"Boxing masters instruct their students to learn boxing by following the three requirements:
Softness (relaxation)
Slowness (prolongation of posture)
Evenness (of actions and breathing)
With these mastered, a promising embryo for learning Internal Boxing is formed.
SUBSTANCE AND FUNCTION
To eradicate erroneous ideas you may have, I desire to draw a comparison between the Internal and External types of boxing. Based on an analysis of substance and function there is a remarkable difference between the two arts. The Internal is based on the combined training of spirit and body, exemplified in the doctrines of Buddhism and Taoism. The main goals of these doctrines is to achieve the state of holding a "great air" without any worldly desire of bellicose attitude, neither humble nor arrogant, always advancing and indomitable. "Spiritual" cultivation in Internal Boxing is given top priority, but boxing theory and practice must also be accorded their due. When you box, the "spiritual" cultivation is transformed into physical activity in exactly the right proportion required for the work at hand.
External Boxing, on the other hand, stresses the physical or material side. It stresses external muscle size and achievement and pragmatic postures. It likes the flamboyant display, the demonstration of strength. Visually, the two appear similar to the layman, whereas, actually, they are quite remote from one another. First, muscle training in External Boxing is restricted by age, whereas the mental cultivation of Internal Boxing continues through life and, if anything, becomes more profound at an advanced age.
Undeniably, the use of a single part of the body in External Boxing is often admirable. But this requires time, effort and strength, and the gain made often leaves other parts of the body defenseless. The strength of Internal Boxing, however, is hidden inside and permeates everywhere in equal proportions. Reserved inside, it is virtually inexhaustible and can be gathered for use. Permeating the whole body, the strength of the Internal is not localized and can shoot forth from any quarter. It can be hard or soft, cover a wide area or a small spot, and be drawn for use externally or reserved inside.
In actual boxing there are many other differences between the two in respect to principles and methods. The Internal studies the theory of change, and the interplay of yin (soft) and yang (hard), and how to win by wisdom rather than trick. Its desire is to win without a hot fight (economically), but to win so that no doubt lingers in the mind of the attacker (efficiently). An Internal Boxing master can dodge, deflect, and counterattack instinctively because the mental training has made him both efficient and economical.
An ancient boxing classic states: "Boxing is like taking a walk; striking an enemy is like snapping your fingers." The External cares only for demonstratable skills, whereas the Internal reserves and does not demonstrate its skills, which, if anything, have been more scientifically developed than those of the External. In sum, the substance and function of the two systems are entirely different. The substance of Internal Boxing is on the mental, not the material, level, and its function is not limited to the mere performance of boxing. It brings health with it, and, therefore, can be said to teach fighting and living skills at the same time.
CONCEPTS NEEDED FOR TRAINING
The novice needs a firm will and perfect confidence to understand and appreciate the function of Internal Boxing. He must prepare himself mentally and must have the correct concepts in mind. A beginner is like a man going on a trip. If he wants to reach his destination quickly and safely, he will select the best means and the shortest route.
The ideal student is one of middle age because he accumulates knowledge and experience as he matures. Confucius said, "A person at forty will not be diverted." This originaly referred to ethical cultivation, but can be applied to any kind of learning. When young, a person tends to show off strength, but when he is old his strength will fail him. Then he knows that what he had earlier was superficial and of no use. Guilt and regret then impel him to learn the art from the start. A persona with such an awakening is very likely to progress rapidly. He now is quiet and receptive and his psychology is correct. He turns his personal and sensual desires to the spiritual side. In this way he becomes tranqiul. He then assesses things properly and is always calm. Then he starts learning. Internal Boxing doctrine says that wu-wei (doing nothing that is not natural or spontaneous) is required. Wu-wei is to become like a blank piece of paper. Every Internal student tries to achieve this. It brings harmony to his life. This process, however, requires time and energy.
Wrong ideas can put the student on the wrong track -- examples are numerous. Some divide the Internal into hard, soft, and change, equating the hard with Hsing-I, the soft to T'ai-chi, and the change to Pa-kua. Some also say that Hsing-I is for youngsters, Pa-kua for the middle-aged, and T'ai-chi for oldsters. How absurd! Internal experts used to say that the three have the same end, yet employ different means. This statement must not be interpreted as a relay race but rather like three links in the a chain of command to attain an end. From Hsing-i you can learn the physical aspects of the Internal function. From T'ai-chi and Pa-kua you can reach the spiritual phenomenon of Internal Boxing. The relay race analogy was taught by some quack boxers. If you believe it you will never enter the gate of Internal Boxing even if you practice all your life.
To go further, the three arts suggest a correct basis for learning boxing. They stress i (mind). From i action comes and is dominated. the idea is to keep still although your body moves. That is i. To remain still although the body moves circularly--that is Pa-kau, and to do so while the body goes in a straight line--that is Hsing-i. The idea is formed, and if you want to move, you do, if you want to stay still, you do. If you want to be hard or soft, you will it. This emptied aspect brings transformation. Any of the three arts can bring it. Also, all three can at different times be hard or soft. It is entirely wrong to say that one is soft and the other hard. Soft and hard in boxing are transitional phases.
To learn the Internal, the spirit must dominate the body. At first adopt wu-wei and wang-o (forgetting self). This is the spiritual construction of a foundation. Then accept these basic but radical ideas:
(1) Boxing requires movement, but first the Internal requires stillness;
(2) To defeat the enemy requires strength, but first the Internal requires softness;
(3) Fighting requires speed, but first the Internal requires slowness.
If a person desires to learn Internal Boxing with the maximum speed and the greatest efficiency, he must heed all the above.
"Those who set out to learn the exercise, do not misjudge the value of The Chinese Five Word Song."
Verses 133-134
"The Chinese Five Word Song" was written by Master Li Tung Fung during the early part of China's Sung Dynasty. Master Li learned Hwa-Yu T'ai-Chi Ch'uan (Liu Ho Pa Fa Ch'uan Fa) from Master Chen Hsi-I, creator of the martial art and health exercise. Master Li Tung Fung took refuge in the mountain of Yun, southeast from the Lok district. While living on Yun, he authored the famous Chinese Five Word Song, which serves today as the only extant treatise explaining the principles of the original Liu Ho Pa Fa.
Hwa-Yu T'ai-Chi Ch'uan was a closed-door martial art for almost 1,000 years. Master John Chung Li opened the door to hundreds of students in China, the United States and Europe. Master Li translated The Chinese Five Word Song and added his commentary to each of the 134 verses to help students understand the truth within Internal Martial Arts. We are privileged to now offer the insights to this phenomenal martial art and healthcare science through the publication of The Chinese Five Word Song.
We are extremely pleased to announce the publication of The Chinese Five Word Song. It's filled with tremendous insights into the philosophy and guiding principles of Internal Martial Arts from one of the true masters of the 20th Century.
You can purchase "The Chinese Five Word Song" from top online book sellers (Barnes and Noble, Borders Books, Amazon.com and Books A Million).
Contact Mark McGee by e-mail if you would like to receive a signed copy of the book.
You'll also enjoy the new book by Master Glenn Newth titled "Hwa Yu T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Five-Word Song." You can purchase this book through any of the major booksellers websites.
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