Editing Neijia

{{Short description|Group of Chinese martial arts}}
{{Chinese |size=275|c=內家|p= nèi jiā|g= lui4 ga1|w=nei<sup>4</sup> chia<sup>1</sup>|j= noi6 gaa1|buc= nô̤i-gă| l= internal family | showflag = p}}
{{Chinese |size=275|title=Wudangquan|t=武當拳|p=wǔ dāng quán|y=mou5 dong1 kyun4|showflag= p}}
{{Chinese martial arts}}

'''''Neijia''''' ([[wikt:内家|內家]]) is the collective name for the internal [[Chinese martial arts]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mitchell|first1=Damo|title=Daoist Nei Gong: The Philosophical Art of Change|date=2014|page=213|publisher=Singing Dragon |isbn=978-1-84819-065-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WEsSBQAAQBAJ}}</ref> It relates to those martial arts occupied with spiritual, mental or ''[[qi]]''-related aspects, as opposed to an "[[external martial arts|external]]" approach focused on [[physiological]] aspects. The distinction dates to the 17th century, but its modern application is due to publications by [[Sun Lutang]], dating to the period of 1915 to 1928. ''[[Neijin]]'' is developed by using ''[[neigong]]'' or "internal changes", contrasted with ''waigong'' ([[wikt:外|外]][[wikt:功|功]]; ''wàigōng'') or "external exercises" .

''[[Wudangquan]]'' is a more specific grouping of internal martial arts named for their association in popular Chinese legend with the [[Taoist]] monasteries of the [[Wudang Mountains]] in [[Hubei]] province. These styles were enumerated by Sun Lutang as [[tai chi]], ''[[xingyiquan]]'' and ''[[baguazhang]]'', but most also include ''[[bajiquan]]'' and the legendary [[Wudang Sword]].

Some other Chinese arts, not in the wudangquan group, such as ''[[qigong]]'', ''[[liuhebafa]]'', ''[[Bak Mei Pai]]'', ''[[ziranmen]]'' (Nature Boxing), ''[[Bok Foo Pai]]'' and ''[[yiquan]]'' are frequently classified (or classify themselves) as "internal".

==History==
===Qing China===
The term ''neijia'' and the distinction between internal and external martial arts first appears in [[Huang Zongxi]]'s 1669 ''[[Epitaph for Wang Zhengnan]]''.{{Sfn|Shahar |2001|p=412}}  Stanley Henning proposes that the ''Epitaph''{{'s}} identification of the internal martial arts with the [[Taoism]] indigenous to China and of the external martial arts with the foreign [[Buddhism]] of [[Shaolin Monastery|Shaolin]]—and the [[Manchu people|Manchu]] [[Qing Dynasty]] to which Huang Zongxi was opposed—was an act of political defiance rather than one of technical classification.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Henning | first = Stanley | date = Autumn–Winter 1994 | title = Ignorance, Legend and Taijiquan | journal = Journal of the Chenstyle Taijiquan Research Association of Hawaii | volume = 2 | issue = 3 | pages = 1–7 | url = http://seinenkai.com/articles/henning/il%26t.pdf | access-date = 2006-08-17 | archive-date = 2011-02-23 | url-status = usurped | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110223223752/http://seinenkai.com/articles/henning/il%26t.pdf }}</ref>

In 1676 Huang Zongxi's son, Huang Baijia, who learned martial arts from Wang Zhengnan, compiled the earliest extant manual of internal martial arts, the ''Neijia Quanfa''.{{Sfn|Shahar|2001|p=413}}

===Republic of China===
Beginning in 1914, [[Sun Lutang]] together with [[Yang Shaohou]], [[Yang Chengfu]] and [[Wu Jianquan]] taught tai chi to the public at the [[Beijing]] Physical Education Research Institute. Sun taught there until 1928, a seminal period in the development of modern [[Yang-style tai chi|Yang]], [[Wu-style tai chi|Wu]] and [[Sun-style tai chi]].<ref name= Wile1995>{{cite book|last= Wile| first= Douglas | title = Lost T'ai-chi Classics from the Late Ch'ing Dynasty | series = Chinese Philosophy and Culture | publisher = State University of New York Press |year= 1995| isbn= 978-0-7914-2654-8}}</ref> Sun Lutang also published martial arts texts starting in 1915.

