The Ke-I and Qi Tang Soo Do

American Tang Soo Do, a dynamic Korean-American martial art, goes beyond physical techniques. It delves into the world of Qi (pronounced "chi"), also known as Chi or Ki depending on the cultural context. This concept, often translated as "vital energy" or "life force," plays a fundamental role in Tang Soo Do practice, influencing movement, focus, and overall well-being.

Understanding Qi:

Qi is a complex concept with roots in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy. It's believed to be an invisible energy that flows throughout the universe and within every living being. In Tang Soo Do, cultivating Qi is seen as a way to:

• Enhance Performance: Proper breathing techniques, a cornerstone of Tang Soo Do, are believed to regulate the flow of Qi, leading to increased stamina and power in movements.
• Sharpen Mental Focus: Qi is seen as connecting the mind and body. By focusing on Qi during training, students can achieve a state of heightened awareness and concentration, improving their ability to learn and execute techniques.
• Develop Inner Strength: Cultivating Qi is believed to build resilience and mental fortitude. This inner strength translates to a confident and composed demeanor, potentially deterring bullying and helping students navigate challenging situations.

Qi in Tang Soo Do Practice:

There are various ways in which Tang Soo Do practice fosters the development of Qi:

• Breathing Exercises: Deep, focused breathing techniques are a core component of Tang Soo Do training. These exercises are believed to regulate the flow of Qi throughout the body, optimizing physical and mental performance.
• Mind-Body Connection: Tang Soo Do emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. By focusing on proper form and intention during techniques, students cultivate a sense of unity that allows for optimal Qi flow.
• Meditation: Some Tang Soo Do schools incorporate meditation practices into their training. Meditation can help students become more aware of their internal energy and improve their ability to control it.

Ki vs. Chi vs. Qi?

While often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between Qi, Chi, and Ki:

• Qi (Chi): This is the original Chinese term, signifying the vital life force believed to exist in all things.
• Ki: This is the Korean pronunciation of "Qi," adopted in Korean martial arts like Tang Soo Do.
• Chi: This is the Wade-Giles romanization of "Qi," used in older English translations of Chinese concepts.

The Takeaway:

Though a philosophical concept, Qi plays a practical role in Tang Soo Do training. By focusing on proper breathing, maintaining a mind-body connection, and potentially incorporating meditation, students cultivate this vital energy, enhancing their physical performance, mental focus, and overall well-being.

  Through proper training, breath control, and spirit, the martial artist sets in touch with and develops i inner energy that radiates throughout the entire body and can be tapped at any time. The degree that one can develop this energy is unlimited; through proper cultivation, one can draw on boundless strength.

At a high level, Ki can be projected through the eyes and spirit to instill fear in or drain the energy from an opponent. In its highest form, it can be used in a silent attack referred to as “Dim Mock”; it attacks the nervous system of an opponent and is thought to be fatal. (An interesting rumor: in martial arts circles, Bruce Lee is thought to have died from a Dim Mock attack!)

Most commonly, Ki is physically expressed and cultivated as a loud, sharp yell, the” Ke-I”.

 There are 5 basic uses of Kl:

1) Power (believed to center in the lower abdomen);

2) Focus (of one’s mind and technique);

3) Breathing (properly, from the diaphragm);

4) Paralysis (temporary immobility of an opponent, by fear);

5) Invulnerability (of the body to attack).

In class, a loud, deep yell (from the diaphragm, not the throat) is the most appropriate Ke-I, but sounds can range from a high squeak to a growling noise.

To practice correctly:

Take a deep breath, exhale, then exhale again with a Ke-I. The extra breath released on the second exhale is held deeper in the lungs and is forced out by the diaphragm.