jujitsu. Martial artists learn to concentrate qi in the lower dantian (a spot
in the lower abdomen about three inches below the navel) and sometimes
use special breathing, relaxation, and visualizations to control and direct
the qi throughout their bodies.
Martial arts applications of qi theory vary but basically range from
use of kiai(Japanese; spirit yell, energy unification ), in which the lower ab-
domen forcefully expels air with a shout such as “Tô,”to the development
of ESP-like abilities, such as the ability to anticipate an opponent’s attack.
There are many other paranormal claims made, including the ability to
sense danger before it happens, control the weather, and heal with qi.
Meditation using qi energy, such as qigong(exercise or effort focused
on exercising qi) meditation, appears to have physiological effects on the
body and brain. Shih Tzu Kuo notes that the deep relaxation that comes
with meditation reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, lowers adrenaline
and lactate, and reduces oxygen consumption.
Critics of the qi concept suggest that qi is not a separate force but is
simply the correct utilization of breath, mental focus, body weight, timing,
and physics. By synchronization of these factors one can achieve a syner-
gistic effect without recourse to such mystical concepts as qi.
Qi is closely associated with breath but appears in several varieties in
Daoist lore. Jing Qiis a yin (the passive or negative element of the two
complementary forces of yin and yang in Chinese cosmology) form of qi
closely associated with sexual energy. Yuan Qiis the original energy that
one inherits with one’s body and, according to some Daoists (Taoists),
when Yuan Qi is finally dissipated, one dies. Shen,or heavenly qi, is asso-
ciated with spiritual energy. Qi also can be seen as the bridge of energy that
connects the physical body/essence to the spiritual body. Cultivation of qi
is a vital part of many Asian meditative systems, and these systems have
been very influential in the development of traditional martial arts.
Ronald Holt
See alsoAikidô; External vs. Internal Chinese Martial Arts; Medicine,
Traditional Chinese; Meditation; Religion and Spiritual Development:
China; Religion and Spiritual Development: Japan
References
Shih Tzu Kuo. 1994. Qi Gong Therapy.Barrytown, NY: Station Hill Press.
Tek, Peter. 1995. “Principles and Practices in Taijiquan.” Journal of Asian
Martial Arts4, no. 1: 65–72.
Yuasa Yasuo. 1993. The Body, Self-Cultivation and Ki-Energy.Trans. by
Shigenori Nagatomo and Monte Hull. Albany: State University of New
York Press.262 Ki/Qi