In 1928, [[Kuomintang]] generals [[Li Jinglin]], [[Chang Chih-chiang]], and Fung Zuziang organized a national martial arts tournament in China; they did so to screen the best martial artists in order to begin building the [[Central Guoshu Institute]]. The generals separated the participants of the tournament into Shaolin and Wudang.  Wudang participants were recognized as having "internal" skills. These participants were generally practitioners of tai chi, ''xingyiquan'' and ''baguazhang''. All other participants competed under the classification of Shaolin. One of the winners in the "internal" category was the ''baguazhang'' master [[Fu Zhensong]].

==Sun Lutang==
Sun Lutang identified the following as the criteria that distinguish an internal martial art:
# An emphasis on the use of the mind to coordinate the leverage of the relaxed body as opposed to the use of strength.
# The internal development, circulation, and expression of ''[[qi]]'', the "vital energy" of classical Chinese philosophy.
# The application of [[Taoist]] ''[[daoyin]]'', ''[[qigong]]'', and ''[[neigong]]'' principles of external movement.

[[Sun-style tai chi|Sun Lutang's eponymous style of tai chi]] fuses principles from all three arts he named as ''neijia''.<ref>{{Cite journal|last= Yip|first= Li (Faye)| title= Principles and Practice of Sun Style T'ai Chi | journal = T'ai Chi, the International Magazine of T'ai Chi Ch'uan | volume = 22 | number = 2 | publisher = Wayfarer Publications|date=April 1998|issn= 0730-1049}}</ref> Similarities applying classical principles between tai chi, ''xingyi'', and ''baquazhang'' include:  Loosening (song) the soft tissue, opening shoulder and hip gates or ''gua'', cultivating ''qi'' or intrinsic energy, issuing various ''jin'' or compounded energies. Tai chi is characterized by an ever-present ''peng jin'' or expanding energy. ''Xingyiquan'' is characterized by its solely forward moving pressing ''ji jin'' energy. ''[[Baguazhang]]'' is characterized by its "dragon body" circular movements.  Some Chinese martial arts other than the ones Sun named also teach what are termed internal practices, despite being generally classified as external (e.g. [[Wing Chun]] that also is internal {{Citation needed|date=September 2016}}). Some non-Chinese martial arts also claim to be internal, for example [[Aikido]] and [[Kito Ryu]].{{citation needed |date=March 2019}} Many martial artists{{Who|date=June 2011}}, especially outside of China, disregard the distinction entirely{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}}. Some ''neijia'' schools{{Who |date=June 2011}} refer to their arts as "[[Hard and soft (martial arts)|soft style]]" martial arts.

==Training==
{{Further|Daoyin|Neigong}}
Internal styles focus on awareness of the spirit, mind, ''[[qi]]'' and the use of relaxed ({{lang |zh-latn-pinyin|sōng}} {{lang|zh|鬆}}) leverage rather than muscular tension.<ref name="Woolidge 1997">{{Cite journal | last = Woolidge| first= Doug| title= T'ai Chi, the International Magazine of T'ai Chi Ch'uan | journal= T'ai Chi| volume = 21 | number = 3 | publisher=Wayfarer Publications|date=June 1997|issn= 0730-1049}}</ref> [[Pushing hands]] is a training method commonly used in ''neijia'' arts to develop sensitivity and softness.

Much time may nevertheless be spent on basic physical training, such as stance training (''[[zhan zhuang]]''), stretching and strengthening of muscles, as well as on empty hand and weapon forms which can be quite demanding.

Some forms in internal styles are performed slowly, although some include sudden outbursts of explosive movements (''[[fa jin]]''), such as those the [[Chen-style tai chi|Chen style of tai chi]] is famous for teaching earlier than some other styles (e.g. [[Yang-style tai chi|Yang]] and [[Wu-style tai chi|Wu]]). The reason for the generally slow pace is to improve coordination and balance by increasing the work load, and to require the student to pay minute attention to their whole body and its weight as they perform a technique. At an advanced level, and in actual fighting, internal styles are performed quickly, but the goal is to learn to involve the entire body in every motion, to stay relaxed, with deep, controlled breathing, and to coordinate the motions of the body and the breathing accurately according to the dictates of the forms while maintaining perfect balance.

==Characteristics==

External styles are characterized by fast and explosive movements and a focus on physical strength and agility. External styles include both the traditional styles focusing on application and fighting, as well as the modern styles adapted for competition and exercise. Examples of external styles are [[Shaolin kung fu]], with its direct explosive attacks and many ''[[Wushu (sport)|wushu]]'' forms that have spectacular aerial techniques. External styles begin with a training focus on muscular power, speed and application, and generally integrate their ''[[qigong]]'' aspects in advanced training, after their desired "hard" physical level has been reached.

