Is Ki or Chi used in TKD and how does it work?

Question

I've seen people do breaking techniques where they break the last board in a set but not the first one..What is this energy and is it real or just a gimmick? Also does it add more power of more destructive power to kicks and punches?

Answer 1

I practise Tai Chi Chuan Yang style, and I can tell you chi is no myth. It is your energy you learn to use more focused. it does take years of practice though and it does give more punch. But the whole idea of tai chi is NOT to fight. To not even get into the fight. Chi is very direct and very strong. Have you seen the shaolin monks put the spears on their throats? the way they prevent penetration is chi... but the best chi is from the tai chi master, not the kung fu monks....

Answer 2

Ki and Chi are one and the same, Ki being the Korean word for energy and Chi the Chinese for energy.

Ki is thought of, discussed, and utilized in TaeKwon-Do, just as it is in almost every other Asian based martial art, though it's interpretation, use, function, purpose, and application is subject to great debate and some instructors do not discuss or teach it.

The noise TaeKwon-Do-ists make when striking is a KI-hap which literally means "energy forward." There are different schools of thought on this, but as we transition through techniques to execute on a target, the six elements in the theory of power come into play, and one is breath control. Breathing properly in transiiton to strike point helps to empty the lungs of some air, tighted the abdomen muscles, and protect the artist. Does the projection of noise help this process, perhaps, but certainly, shouting loudly in someones face as you srike them will have a psychological impact if nothing else.

In it's broader, more philosophical interpretation, energy is believed to flow through the body, and some believe it can be channelled and harnessed to assist the practitioner. While in ancient times it may have been described as an energy or life force, today with science, we would likely be able to explain it in many other physiological terms. That said however, even western science now recognized the validity of accupuncture, accupressure, and other such "Eastern" treatments that were once ridiculed as folk lore and primitive.

I personally teach Ki to my students as an overall process of the theory of power, the purpose of mental focus, and the presence of the individual in the moment.

Does Ki have anything to do with breaking the fourth board or brick in a set - NO - that is a gimmick that some schools and some instructors perpetuate for demonstrations and pure showmanship.

Does Ki have anything to do with adding more power - YES - because it is part of the culmination of good technique, which when applied properly, will make that technique more effective and this could be more powerful, or more accurate.

I hope this helps. I'm sure many others will have alternative understandings of Ki or Chi. In reality, no-one can truly say it is this, or that.


Ken C
9th Dan HapMoosaKi-Do
8th Dan TaeKwon-Do
7th Dan YongChul-Do

Answer 3

I doubt it. I've been in TKD for 5 years. As far as I have heard, there is no "chi" in TKD.

To be honest, the term "chi" is a bit vague. The English translation of "chi" is "energy," right? But the English definition of energy could refer to a whole lotta things.

Without knowing the Chinese connotations, I can't say whether it's legitimate or not. However, I don't think "chi" is this esoteric, mythical "inner power" thing that you see in cheesy kung fu movies.
If "chi" refers to correct body movement and structure, (which is more technical than spiritual/mental) then yes, it will add more power to kicks and punches.
If "chi" refers to a certain mindset, then I guess it might help for relaxation and/or motivation.

A lot of people like to debate over just what chi is, and whether it's real or not. Personally, I think that kind of argument is pointless if you aren't interested in a martial art that claims to use "chi."

As for breaking boards, it's really a matter of physics. The basic premise is that if you concentrate enough force (Mass x Velocity) in one small area, you can break wooden boards... or even concrete blocks.

Answer 4

Ki/chi is crap. Many martial artist want to pretend they have this power that is within. I love martial arts and have been studying for a long time. But NOT once have I ever seen Ki/chi demonstrated that could not be explained away. Dont buy into this hocus pocus part of the martial arts. It's stupid and a lie. I remember seeing this video on T.V. with this "Chi Master" who showed how he could knock people over with his Chi. they were falling all over the place. However the minute the scientist replaced his students with themselves all of a sudden he had lost this "magical" power. Oh the master was George Dillman. Train VERY hard and you will gain real power.

Answer 5

My instructor (in TKD) compared it to the adrenaline ppl have under he most extreme circumstances (A mother lifting a car off of her child)... There has been countless stories of ppl doing unimaginable things with there body when absolutely necessary.... So the Idea is to remain calm and give all of your strength energy and focus (with proper technique of course) and your "Ki" energy.... IMO it is a practice of connecting the mind and body to give one extraordinarily powerful technique, and with practice the process becomes more natural, and you can find the focus for such a technique in a chaotic environment (a street fight).... Just my opinion, I believe it is more a tool to keep pushing your body farther then where you are at... and as your most powerful and perfect technique gets better, so does the ones when you have to "improvise"
Note: I was taught that "Ki" energy comes from Dan Jun (Basically your center of gravity)

Answer 6

Lonelyw8 is right on. The purpose is not to fight.

But I have to disagree completely with the others who say that you don't use chi in TKD...you use chi in everything in life...especially in your MA practice, no matter what the discipline. Chi is the focus of your energy into a punch, throw, joint lock, whatever. Its part of you and you use it - those who control it and have more are simply better at what they do.

If you aren't learning anything about focusing/directing your chi or energy, you are in a mcdojo with a mcmaster teaching you mcma. ...or, you just are not very experience yet and are early on in your training.

Answer 7

Ki, Chi or Qi are all the same.

You can apply it to any art. It doesn't work differently for one art or another.

It is best that most people here on this forum stay away from its practice. It seems that most would use something that gives life, to destroy life. It is utterly irresponsible of anyone to even ask a question like that.

It shows immaturity.

Yes, it is a gimmick... stay away from it... it's useless.

I am also happy to see that many who answer here don't know anything about it. And I hope they never do.

You all need to grow up with your ninjutsu and bruce lee nonsense.

Answer 8

No. Ki or Chi is not utilized in Tae Kwon Do.

TKD is probably the 'hardest' of the karate types of fighting. Tae Kwon Do is not afraid to emphasize sheer brute strength when applying any technique and advocates heavy weight lifting and board breaking on the way to black belt.

A 'Soft' style emphasizes blocks, ducking out of the way, counter-punching, and pressure points. Tae Kwon Do is a 'hard' style and has a .44 magnum attitude towards striking your opponent: no matter where you hit him, it should take him out.

Answer 9

One blunt example of Chi energy I was given was...

"See that power point on the wall, you cant see it (energy)
but if you stick your finger in there you will feel it".

Answer 10

chi is used in the arts. when you go to a tournement and hear all that screaming that is the fighter using his chi to strenghten his attack. the scream comes from the stomach, which is where the chi is located