Internal Kung Fu Power - REAL or FAKE? - Part 2

Check out Part 1 of this video:
In part 1 of this video, we saw Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin put his power to test against 'Black Mountain' who was the Olympic Weight Lifting Champion of Holland and was nearly 3times bigger in size than Chu Shong Tin!! If you haven't seen part 1, make sure you do so to put this part2 video in context.
In this 2nd part of the video, Nima discusses further how Chu Shong Tin's teachings were very real and tangible and far from mystical, and the fact that he always tried to use physics and scientific explanations. This kept him grounded and down to earth and kept the art attainable and real!
Of course he also did admit when he didn't understand things, like the flow or energy (or something) that he was able to tangibly put through his body. He called this flow 'Nim Lik' which can be translated to Mind Power. whether it was the same Chi / Qi that other internal forms of Kung Fu talk about or not, he wasn't sure and he made that clear, but he was able to use this flow to either seize the partner's joints from moving, or he was able to use it to relax and even heal the person.
In conclusion, its important in this day and age, not to make the arts look fake through unrealistic compliant method of testing each other. Students must try and challenge their teachers and so expose the areas in which the teacher needs to work on. If all students are so very compliant that as soon as the teacher moves they throw themselves to the floor, this is going to eventually destroy the art and lead to their heads remaining in the clouds...
Kung Fu's internal power is very remarkable and real, so please, let's not make a joke of it!!

[@Rick.Sanchez]

I truly appreciate the kind forthcoming way you spread Wind Chun and especially the "bates" and tips to test for oneself :)

[@MindfulWingChun]

🙏👍💯

[@torstenbeck640]

Mr. Sifu Nima King i don't know if you realize what kind of goldnuggets you show here to the wt community. Thanks a lot !

[@MindfulWingChun]

Thanks Torsten. Am glad you guys appreciate the work 🙏🏼

[@jchyip]

Would be neat to have a before / after video with lifting that pole then and now!

[@MindfulWingChun]

That's a great idea Jason. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

Nima , that exercise Sigung assisted you to perform with the pole was truly amazing. And 100% believable. The manner he was able to explain through touch was experienced by many of us. Many things only being experienced whilst training in Hong Kong. But enough experience for you to remember and recall the feeling and continue to train to reach these levels again and go beyond. Now you can lift the pole with one hand. You’ve inspired me yet again. Thanks 🙏

[@MindfulWingChun]

Cheers mate. Yeah we were so blessed to have had to opportunity to get hands on training with him. It's hard for people to believe how amazing he was at manipulating our joints to be able to develop power. And yeah now I can lift the pole that was in this video, but tjere are 2 heavier ones that I still can not, and those are the ones Sigung used to do it with in his youth. Like you said the feeling that he gave us and state that he was able to put the students in can still be remembered for those who continue the practice. For me, it's also very helpful to watch him do things on videos. At times I see things and have deeper understandings that I hadn't seen before, or had previously forgotten.

[@Grenader_5_56X45]

This wisdom is very true. After classes my Sifu likes to practice his stuff and I try my best to test him. Another thing I try not to do is pause and stand still at the end like its a wrestling match and he's doing his finishing move. Lol. As alway these videos are great I like how you are breaking it down even more for us. Thank you.

[@MindfulWingChun]

Great to hear that you are giving live resistance to your teacher, and that he's open to it 👌🏽

[@Grenader_5_56X45]

@@MindfulWingChun More then that he will call me out if I don't. He doesn't want to fall into that false mindset himself.

