The concept of “Ki/Chi”
is (greatly) misunderstood and miss-utilized in the West. As a
teaching/concept principle, it is an easily understood analogy.
What it isn't, is an actual skill/ability. The idea of being
able to “channel” the flow of energy is only a concept.
Though completely possible to (first learn) relate all of the
medical/anatomical components necessary to perform a physical motion,
it is easier (for the average untrained student and
instructor) to conceptualize the notion of water flowing,
through an analogy being made to that
energy (momentum) being made to a liquid.
This simplistic analogy
has been corrupted to include (if not become) a “mystical”
quality/ability that can be developed through various questionable
studies (that commonly have NO relation to the practice of a
defensive art).
Obviously I am adamant in
my (disgust?) disapproval for this manor of instruction (when these
“mystical” abilities are being endorsed as being a real, much
less a valid training
method). Oyata was very clear about his feelings on this
subject, he believed it to be total nonsense and useless for learning
the protective arts. He disapproved of any of “his” systems
instructor's teaching this belief to their students (in regard to his
system).
As an analogy, the idea
of momentum being a liquid is a more easily understood concept
for the new student to understand. The correct positioning of the
feet, in conjunction with how the user's arms are being motioned
“could” be broken down into their various components, but that
information can be conveyed after the student has physically been
shown the differences in how those motions may be applied. Everyone
is familiar with how water flows (most easily/quickly), when
momentum is related to water flowing, the student more quickly
understands the concept (and overall training doesn't need to
be interrupted).
Though I disagree with
how this mnemonic is being used (in relation to life-protection
instruction via the “TCM” nonsense), I too have used
the (water) analogy when teaching various concepts. Granted, this is
most often in relation to performing brushed calligraphy
(Shuji/Shodo), but in the process of relating various concepts to
students, “water” is an easily understood medium (for the student
to relate to what is being done physically). In fact, I've come to use the words “like water” if/when making these
analogy's (in order to avoid any misconceptions of “ki” being
made).
Ki/Chi is a commonly used
term in the Orient, that doesn't (or shouldn't) imply that it is
accepted in the same manner that is being promoted here (in
the U.S./West). Any living thing has “life” or energy
(plants, animals, people). The fact that this “energy” can be
utilized and/or developed (by an individual), is nothing mystical
(as is often promoted). What can make it confusing (to Westerner's),
is that Ki/Chi can be developed (though not in the manner that's
being sold to Western student's).
Muscular strength
is considered to be a form of Ki/Chi, mental attitude
is considered to be a form of Ki/Chi. There are numerous examples
that are commonly used in the East, that have nothing to do with any
manner of a mystical energy.
Using the term “Ki/Chi”
(of course) makes the concept sound more Oriental (if not
“mystical”), which is (very) often the intention of the
instructor. Students often come to learn a defensive “art” that
is Oriental. When comparing the numerous defensive methodologies, it
is the Oriental one's that have the greatest popularity. Apparently,
in order to be accepted as being an “authentic” Oriental art,
students have come to expect some manner/level of mysticism to
be included in that study. Whether this is used to explain why
“they” can't (instantly) perform the instructed motions, or as an
excuse (as to why they can't) is open to debate. But what can't be
logically argued, is why it is an
expected part of that instruction.
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