As is known, practicing Wushu positively impacts the improvement of physical fitness. Let’s examine how training in the Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan Wushu school affects four key criteria of physical fitness: flexibility, endurance, coordination, and strength.
Flexibility
The level of body flexibility depends on a variety of factors. Let’s approach this issue from an anatomical perspective, using the principles of the I Liq Chuan Wushu Kung Fu system as a basis.
Here, we need to consider tissues such as fasciae, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The condition of all these tissues determines our level of flexibility.
Two main qualities affecting flexibility within this system of tissues can be identified: softness and elasticity. In the system of I Liq Chuan, these two qualities are stages of relaxation. There is a certain correlation between the degree of flexibility and relaxation.
For example, a tense muscle is less elastic and resistant to stretching. Therefore, it can be concluded that relaxation is a key factor in the degree of flexibility.
Does I Liq Chuan help develop flexibility?
According to the principles of I Liq Chuan, all movements and techniques should be performed while maintaining a balance between Yin and Yang muscles (flexors and extensors). Here, balance is essentially a high degree of relaxation, which we strive to maintain constantly during practice while in motion. Thus, during I Liq Chuan practice and by following the system’s principles, we are essentially in conditions that precede flexibility, and through the practices, we deepen these conditions, enhancing the level of softness and elasticity of the aforementioned tissues.
The balance between Yin and Yang muscles is essentially muscle relaxation, which we can experience through practicing I Liq Chuan. Disruption of this balance is always accompanied by tension in one or both muscle groups (flexors and extensors).
In the I Liq Chuan system, fasciae are of particular importance. They typically have high elasticity, allowing them to adapt to body movements and provide support and protection to internal organs and structures. Their softness also contributes to the flexibility and pliability of the body.
Endurance
Endurance is the ability of the body to continue physical or mental activity for an extended period of time without fatigue or exhaustion. It is also worth noting that endurance can vary depending on the type of activity: physical, mental, or even emotional.
A key factor causing physical fatigue is overexertion. I Liq Chuan teaches us to act within limits that do not disrupt the body’s natural structure, allowing us to perform each movement with minimal effort while maintaining high efficiency and effective use of force.
The better a practitioner perceives their limits, the less energy they expend in executing various actions. It is also important to note that this is not only about physical activity but also about mental activity, which we will discuss in another article.
In I Liq Chuan, we do not increase endurance through endless physical exertion, gradually increasing the amount of exercise. Instead, we take the opposite approach, conserving resources and working on their ergonomics by optimizing the function of our mind and body.
Coordination
Coordination is the ability to control and harmonize the movements of different parts of the body to achieve a specific goal or perform a particular task. It involves accuracy, speed, strength, and smoothness of movements, as well as the ability to switch between different movements and adapt to changing conditions.
By practicing I Liq Chuan, we always work on all of the above aspects related to coordination and even more…
- Sensing the limits of body movement.
- Listening to the thirteen points.
- Balancing yin-yang muscles.
- Observing the implementation of the five qualities of movement – Absorb/Project, Open/Close, Condense/Expand, Concave/Convex, and Three-dimension planes.
- Other qualities we work on.
All of the above contributes to the development of coordination.
By practicing, we continually refine our body and mind through the techniques of Wushu Kung Fu I Liq Chuan.
Strength
In I Liq Chuan, the development of strength does not come from the conventional muscle building and exhausting physical exercises familiar to most people.
Strength here is realized through understanding the body’s structure, the limits of movement, and the implementation of the five qualities.
The main source of strength in I Liq Chuan is the coordinated work of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia, as well as the alignment of the body’s bone structure according to the principles outlined in the thirteen points. Below are a number of factors directly related to the realization of strength in I Liq Chuan.
Centering and Body Axis
Centering and Body Axis
Great importance is given to maintaining the center of gravity and aligning the body axis. This helps to use strength most effectively and maintain balance.
Fa Jin
Fa Jin is the method of emitting internal force. Training focuses on learning the correct use of muscles, tendons, and joints to transfer energy from the center of the body to the extremities.
Relaxation and Softness
For effective use of strength in I Liq Chuan, muscle relaxation and softness of movement are essential. This allows for the release of accumulated internal energy and helps avoid unnecessary tension that can block the flow of Qi.
Breathing
Proper breathing plays a key role in controlling and distributing energy. Deep, even breathing helps improve the circulation of Qi and supports the optimal use of strength.
Connectedness and Coordination
I Liq Chuan places great emphasis on the coordination of movements and the connectedness of the body. All parts of the body must work together as a unified whole for the maximum effectiveness of strength utilization.
Sensitivity and Intuition
Developing sensitivity (Ting Jin) allows one to perceive and respond to the opponent’s movements and force. This helps to use the opponent’s strength against them and minimize one’s own energy expenditure.
Constant Practice and Meditation
Practicing meditation and performing forms or exercise routines help improve internal concentration, enhance the flow of Qi, and develop internal strength.
The realization of strength in I Liq Chuan requires long-term and regular training aimed at developing internal energy, coordination, and harmony of body and mind.