[@liweng7810]

Great video, Nima! Your message is very important. I respect the no BS approach from you and master CST. It's exactly what the kungfu world needs. Internal power is something that helps us break through physical/mental limits. It isn't supposed to limit one's physical activity. Yet I've heard so many internal masters say that once you practise the internal art, you shouldn't do exercises like push-ups or practise other sports etc.. This is complete nonsense. True internal power can be used for any physical activity, and like you said, the power can be applied to inanimate objects too. In fact, I believe this should be a test for internal masters. In ancient China, weaponry was the primary skill of kungfu. Back then, kungfu experts needed to have the ability to wield heavy weapons on horseback. They also had to go through tremendous physical activities in daily life like climbing, running for long distances etc. Nowadays, I just don't see many so-called top internal masters with the true internal power that can also translate into performing real world physical feats, let along the ability to wield large heavy weapons for combat. It seems that instead of breaking down the mechanics, testing using different means, and admitting that there are things we don't yet fully understand (like how CST approaches it), most internal masters are more interested in talking about qi, emptiness, nonduality, enlightenment etc, and building themselves up as some of a wise sage, which I don't believe is the right direction for the development of internal arts at all.

[@MindfulWingChun]

Yeah I totally agree that the body should still be physically used. The connecrion tissues and bones need to stay strong, otherwise by the time people are in their 50s they will lose the ability to even do 1 pull up. I also think about that. The fact that back in the day the Kung Fu master were all so physically powerful and fit. it's a very important aspect and the art is incomplete without it in my opinion 🙏🏼

[@Gieszkanne]

@@MindfulWingChun I can remind a video where you tell how fit CST was. That he did swimming every day and 1000 kicks etc. Many Taiji masters get fat and dont have a good shape. They even get out of breath very quickly. This is something I observed even with younger practioners.

[@MindfulWingChun]

@@Gieszkanne yes he was very fit and physically active when he was younger. even in his 60s he would chisau many hours per day. I think that's a very important aspect of beings a Martial artist

[@nhyiuphaet]

good to see someone dedicated to this internal techniques! Nima King is best man in doing so. Stay tuned, stay focussed! MK!~ studios

[@MindfulWingChun]

Thank you for the kind words Martin. I try my best to share what I know, or at least my interpretation of Chu Shong Tins teaching.

[@KingDariusMartial-dc2nr]

Thank you for a detail explanation on what Master Chu Shong Tin demonstration. Allows me to see clearly what is Real and Fake internal Martial Arts.

[@MindfulWingChun]

he was the real deal!!💯

[@KateJohn2013England]

Nice one bro, much more confident! 👍 Take care. Stay safe. John.

[@MindfulWingChun]

Thanks man. Same with you John

[@wonderpope]

Could one say, that's basically using your body as a lever in a smart way? For example, when someone holds your elbow up and you try to move it down from your shoulderj joint, you barely have a lever and will not be able to move the elbow. but if you connect your elbow to the hip (what you call keeping your joint open) and move from the waist, you are using the whole upper body as a lever. I'm far off or close to the mechanics?

[@MindfulWingChun]

Yes you could explain it in a basic way like that to make people understand better. Then of course we would need to go into detail of 'how' we connect the elbow with the hip as that is not an 3asy thing to do if not done is a muscular and timed fashion

[@darkhorse888]

Connection of one mass onto another without obstruction of muscle tension. Then Movement of that collective mass.

[@Nirmalhelen]

Sifu's worthful student I always love the way he understands and teaches WC

[@MindfulWingChun]

thank you 🙏🏼

[@matthiaskossidowski2651]

"Kundalini" is the word.

[@MindfulWingChun]

yeah Chu Shong Tin did mention that in his opinion the way that Yogis use the energy is similar to the way he did it, as opposed to the way other internal Kung fu art do it. This was his opinion but he was very firm about it

[@hiddenpathwingchun5045]

