Got Qi???
First, when did the burden of proof fall on those who don’t believe? I always thought it was the other way around. If I can’t see it, can’t touch it, can’t validate it, why should I have to prove it doesn’t exist? Shouldn’t you have to prove it does exist based on the lack of empirical evidence. If not, I have some beautiful lake front property for sale in Florida, dirt cheap.
That being said, I’m in a generous mood today so:
The first thing you need to realize is that Qi is a jargon term used in Chinese Martial Arts
Jargon= The specialized language of a trade or profession
That throws out the two most common definitions. The first being the common term where Qi simply means breath or air. The second definition has to do more with religion or other phenomena. In this definition, Qi is the intrinsic energy that joins together and exists within all life forms on earth. For our purposes, neither of these terms is sufficient.
Now that we have discounted the two main definitions of Qi (work with me here, there is a point) let us begin to build our jargon term using common sense and excerpts from the martial classics.
Before we can have Qi, we must have root. Root is a simple definition and therefore a good place to start. Root is simply a base. It is the ability to maintain good balance while in a confrontational setting. For a good definition of a base, talk with any high school wrestler (as that is also a jargon term)
Now that we have established root in our practice, we can begin to develop our Qi. Qi exists in CMA when you can place a part of your body (we’ll use hands as that is a good place to start) on an opponent and maintain a line of force from the hand to your rooted foot. Mike Sigman refers to this as the ground path. It is hinted at in the classics:
Qi threads as through a nine curved pearl
Let your Qi sink into the opponent
Where mind goes, Qi follows
All of the above classics both verify and support this definition we are using. The below quote however, does not:
Sink the Qi to the Dan Tien
Why does the contradictory phrase hold so much clout in the Internal Arts world? Well, it’s not contradictory. The center (Dan Tien) unites the upper and lower portions. If you have problem making this “Qi connection†you must look to the waist and legs. Just move your belly around slightly until you “get it†That’s also a reason for the emphasis on correct posture. It’s simply to get the feeling.
So what do we have now? Well, we have a structure that is supported by correct skeletal posture which provides a solid base of attack with minimum effort (pretty “Internal-ish, no?) Problem is, we still can’t fight with it.
Classics also say that the Qi is converted into Jing. Jing is also another Jargon term. Easiest way to think about Jing the transfer of force through the “Qi Structure†you have built. Basically, when you can issue force through your body without compromising Qi, You have Jing. Classics also say:
The strength is rooted in the feet, launched by the legs, directed from the waist, and expressed through the fingers.
The cool thing is, after Jing comes Shen, and I haven’t a clue to that yet. Hell, I’m just starting to develop my Jing.
Well, that’s how I explain Qi. Not too mystical huh? Is it a good definition? Go try it out and see what you think
no other country has done as much 4 my people, jews & chinese, as america. now go back to wiping ur ass with ur hand or ?ever the fu*ck it is u do for entertainment 
