Introduction

From ancient times in the Orient, the word Ki has been used for a wide number of things, from the Ki of the universe to everyday things around us. Many who use the word Ki do not realise to what extent everyday Ki is connected with the Ki of the universe, or even that the two are connected at all. These two sources of energy are given the names of Internal and External Ki, both serving a different purpose and application within Jujitsu training.

Internal Ki - Is the source of energy or power in the human body, located in the hara (lower stomach), the centre of gravity.

External Ki - Is the energy of the universe, such as the Ki of an attacker. By redirecting the positive energy or Ki from the attacker, it provides you with an increased power source of positive Ki for yourself. External Ki is also taken directly from the universe by the breath we take to sustain our life.

The Basic Nature Of Ki

In the training of Jujitsu we practice sending forth Ki, because when we do so, the Ki of the universe can enter our bodies and improve the unity between the two. If we stop the flow of Ki, new Ki cannot enter, and the flow becomes poor. For this reason, practice emphasizing the sending forth of Ki aims not only at improvement in the Jujitsu techniques, but also to aid the uniting of our Ki with that of the universe.

Plus Ki And Minus Ki

Overtime the universe had to pass through a number of conflicting tests and changes. These tests still continue today and will do so long into the future. In the Orient, this dualism is called the theory of Yin and Yang. Yin indicates the shade and yang the sunlight. Where sunlight is present, shade, of necessity, is also; where there is life, there must be death, where high, low, and where strength, weakness. The universe is absolute in its oneness, but evidence shows a world of dualism.
This is also the case within Jujitsu, having students of different stature and soft and hard techniques. The universe is made of plus and minus Ki, life, light is plus, and shade and destruction are minus. Pouring forth Ki is a plus process, drawing it in is minus. Our Ki is like electricity that flows to activate countless types of machines. The universe is filled with Ki, which our brains, something like electrical generators, use to give birth to mind. This in turn becomes our own Ki, the Ki that moves our bodies.
If we continually polish our techniques and adopt a positive attitude, we contribute to plus Ki. But if we are negative or are rigid we contribute to minus Ki. This is the same principle exercised within Jujitsu.

Development of Ki

Ki is best developed when in deep sleep or mediation, to regain our energy stores lost. Mediation is in silence with fully controlled Ki breathing, "contained within oneself" and using out of focus vision (fringe vision) "mentally reflecting the still pond", to focus to a point.
When Ki is to be used there are four principles to develop the unification of mind and body. These are:
- Keeping the one point (Described above)
- Relaxing Completely (Not tensing your muscles)
- Keeping weight underside (Changing the location in which we concentrate our mind we can make our body light or heavy).
- Extend Ki (When we extend Ki, a new supply of Ki flows into our body and the interchange is improved).

Ki Breathing & Impaired Flow Of Ki

Energy is regained by using proper breathing techniques, when the body and mind are in sink coordinating together. If this process is not done correctly or interrupted, causes the impaired flow of internal Ki. A fresh supply of Ki enters your body when you extend Ki. You draw Ki from the universe when you are calm and not disturbing your brain waves with thoughts.
This is done when oxygen is taken into the blood stream to the tissue cells, where the combustion of glucose by oxygen takes place, to gain muscular energy. If the breath is held for too long the blood becomes saturated with carbon dioxide, causing the muscles to slow. Breathing helps to eliminate this process, which is the build up of lactic acid. This causes the muscles to become weak and you to become exhausted. Tension restricts the flow of Ki by constricting the meridians through which Ki flows.
Also by doing shallow breathing this keeps the constant flow of energy entering your body. If you inhale deeply your chest inflates lifting the shoulders, causing your centre of gravity to move up.
This also adds to the restriction of energy. So it is important to be relaxed and calm, so you have a greater chance of success. If you do, your Ki will do the work for you.

Sport Terminology

Relating the same energy systems using different sport terminology, there are Aerobic and Anaerobic energy systems. Anaerobic energy system being the same as Internal Ki system used in short time periods. Also Aerobic energy system being the same as External Ki system used for extended periods.
In Jujitsu we use mainly Internal Ki, because we relate this to self-defence situations. They are usually short periods of time, where we rely on the internal energy stores (anaerobic energy) to end a situation.

Conclusion

KI development is a discipline that helps us unite the spirit (mind) and the body and become one body with the Ki of the universe. Ki development covers, relaxation, strength, calmness and smoothness, speed, control, kiai and flexibility

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