Great video! This force is real. Nothing better than a competitive partner who is willing to resist fully. I love those willing to truly go at it! There's nothing wrong with being tested. Warrior spirits are rare. As teachers it is OUR responsibility to control OUR force. A student is a STUDENT. Granted, there is a balance for the benefit of the student in that Wing Chun resists pride. It is less about "winning" [force against force] than accepting & using the entire body as one with intention. So, if we care about their growth sometimes we DO need to stop them and show them how to do more with less. To retain their relaxed, "open" state where they eventually will feel the flow of energy rather than a taut, bound state which restricts response INtention, NOT tension. We must seek depth, not surface, for our art is inward. Energy over movement; focus over force. I find we "lose" when worried about our ego. When able to "accept" and relax with mindful intention, our force becomes effortless [though we have to control our speed for their safety]. The upward rising wrists in Siu Nim Tao [without wrist rotation] is a great way to demonstrate disadvantaged force. I've had people well over a hundred pounds heavier and stronger put their weight on my wrists while they are downward. I tell them to lean in, use their weight [or offer them 20 US dollars if they can stop my movement]. Using "centering", "rising" ideas I simply raise my wrists like the form. It feels effortless. A few have gotten angry [which is great] because it's hard to tell if they are really fully going at it. It's important afterward [or first] to do it "wrong" from the shoulder. So they can feel the difference. I then ask them "where" they feel the force transferred. One who was much bigger [260 pounds] but had great balance was lifted off the ground. His eyes went wide and he said: "I felt my lowest vertebrae twist like it would break ["center" is inches forward of this point]." I had another trained military partner nearly resist [he knew how to wedge & split energy]. I was impressed then added "weightlessness" [Tok Sao "idea"] and "effortlessness" [small upward pelvic tilt] and he went upward & backward. What was great is his ability allowed me to demonstrate & name each intention one by one so he could feel the "effect". He was quite big: 280 pounds and 6 foot 5 or so. I've lately been considering having a person on each arm. I'm curious to find the limits. And this demonstrates that movement means nothing; intention [mindful use of energy] is the key. Respect your teacher enough to test him. It's a source of frustration when people won't go at you. And its an enjoyable relief when someone just goes at it. BUT, as teachers there must be trust and control of force. I hate when instructors abuse this and hurt their partners. We can't learn or improve if never tested. Use those times as opportunities to grow, question and improve. I pray you are well. God bless you and your family!

[@MindfulWingChun]

Thanks for sharing and some great point in there as always 👍🏼👍🏼

[@hiddenpathwingchun5045]

@@MindfulWingChun I use too many words. But I do hope those words encourage you in your teaching. I feel like a beginner, but enjoy the constant sense of horizon and discovery. CST and your online videos have been a blessing. It's a gift to consider [and reconsider] the deep, subtle depth of Wing Chun. A Fool sees less from the top of a mountain than a Wise man sees at the bottom of a well [a comment I saw online]. Wing Chun truly is the Way of Wisdom. Chu Shong Tin chose you for a reason. Have faith & know your purpose is great. Your sincerity inspires me in my blundering attempts to pass on what I have learned. I hope VERY much to travel to HK & learn from you one day. NEVER hesitate to correct me in my assumptions. I was taught in another lineage by a closed-door student [3rd generation Ip Man] & recognize many things CST [& you and his disciples] teach. However, there are always subtle differences or layers to be uncovered. It's a relief to see the "inner" nature of Wing Chun openly discussed. God bless you & your family [which includes your faithful students]!

[@rishabhslegendarygaming8116]

We appreciate ur videos with elaboration in detail. In this clip, ur explanation especially on thoracic part and scapulae shirtless demo is brilliant and u r quite honest whenever there was little tension, u admitted it. Also live pole demo pre and post set up by cst,marvellous. We need more such videos pleae. You r doing a great job and continue doing it. We also appreciate free 35 videos posted by u on fb about meditation worth watching. Sometimes, these r not available for watching, may be u r adding some more. We also value ur time as u respond to each and every comment on youtube, this is a very gud thing and a learning for me. We also humbly request u to post some free clips on breathing too.Cheers

[@MindfulWingChun]

thanks for taking the time to write this. I'm happy to hear you appreciate the efforts and I will keep it up 🙏🏼

[@rishabhslegendarygaming8116]

@@MindfulWingChun Thanks a lot @Nima for sharing your indepth knowledge on the subject.

