Training -- Subject: "Dynamic Tension" or muscle contraction exercises --  Many martial arts systems, especially those derived from Southern Shaolin, utilize a variety of two-man and solo forms of muscle contracting exercises to build  strength.  Some famous ones such as the Iron Thread Exercise and Sanchin Kata are found in several seemingly unrelated systems.  Even Xingyi and Bagua, as taught by some instructors, have intricate, forceful pushing and pulling sets to develop power.  If you are considering using this type of training, make sure that your instructor is well-qualified to teach this aspect and proceed exactly as taught.  Done properly, internal strength should also be a result -- not just mere muscle power.  Eventually, even while exerting great force, the Qi should flow smoothly and the internal organs and breathing should remain calm.

Excerpts from   

            

Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Newsletter

July 1980

  by Michael Alan Brown            President -  CYKFA

Edited by W Kraig Stephens CYKFA Black Belt #68

PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION OF THE CHING YI KUNG FU ASSOCIATION