12 basic exercises for the energy generation (method of Bruce Lee)

The practice of the Ch’i energy enhancement for bodybuilding

The exercises are divided into two types: static and dynamic. The exercises are to be performed before the main bodybuilding or martial arts exercise training (in 15 minutes) for a multiple increase of physical results and the energy potential in the muscles accumulation.

Bruce Lee liked to combine dynamic exercises to strengthen the Ch’i energy with static ones. In this book I will give you an example of static exercises.

Part. 1. The basic approaches

The practice of increasing the Ch’i energy circulation involves muscle groups stimulation (biceps, triceps, etc.) as long as the amount of energy starts to flow through the system of the Ch’i channels. In the static practice the trainee muscle groups being in total concentration alternately tense and relax.

Some people prefer not to strain the muscles, but just imagine (visualize) its strain, and others tense the trainee muscles as far as it helps their concentration.

If you exercise any muscle group in a few minutes in that area the Ch’i energy accumulates. This manifested itself as warmth sensation in the muscles. At the same time the Ch’i energy accumulates in muscles.

During the static exercises the mind is breath focused, at the same time visualizing the Ch’i energy flows to the trained muscle group. As it was already mentioned, the system of energy channels and the brain are closely connected, so that the process of concentration leads to conscious control. This in turn leads to the fact that the muscles are able to act with maximum force.

Therefore, practicing the static exercises, you should be relaxed, soothed and natural.

Part. 2. Exercise of Bodhidharma

Advanced level There are the advanced techniques of “internal training”, where the Ch’i is generated in the abdomen (called the center of the Will in esoteric).

In ancient times the hallucinogenic plants were used to change the consciousness, but it is out of date now. Therefore Shaolin monks use breathing techniques to change consciousness.

As discussed earlier, when the muscles are exercised, the Ch’i and blood accumulate in the corresponding part of the body. Then, when the muscles relax, the channels are opening and allow the stored energy to emanate from this area and circulate throughout the body. The advanced level is performed with the concentration in the center of the Will in the abdomen, on the center just below the navel.

In the respiratory practice the Shaolin monks use natural breathing, in which the stomach is pulled in on the exhale and bulges on the inhale (diaphragmatic breathing). At the advanced level, the reverse breathing called paradoxical breathing is used, in which the stomach bulges on the exhale and is pulled in on the inhale. In the martial arts it is better use paradoxical breathing.

Tips to practice breathing:

It is not allowed to either hold your breath, or enhance the process. Slowly inhale through your nose, do it easily and smoothly, squeeze and lift the abdomen. When the lungs are filled with air, begin to breathe easily. Yin corresponds to the inhale, and Jan – to the exhale. They have to work together like the Yin and Yang circle.

Both methods (natural breathing and paradoxical breathing) use the same principle of generation of the Ch’i energy. The main difference is that the coordination of movements of the abdomen and breathing is opposite. In fact, many involved are able to use both methods, and easily switch from one to the other.

2-1. The studies of the 70’s show that after the child was born, he/she continues to breathe with the bottom of the abdomen for a few more years. With age a person are gradually shifts the emphasis of breath higher and higher over the body, so that by the end of childhood people see themselves as breathing with the chest and actually lose control of the muscles of the abdomen.

The Shaolin breathing practice returns to the fetal breathing techniques.

Thanks to the millenarian practice, the Chinese discovered that it is possible to develop the muscles of the abdomen, so that it generates the powerful flow of the Ch’i energy due to the fetal breathing. This exercise is called “Back to Childhood”: when the muscles of any are exercised, the nerves and the Ch’i channels begin to accumulate the energy produced by this exercises. This type of generation and energy storage is called “Light the fire”.

Usually, after a month of everyday 30 minute practice, the involved with can achieve perfection in such control of the abdominal muscles. This practice provides several benefits:

First, movement of the muscles of the abdomen up and down in the process of deep breathing stimulates stomach and intestines, and also exercises the muscles that support the internal organs, and increases their strength.

Second, focusing on the muscles accumulates the Ch’i not only therein, but also in the organs directly supported and surrounded by these muscles, which ensures good blood circulation therein, and in the end, the health of these organs. Finally, the deep breathing allows the use full lung capacity to clear and strengthen them.