[@rishabhslegendarygaming8116]

Hi Nima, is it advisable to do weight training in ur lineage plz

[@MindfulWingChun]

Hi, the best answer I can give is that it depends on the individual. So if someone is already very tense and has tight muscles I would advise them to do more mobilizations and stretching exercises to start with as a supplement to their practice. and if someone is already very flexible and mobile but lacks stability then I would recommend they do some basic strengthening. But generally speaking, I'm a very big fan of exercise and movement. So thinks like mountain hiking, swimming, kettle bells, yoga or pilates etc. In terms of body building, my general advice would be to not do too much of heavy lifting, at least not until the practitioner has learned how to relax to a good level. Once they have experientially understood how to relax, then it's okay to start gradually lifting heavier weights (done with good form). Hope that makes sense 👍🏼

[@1ばかぶた]

you just dont get what chi is. chi is exactly what you said as "just trying to see the activeness, the activity" in this video, chi is the weight that being concentrated on one place (center line), being moved steadily by pelvis (kua) makes it very heavy and also using (not deliberately) the student's organs position behind the solar plexus that smashing each other making the kinetic energy passing through to the back

[@MindfulWingChun]

Sorry but I dont believe in the no touch chi kind of chi. I have met and touched hands with many who send people flying back or down just like in the video and they couldn't even move my arm let alone my body... I mean no disrespect at all but I want to keep it real and real can only be according to my personal experience.

[@senseilogan2233]

THATS the prerequisite yes agreed. To what? Yes the chi , speaking intrnlarts

[@MindfulWingChun]

indeed. Do you practice any internal arts yourself? If so, any advice or suggestions for beginners to internal arts who may be reading these comments?

[@truthhurts1884]

You said that you can totally relax the bicep with a 2kg dumbbell, is it possible for you to progress this with heavier dumbbells? Also, does this stuff translate to armwrestling for example?

[@MindfulWingChun]

I've tried with heavier objects and can not maintain the relaxation but can still access the joint pretty well (rather than full muscular force). And yes it can be done in arm wrestling and I have done it with ppl much bigger and stronger and have been ableto either beat them or at least stale mate. Having said that, to be very honest, around 8yrs ago we were at Arnold's strongman event in HK and I tried with a professional arm wrestler and he wooped my ass pretty easily 😅 I guess there are some proper techniques involved there

[@truthhurts1884]

@@MindfulWingChun 😅 the reason I asked is I've been watching a lot of armwrestling videos and I've been wondering how far you can take this skill. When you try the heavier dumbbell, do you feel you can progress to relax with practice or that your physical limitations like body mass etc, get in the way? 🤔

[@MindfulWingChun]

@@truthhurts1884 I can definitely progress if I practice more. Compared to CST I'm not even half way there in terms of my control. And yeah definitely can be used in arm wrestling but best thing would be to learn all the techniques for arm wrestling and then use this kind of joint control to perform the techniques

[@maximuslaurie5139]

look at the chum kiu seizing hand , thats similar to arm wrestling

[@workdays8280]

Best WC in Australia. But so far I haven't seen any better than boxing . They simply just won't have the heart and above all controlled egresion

[@MindfulWingChun]

If the practitioner of any art doesn't have the will to fight and gets frozen with the adrenaline dump, then they wont be able to apply their craft for combat. The great thing about boxing and MMA is that they are sparring all the time, so they get to manage their adrenaline while under pressure. Majority of the traditional arts dont do that these days hence why they freeze in a real situation

[@raghulfloravijayagopal4906]

Who is nima king please?

[@MindfulWingChun]

It's the ugly young guy in the videos. the one trying to lift up the pole in this clip

[@darkhorse888]

@@MindfulWingChun very very ugly

[@MindfulWingChun]

@@darkhorse888 🤣 I've heard what he lacks in looks, he makes up with his charm

[@Gieszkanne]

@@MindfulWingChun And you are able to become a great master! Or did you ever y saw a great master that was beautiful? X )

[@realviews3486]

fake

[@MindfulWingChun]

🤣🤣

[@eksempler69]

is this power due to taigong this rooting power , i 've been doing 2 month of the online course .but i have problem with taigong . shouyld we do it all the time when we train , to clench the anus?

[@MindfulWingChun]

Taigung just activates the very deep core muscles which then able us to relax the bigger muscles around the lower back, hips, stomach and upper legs. It releases tension at the bottom of the spine allowing us to decompress the spine from the bottom up. It's a very slight lift up from the anus, not a tense clench. So it doesn't require much effort at all and therefore easy to retain in all movements. If you feel like it's difficult to keep it on for a long time and it tenses you up then you are definitely using too much muscular effort and you need ro ease up on the intensity. Ultimately, taigung is activated with just a light intention...

