How many of you are religious?

Question

I ask this because I see a lot of people say that this martial art or that technique doesn't work. They say that Chi is a myth. I'm wondering how many of you believe in God, but feel that Chi is a myth. Just because you haven't killed someone with a Karate chop doesn't mean it can't be done.

I myself am an Agnostic, but I know Chi energy is real. Not because I saw a video on tv, or a demonstration at a seminar but because I've been able to do Chi exercises like bending a candle flame. No, I can't knock someone out with my pinkie, or move them without touching them. Those things take years of dedication.

So, how many of you believe that God is real but Chi isn't?

I love that you say you saw a television show that proves Chi is false. I've probably seen twice as many television shows that say it is real and also provide 'proof'.

I cannot speak to the validity of George Dillman's ability because I have never witnessed it first hand, nor have I read any of his books. But like 99% of martial artists who write books or own their own dojo, he is in the business of making money. If people have 'faith' in his ability and are willing to fork over their hard earned cash as the collection plate comes around, who are we to say they are all wrong.

By the way, do you know that the only difference between a cult and a religion is the number of members?

I can't bend a candle flame with my mind. It is a transfer of energy. You can feel it. It's not breathing or a breeze in the room. I don't believe I will take the 'next step', because as I said, this requires a level of commitment that I'm not prepared to take.

I'm also not going to choose a 'best answer' for this question because I'm not just looking for someone who agrees with me. If you don't believe in Chi, that is certainly your right just like I have a right not to believe in God. I certainly don't insult people because of their beliefs. I'm just wondering why people are so sure of everything and question nothing. You can question things without being rude. Try it sometime. You might be surprised by the results.

Answer 1

I believe in both.

I'm a 'born again' Christian, and I full on believe in energy based/spiritual refinement training.

Now, when it comes to Qi/Ki training....I don't believe in the fluff crap that's so permeated within the media of martial arts. Though, I've seen and experienced energy work that's made me a believer.

To each their own....it's not much more complicated than that.

Answer 2

If you can in fact "bend a candle flame" then i suggest you video tape it and hold many demonstrations.

maybe you can squeeze your way onto mythbusters and prove your case as well.

there is a world of difference between "killing someone with a karate chop" and a mythical "chi" crap.
the fact that if you deliver enough force to the human body that it can kill a person is well scientifically doccumented.

I firmly believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster and that his pirate apostles will deliver you to a slow and painfull death as there is scientific evidence for the FSM as the creator of the universe and us as well but for that you will have to read the gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster as this is not the forum for religious debate.

The problem with the "chi" debate is that people lack a uniform definition- the type of chi you describe about being able to bend candle flames (you sure you weren't breathing? or it was a wind-proof room?), with your mind is a load of crap. This "mystical" version of chi is a lie and those so called "masters" like dillman and yellow bamboo that promote it are making fraudulent statements.

However, when "chi" is referred to as a legitimate concept then of course it can be real. people use the term "chi" to mean: technique, structure, adrenalin, increased blood flow (which in turn means you would naturally be better conditioned- hence better able to breathe, etc. in a fight). There are doccumented incidents of people being able to do incredible things with an adrenalin rush and when the "fear of death" responce kicks in.

These are legitimate cases and if "chi" is used to describe those, then it is legit.

however if you think you can do a "no hit ko" like dillman (which moving an open flame would suggest- as that is the next step to your claim) then I suggest you lay off the x-men movies and realize that you are not born a mutant and spend your time doing real training.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=g-x4iJM2aU4

EDIT:

wait a second!

You are totally right! chi does exist!

After eating my usual bean and chilli dinner, I went into a room and was attacked by 5 powerlifters dressed like ninjas. when I turned to run I shot a chi blast out of my sphincter and they just fell over contorting in such pain that they had to be taken to the hospital!

I will never doubt chi again.

EDIT2: belief in chi does not mean you are a hypocrite if you believe in god, and neither does the opposite. Does everyone who believes in god also believe in ghosts, the theory of atlantis, big foot, the boogyman, the loch ness monster and the easter bunny.

Answer 3

I'm a buddhist, well... Not a great role model for other buddhist, but still...

I don't believe in god as a "invisible man who live in sky and play twisted mental game on people he created" My god/goddess are Earth, Air, Water, and Fire because without one of those, NOTHING will exist!

I believe chi is a way to lure lazy people in. People want to be able to do chi for the same reason they want work out 10 mins a day, eat all you want and see result in 3 weeks. People know that deep inside they sucks at everything and doesn't have discpline to put hard work in anything to accomplish something. So they choose to try go by mystic way so they can learn how to knock people out with chi in hope one day they'll be a badass bully beater.

Answer 4

Religious.

Answer 5

I totally believe in God... I am Catholic... and I totally know that Chi is a pile of crap and all you are doing is tricking yourself. If anything you are teaching your body to use muscle groups at the same time.... there is no mystical energy caused by this flux. Science has proved there is no chi energy, watch the discovery channel show on it... Now Science can neither prove NOR deny the existence of God. So it is left up to faith.... those who have faith in Chi need to read the research of how it HAS been proven false.... we cannot create energy (the type you are talking about) with our bodies.

Energy can neither be destroyed nor created as you have learned in science. So how can we manifest this power? Its false... No one can bend a candle flame you goof nugget. I laugh when people say they can use Chi against you, normally I help them off the floor and try to explain to them where they are. After the medics leave with them we all have a good laugh.

Now a Chi bath would be nice!

Dillman is an idiot.... and anyone who follows his "cult" practices is a laughable disgrace to martial arts.

Watch these and laugh kids....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-x4iJM2aU4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar1yXYOsxQk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM_qg5d1YGI

To the guy below me... if you use me as an example of why Catholics are wrong you are an idiot.... one bad apple doesn't make the entire tree bad. I gave an OPINION you dolt... which is what he asked for. You have your own reasons for not being religious... My lack of humility is not taught within the church... its been acquired by dealing with people like you. Dont try to blame flaws of other people on the church.... just makes you look like a moron.

Nice try on your definition. Cults hide their doctrine form the world... religions... other than mormons (cult) do not.

Answer 6

I am Catholic too and yes I know Chi exist. Chi is simply the electrical energy that travels in our nervous systems. Some people have the ability to harness and use it in ways otherwise not thought possible by normal means. But keep in mind this energy is very small 3 volts or less so you are LIMITED to what you can do with it.

Answer 7

Martial Arts is a viable skill - but the skills you learn are from disciplined and consisent training of both the mind and body. The power is within you, there is no mystical or magical component to it.

Answer 8

Both God & chi (or ki) are real. I don't see a connection between the 2.

Answer 9

I am not a believer.
Hood 12 is one exemple of why I am not a catholic.
No respect, full of himself, sure that he is right, sure that YOU are wrong alongside everybody practicing Chi.

Hey Mister Hood12, why don't you try humility, respect, tolerance ?

Chinese monks have been particing Chi for a long time. I do believe it is real.

Answer 10

I believe both are real.

I think its funny that you can believe in chi , but not in God.