The Understanding of the Universal Principles in Martial Arts Articles | Self Esteem

By: Darren Williger

Quantum physics has a theory that promises to change the way we see the world and this theory is the theory of strings. What this particular theory states is that strings are the primary structure that make up everything which we can see and which can’t see in the world. The word string is actually just a word that these theoretical physicists have used to describe everything tangible and intangible in the physical world.

No direct correlation has ever been claimed between the string theory and the principle of ch’I that can be found in Eastern cultures but they both share the same basic idea. This basic idea is that there is a basic energy that connects everything. By understanding this energy better we can harness its power and utilize it effectively.

This concept of ch’I also called qi in Chinese and ki in Japanese is actually relative to the particular school teaching it. Certain people claim that ch’I is a force that is separate from what we know matter to be. Some people say that ch’i actually comes from matter others claim that vice-versa is the true case.

What these schools have in common is that they all agree that ch’I is a basic energy that can give a person physical, mental or spiritual power. These different arguments that try to explain ch’i it is clear that simple verbal arguments won’t define the true nature of ch’i. Ch’I is better studied through actual practice and instruction.,

One school of thought that may have some success in the definition of what ch’I is and how it can best be used for a persons benefit is the school of Aikido. The basic spiritual concept and philosophy of Aikido is the ki which has some similarity to the definition of ch’I if they aren’t the same thing.

The ki explained in Aikido is the basis of the martial art. Technically martial arts are defined as arts that are meant for purposes of combat and war but Aikido is usually defined as the art of peace because it aims to use a peaceful means of ending aggression. Ki in Aikido teaches that there is a fundamental energy that can be used. In Aikido ki is a dynamic substance that flows.

The peace and relaxation that are taught through Aikido focuses on the fact that Ki tends to flow a whole lot better when it isn’t interrupted. One better illustration of the concept of Ki is using the water analogy. If Ki is water then it can be used to create hydroelectric force.

In Aikido Ki comes from relaxation. When a person is relaxed the ki flows a whole lot better. Aikido isn’t about muscle strength or having superior physical attributes. It’s all about relaxation and having flexibility and stamina at the same time. With this a smaller person can overcome someone of considerable bulk and strength in actual combat. This is what ki in the martial art of Aikido can help an individual achieve efficiently and with minimum effort.