Chinese martial arts aren’t all about people in kung fu shoes and ill fitting pyjamas, whizzing through the air, tip-toeing on tree tops and bending branches or kicking six bells out of each other.

In recent times the idea of these combat systems being used by everyone from amnesiac super spies to mercenaries to cartoon pandas has become commonplace. Nowadays you can’t make an action film without the hero knowing some form of martial art with which to destroy his opponent.

This is all Hollywood and movie glamour however and while they are focused on the violent aspects our martial arts it is important to remember that there is another side to these ancient fighting arts. There is a deep philosophical and spiritual aspect to a particular branch known as the “soft martial arts”.

What are the soft art styles?

Within the Chinese tradition the soft movement forms or “internal arts” encompass styles of Chi-kung, Hsing-I, Pa Kua and perhaps the best known and most popular – T’ai Chi Chuan. These forms have developed over the years to a point where their aim is to bring about in practitioners a deeper sense of mind-body connection and a wider connection with the world around them. A moving meditation if you will. In essence they strive to create harmony within and without. For those interested in martial arts and personal development, these soft, internal arts can help the student achieve a deep sense of peace and tranquillity within in their own lives.

Are the internal martial arts the styles for you?

Forgetting the benefits of prolonged practice mentioned above, the soft arts are also a great foundation for long term health and physical fitness. They are a complete form of exercise in themselves and will develop vitality in your body which you will find invigorating and satisfying. The chances of injuring yourself with the soft arts are also pretty slim as most of the exercises are simply movement forms. They are deceptive however in the amount of effort you expend. They look simple and effortless while at the same being challenging. That doesn’t mean though that these internal forms lack any combative power and usefulness – they don’t! They all contain a self defence aspect, (with the exception of Chi-kung which focuses particularly on developing Chi) can be just as effective as any of the “harder” varieties.

The only way to tell whether these internal arts are for you is to try them. Like many martial arts we have to sample them for a little while to make sure they suit ourselves and our bodies. If you are looking for a combat art with a deeper aspect to it then the soft arts may be for you.