The practice of the Ch’i energy enhancement for bodybuilding

The exercises are divided into two types: static and dynamic. The exercises are to be performed before the main bodybuilding or martial arts exercise training (in 15 minutes) for a multiple increase of physical results and the energy potential in the muscles accumulation.

Bruce Lee liked to combine dynamic exercises to strengthen the Ch’i energy with static ones. In this book I will give you an example of static exercises.

Part. 1. The basic approaches

The practice of increasing the Ch’i energy circulation involves muscle groups stimulation (biceps, triceps, etc.) as long as the amount of energy starts to flow through the system of the Ch’i channels. In the static practice the trainee muscle groups being in total concentration alternately tense and relax.

Some people prefer not to strain the muscles, but just imagine (visualize) its strain, and others tense the trainee muscles as far as it helps their concentration.

If you exercise any muscle group in a few minutes in that area the Ch’i energy accumulates. This manifested itself as warmth sensation in the muscles. At the same time the Ch’i energy accumulates in muscles.

During the static exercises the mind is breath focused, at the same time visualizing the Ch’i energy flows to the trained muscle group. As it was already mentioned, the system of energy channels and the brain are closely connected, so that the process of concentration leads to conscious control. This in turn leads to the fact that the muscles are able to act with maximum force.

Therefore, practicing the static exercises, you should be relaxed, soothed and natural.

Part. 2. Exercise of Bodhidharma

Advanced level There are the advanced techniques of “internal training”, where the Ch’i is generated in the abdomen (called the center of the Will in esoteric).

In ancient times the hallucinogenic plants were used to change the consciousness, but it is out of date now. Therefore Shaolin monks use breathing techniques to change consciousness.

As discussed earlier, when the muscles are exercised, the Ch’i and blood accumulate in the corresponding part of the body. Then, when the muscles relax, the channels are opening and allow the stored energy to emanate from this area and circulate throughout the body. The advanced level is performed with the concentration in the center of the Will in the abdomen, on the center just below the navel.

In the respiratory practice the Shaolin monks use natural breathing, in which the stomach is pulled in on the exhale and bulges on the inhale (diaphragmatic breathing). At the advanced level, the reverse breathing called paradoxical breathing is used, in which the stomach bulges on the exhale and is pulled in on the inhale. In the martial arts it is better use paradoxical breathing.

Tips to practice breathing:

It is not allowed to either hold your breath, or enhance the process. Slowly inhale through your nose, do it easily and smoothly, squeeze and lift the abdomen. When the lungs are filled with air, begin to breathe easily. Yin corresponds to the inhale, and Jan – to the exhale. They have to work together like the Yin and Yang circle.

Both methods (natural breathing and paradoxical breathing) use the same principle of generation of the Ch’i energy. The main difference is that the coordination of movements of the abdomen and breathing is opposite. In fact, many involved are able to use both methods, and easily switch from one to the other.

2-1. The studies of the 70’s show that after the child was born, he/she continues to breathe with the bottom of the abdomen for a few more years. With age a person are gradually shifts the emphasis of breath higher and higher over the body, so that by the end of childhood people see themselves as breathing with the chest and actually lose control of the muscles of the abdomen.

The Shaolin breathing practice returns to the fetal breathing techniques.

Thanks to the millenarian practice, the Chinese discovered that it is possible to develop the muscles of the abdomen, so that it generates the powerful flow of the Ch’i energy due to the fetal breathing. This exercise is called “Back to Childhood”: when the muscles of any are exercised, the nerves and the Ch’i channels begin to accumulate the energy produced by this exercises. This type of generation and energy storage is called “Light the fire”.

Usually, after a month of everyday 30 minute practice, the involved with can achieve perfection in such control of the abdominal muscles. This practice provides several benefits:

First, movement of the muscles of the abdomen up and down in the process of deep breathing stimulates stomach and intestines, and also exercises the muscles that support the internal organs, and increases their strength.

Second, focusing on the muscles accumulates the Ch’i not only therein, but also in the organs directly supported and surrounded by these muscles, which ensures good blood circulation therein, and in the end, the health of these organs. Finally, the deep breathing allows the use full lung capacity to clear and strengthen them.