[@eksempler69]

@@MindfulWingChun thank you very for this clear explanation , it's a bit difficult to grasp for me , this concept at list in pratice. but i will try .. it disturb a bit my standing meditation of 5 mn. :)

[@Nikoo033]

All the people I have talked to over the years who experienced a practice session in HongKong with Chu Shong Tin say the same thing: unbelievable to feel, live, what he could do. 🙏🏻

[@MindfulWingChun]

indeed it was remarkable what he was able to do. I trained under him for close to a decade, many hours every day and still even till the end he would amaze me. Only problem is he set the bar too high for the rest of us 😅🤦🏻‍♂️

[@andrewmason8691]

What was also interesting about how CST moved you and Kevin is the multi directional force he applied. Vertical with his arm, horizontal with the pivoting of his body.

[@MindfulWingChun]

Yeah was amazing. You could see the surprise in Kev's face :)

[@darkhorse888]

Nima I truly believe that this sort of appreciation by the masses wont' get the deserved recognition (does it really matter) until you and or Seb etc demonstrate this in the domain of the gyms in the US. Ie walk into ATT or Tristar and demonstrate one of the kicks or punches on some bodies. Once felt it can't be unfelt.

[@MindfulWingChun]

I hope that day does come when we have the opportunity to do so man

[@Savagehollowtv]

Thanks great video I Love your chu shong tin videos keep it up please!!

[@MindfulWingChun]

My pleasure. And yes I intend to keep posting videos of Chu Shong Tin in action. Am happy that many of you guys are finding them useful

[@hiddenpathwingchun5045]

@@MindfulWingChun YOUR videos are platinum as well as you show another perspective/angle of the internal element of WC [informed by the CST badass lineage].

[@MindfulWingChun]

@@hiddenpathwingchun5045 haha, 'badass lineage'. I like the sound of that 😅

[@hiddenpathwingchun5045]

@@MindfulWingChun You know it's true. 🤣

[@kodokudeusotsuki]

It's unfortunate sifu couldn't do the scientific experiments, do you think you could do them yourself?

[@MindfulWingChun]

Very unfortunate. And yes I am very open to it. I did one in a university in Queensland but they were not able to test some things that we wanted to. So they tested absorption of force through force plates, muscle reactivity and things like that. Now, the student who set that up is doing his masters and has invited me to go back for some better tests, however it's gotta be done by the end of this year, so I have fingers crossed that travel will resume before then so I can go. But even if I can't go this time, I'm sure I will have the opportunity in the future. The only issue is that honestly my level is not even 25% of Chu Shong Tins, so, you know...

[@KingDariusMartial]

How hard were the people stopping Master CST movements? Ive showed this to my friend who does wrestling and he's a bit sceptical of how hard people were stopping Master CST.

[@MindfulWingChun]

haha! yeah I know what you mean, but if you have a look at the 'Black Mountain's' feet, you can see how his body weight is actually shifted by Master Chu and he's not just jumping away or pushing himself off.

[@snowcloudhorizont]

The video could've been much snappier by shortening your points and showing more

[@MindfulWingChun]

yeah you're not the first one to say that. I talk too much thats for sure... 🤦🏻‍♂️ Appreciate your honest feedback 🙏🏼

[@maximuslaurie5139]

theres plenty of shorter videos

[@Sam-n2f5q]

But how do u do this sort of thing in real. I mean u cannot place your arm onto another person arm. I'n real. Near impossible. So really what's the point. There not one video of wing chun in real even compition all get knocked straight out. So I will say again. What is the point. But hay good video

[@MindfulWingChun]

this is nor showing a technique or a particular position but the fact of power generation. Power generation whether for a strike or while in contact with the opponent is not useful?!

