. Then, ask them to hit you as hard as they can…without moving their hand back and without ****ing their shoulder (9 out of 10 will use their shoulder, so watch for it).
If they have developed waist power and other skills, they can launch you through the air… if they haven’t, the most they can do is rock you a bit if your stance is fairly stable (get in a good stance). Watch that shoulder, though…it shouldn’t really move."
What’re the combat implications of this demonstration? Who cares. Training in ‘internal’ strength and sparring are two entirely different entities. The fact is, ‘internal’ strength is not a magical phenomenon, but a physical one. Or in Sifu James Guo’s words, not ‘miraculous’. Since ‘internal’ strength is a physical phenomena, it can therefore translate into sparring practise…which is very much an ‘external’ practise. I didn’t observe the whole class but Sifu told me that he trains the beginners in boxing/muay thai drills because he wants them to develop fundamental skills to learn baji/tanglang/bagua/etc. I like that idea. Although, since I’ve never been to the class where he actually teaches these arts, does he teach you basic movements (not to be mistaken with forms) to help you develop the body power (note I say body power, not muscular strength) to deliver the explosiveness that, say, bajiquan is famous for? For instance, does he teach you the horse stance or anything of the like?
Please understand that I am approaching this scientifically like you…I don’t believe in ki blasts, no touch knockdowns or anything like that. I am for sparring, but I am also for the development of internal strength.
Thanks,
LJL
