How to do a chi or ki punch

[Dr4g0n]

Hello I'm just about to start taekwondo
And i wood like to know how to do a ki punch
Because i dont believe that its only a thing for advanced martial artists.
Could someone give me some help or tips how to do the ki punch


And I have another question in teakwondo do they use weapons
And if they do would you mind to tell me the best one to use (that you think is best)
And what should i practise first when starting teakwondo footwork?

[Black Swann]

Hi Dr4gOn

Have you had much martial arts experience in the past? You have stated that you are about to start Taekwondo. If so (please do not take this the wrong way) do you know how to punch without breaking your wrist, elbow or other part of your anatomy?

If the answer is yes then read on. I have been reading up on this subject and actively practised for a while and here is the advice I can give.

1. Relax shoulders and arms
2. Assume a stable and balanced stance (the stronger the foundations of a temple, the stronger it fights against the elements)
3. Focus 2-3 inches behind your target
4. Punch with arms and shoulders relaxed up until the split second of impact...
5. At that moment think of and feel an element (fire, water, etc..) and a colour (red, blue,etc...) and remember to Kiai upon impact.

This may be cagey but I can't think of any other way to write it.

I'm sorry I don't understand why you are trying to run before you can walk but I hope my advice helps. Unfortunately it would take more than this would allow to go into finer detail, you must see or feel it for yourself. Post back if you want anymore.

Lee

[Thai Bri]

Even if this mysterious ki energy did exist (which I doubt), does anyone really think they could learn it off the internet?

[yenhoi]

In addition to having correct body mechanics, Just breath correctly. Thats a chi or ki punch.

Oh yeah, practice alot also.

[Thai Bri]

Apparently so..........

[Black Swann]

Incidentally there is no literal interpretation of the Symbol for Chi or Ki.

Word for word it translates as 'breath'. Think about it, in order to live you need to draw breath, the Ki must flow... so in everything you do you must have Ki or the vital energy surging through you... bizarre isn't it.

I would like to know why you would like to learn this Ki punch in the first place. After a modest amount of training you will understand how to punch properly and, yes, breathe properly to make your strikes effective.

If you are looking for effective strikes in an easy way then look to pressure point striking or Dim Mak - but a word of warning DO NOT TAKE IT LIGHTLY.

Finally (thank God) I'm not sure whether weapons are used in Taekwondo but do not let that stop you but seek experienced instruction and, again do not take it lightly.

Your friend

Lee

[BadgerFu57]

My TKD instructor got mad because I never "kiai"d. But today was my last day of TKD so I don't have to worry about it now.

Muay Thai/Western Boxing is better lol. Sorry traditionalist. MT is traditional though, it worked on battlefields 3000 years ago, if that makes you feel better.

[Lizard]

So what exactly does the ki do? I would say that you are better off hitting a heavy bag/pads to develop a powerful punch. I'm sorry but I just don't see how "ki energy" is supposed to help.

[Grape_Ape]

Ki is something of a mystical term for a rather simple physical process. The controlled exahaltion and kiai in the "ki punch," is simply a modification of a grunt. If you've ever lifted something heavy and grunted or groaned while doing it you've used "ki." Studies have shown that grunting actually increase the ability to lift by something like 20%.* So, mystical ki force is BS. Controlled exhalation at the right time does actually have some effect.


*this may be slightly off as it's from memory

[chris davis 200]

Man o Man!

as an experienced Internal Martial artist (Tai chi, Ba gua and Hsing I and aiki related arts) it really really pi$$es me off when kids come to forums asking how to throw a chi punch, a fireball, how to fly etc etc.

Let me explain some things!!

Internal aspects to the martial arts such as chi etc are only accomplished at an extremely high high level of profficiency and there is some doubt that even at this level the manifestation of chi is possible for combat.

Personally i believe in chi, especially for health and strength but ....

The internal martial arts are about body alignment, structure, speed, advanced power generation using the skeletal and tendon structures and a very very good set of fighting tactics. you cannot suddenly project energy from your hands just because you practice them.

Tae kwon do is an external martial arts it uses muscular (segmented) stength to produce power and has NO internal aspect (and no going through the forms slowly does not make them as good as tai chi!). Internal arts use tendons and bone to generate power (connected power) there is a major difference in alignment and application.


PLEASE JUST GO BACK TO WATCHING DRAGONBALL Z!

[Grape_Ape]

Originally posted by chris davis 200
Man o Man!

as an experienced Internal Martial artist (Tai chi, Ba gua and Hsing I and aiki related arts) it really really pi$$es me off when kids come to forums asking how to throw a chi punch, a fireball, how to fly etc etc.

Maybe you should work more on the calming techniques.

[Lizard]

Actualy there might be some truth in grunting theory. I grunt when I lift a particularly heavy weight and it does help. If it didn't we wouldn't do it. Must be psychological. Otherwise it wouldn't be on this forum.

[Black Swann]

Hi Again to all...

Chris, I agree with what you are saying but CHILL OUT! Having studied the internal martial arts I'm sure that you should know the value of relaxation before you burst a blood vessel.

I remeber when I first started I wanted the earth in such a small time... allow the kid to learn for himself (I'm sure you were like that once, I know I was!!!!!!!!!!)

I too have studied the internal arts (Tai Chi and Aikido) as well as the external arts (Karate and Jiu Jutsu) and have descovered what I have through trial and error, finding out for myself where my limits lie.

And like Grape_Ape said "Maybe you should work more on the calming techniques"...

Regards

[chris davis 200]

hhhhhhhhhhhhuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

deep breath taken!

I was actually calm - was just trying to drive the point home! think i did it quite well.

thanks for the concern guys!

[BadgerFu57]

Originally posted by Lizard
Actualy there might be some truth in grunting theory. I grunt when I lift a particularly heavy weight and it does help. If it didn't we wouldn't do it. Must be psychological. Otherwise it wouldn't be on this forum.

I once had a football coach that said grunting or such like that helps. So I second that.

Also, if you study the art of war (not the treatise by Sun Tzu, just war in general) WAR CRIES are common. I think it just helps people "get pumped up" and get that adrenaline burst needed to do things they normally couldn't do. Indians had their little yell thing, Vikings (the historical version of Tank Abbott) had their battle cries, and even modern soldiers still practice war cries. However, "kiai" just doesn't work for me. I don't like yelling or stuff, doesn't psych me out as much as just putting my chin down and giving the death stare. Personally, I think the Royce Gracie death stare should be an appropriate alternatives to "kiai's" in MA. What about mute martial artists, eh?