[@Sam-n2f5q]

@@MindfulWingChun fair enough. Will make way better structure & strength. But I mean hay .there alot of crazy people living out there in the world. But if it helps .then better than nothing. But I have to say. Confidence is everything. And most people don't have this. So unless someone is being hit every day and also hitting back. It's very so hard for an individual to make this happen. This is why boxing beats alot. Year sure what u are doing will give u away better of understanding of how the body mechanism works. But as u would probably no. 95% of people will either freeze or get angry .either way they will be on a negative down side. I mean violence is very bad . The worst. And in this day and age. Nothing can prevent this issue. I'm just saying most people will not be able to protect them self on the streets with most mashall arts schools of today. I mean u have to be a little real here. Best wishes

[@uniforce101]

Nima, no teacher will said he is using magical power. These phase are said by those who do not understand and do Not want to because then muscles man are suddenly not that powerful anymore. What CST is teaching is using Body As hand, that means Structure. Next level is Qi As Hand, which he has but not fully utilized. 3rd level is Yi/Mind As Hand.

[@MindfulWingChun]

Not sure you can see what he's doing if you think he is using structure and not Yi. His entire system is based on Nim Tao which is Yi, but is used differently to how it is used to other arts. He came across many teachers and practitioners from other internal arts and could effortlessly stop them from performing any movement

[@keinara6226]

I got a question, is it true that you can fight being blindfolded? (sorry if this is a dumb question, but i need to get this clear)

[@MindfulWingChun]

haha, I dont think that's possible! If anyone claims to be able to do it then I'd like to see a video of random people attacking him while blindfolded. Not possible...

[@GoldenbellTraining]

Cool stuff 👍 I saw a video of Chu Shung Tin with Jim Fung when I was studying Wing Chun in 2006 when I was in the Navy. I'm studying Sam Chin's I Liq Chuan now, and I am really interested in what you had to say about using internal training for calisthenics. An ILC instructor said something to me about this once a few years ago about applying the principles to my workouts.

[@MindfulWingChun]

nice! So do you feel you can apply your internal practice into your calisthenics and workouts? Any success or feedback you can share with us here?

[@AikiTom76]

I have been teaching this way to my student in Aikido. Thank you for this valuable videos.

[@MindfulWingChun]

That's great to hear. Keep up the good work 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@AikiTom76]

An what to be notice is the slow pace that CST show, though he can do it fast movement. This is showing what internal arts means

[@aS-ce4jd]

@@AikiTom76 I've been thinking that Aikido was actually an internal martial art. Morihei Ueshiba was probably like Chu Shong Tin who discover this kind of power on his own, since he could not transmit it to his students. If CST did not have a realization on the importance of the spine, CST lineage as well would not have the growth in its practitioners that it has had the few recent years. Have you heard the story of when Ramsey Dewey met a 80 year-old Tai Chi master, a real master, not "KZbin masters" that would lose in ... seconds and are somehow the perfect example of Tai Chi? Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWXCfWqZgJaMkJo Listen to his description, paraphrasing here "wrist locked, shoulders locked, before I know it, I am on the floor". It is totally what Aikido would be described as, If all the demos on youtube could be replicated in real situations like that. Ramsey tried to rationalize the bad lost as the Tai Chi master had trained consistently everyday and this was an extreme example of applied functional athleticism and how consistent training helps retaining strength. It is because he does not understand internal martial arts. No matter what your training is, there is no way a 80 year-old man could do what the master did training conventional way. In this video, Chen Zhonghua of Chen style Tai Chi shows a move in his system, he also describes the way power is transmitted. It is how I imagine Morihei Ueshiba did his throws: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3PFlJuhhc9gg6s

[@AikiTom76]

Exactly, I know what you mean, however since the subject of internal art is not known or less interesting compare to external subject of the art, thats why only a selected people can have access into it, I know how spinal system works, since I saw the video it is confirm my approach in aikido as the same way

[@AikiTom76]

This approach is less known and most of people doesnt believe, however I can demonstrate the power of spinal to my student as well as CST also, the difficulties are how to teach this, first a student must release his mental blocking, I think Nima Sifu can understand this, to deliver the energy through the spine you must release the mental blocking