Currently, some people believe that there is no difference between "internal" and "external" systems of the Chinese martial arts,<ref>Francis, B.K. (1998). ''Power of Internal Martial Arts: Combat Secrets of Ba Gua, Tai Chi, and Hsing-I''. North Atlantic Books.</ref><ref name=wkk>Wong Kiew Kit (2002). ''Art of Shaolin Kung Fu: The Secrets of Kung Fu for Self-Defense Health and Enlightenment''. Tuttle.</ref> while other well known teachers have expressed differing opinions. For example, the tai chi teacher [[Wu Jianquan]]:

<blockquote>Those who practice [Shaolin kung fu] leap about with strength and force; people not proficient at this kind of training soon lose their breath and are exhausted. Tai chi is unlike this. Strive for quiescence of body, mind and intention.<ref name="Woolidge 1997"/></blockquote>

==Current practice==
{{Further|Tai chi}}
Many internal schools teach forms that are practised for health benefits only. Thus, [[tai chi]] in spite of its roots in martial arts has become similar in scope to ''[[qigong]]'', the purely meditative practice based on notions of circulation of ''qi''. As a health practice, tai chi classes have become popular in hospitals, clinics, community and senior centers as the art's reputation as a low-stress exercise for seniors became better known.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Yip|first=Y. L.|title=Pivot – Qi|journal=The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness|volume=12|issue=3|publisher= Insight Graphics Publishers |date=Autumn 2002|issn=1056-4004}}</ref>{{pn|date=May 2023}}<ref name="sgma">{{cite web | url = http://www.sgma.com/reports/7_2007-Sports-and-Fitness-Participation-Report | year = 2007 | title = Sports & Fitness Participation Report | work = USA Sports Participation Study | publisher = SGMA | access-date = 2007-08-18 | page = 2 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20121210083645/http://www.sgma.com/reports/7_2007-Sports-and-Fitness-Participation-Report | archive-date = 2012-12-10 }}</ref>

Traditionalists{{Who |date=January 2010}} feel that a school not teaching martial aspects somewhere in their syllabus cannot be said to be actually teaching the art itself, that they have accredited themselves prematurely. Traditional teachers also believe that understanding the core theoretical principles of ''neijia'' and the ability to apply them are a necessary gateway to health benefits.<ref>{{cite book| chapter = Rose Li | last = Smith|first=Robert W |title= Martial Musings|publisher= Via Media |year= 1999|isbn = 1-893765-00-8}}</ref>{{pn|date=May 2023}}

==Fiction==
Internal styles have been associated in legend and in much popular fiction with the Taoist monasteries of the [[Wudang Mountains]] in central China.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Yip|first=YL |title=Pivot | journal = Qi: The Journal of Traditional Eastern Health and Fitness | volume = 12 | number = 3|publisher= Insight Graphics Publishers | date =Autumn 2002| issn=1056-4004}}</ref>

''Neijia'' are a common theme in Chinese ''[[wuxia]]'' novels and films, and are usually represented as originating in Wudang or similar mythologies. Often, genuine internal practices are highly exaggerated to the point of making them seem miraculous, as in the novels of [[Jin Yong]] and [[Gu Long]].  Internal concepts have also been a source of [[comedy]], such as in the films ''[[Shaolin Soccer]]'' and ''[[Kung Fu Hustle]]''.

In the ''[[Naruto]]'' series, Neji Hyūga's name and techniques were based on ''neijia''.

== See also ==
* ''[[Dantian]]''
* ''[[Neidan]]''
* [[Neo-Confucianism]]
* ''[[Taijitu]]''
* ''[[Waijia]]''

== Citations ==
{{Reflist}}

== General bibliography ==
* {{Citation | title = Pa Kwa Chang Journal | volume = 1 | number = 3}}
* {{Citation | title = Pa Kwa Chang Journal | volume = 2 | number = 6}}
* {{Citation | title = Pa Kwa Chang Journal | volume = 5 | number = 2}}
* {{Citation | title = Pa Kwa Chang Journal | volume = 6 | number = 6}}
* {{Citation | title = Fu Style Dragon Form Eight Trigrams Palms | last1 = Fu | first1 = Wing Fay | last2 = Lai | first2 = Zonghong | others = Crandall, Joseph transl | year = 1998 | publisher = Smiling Tiger Martial Arts}}
* {{Citation | last = Shahar | first = Meir |date=December 2001 | title = Ming-Period Evidence of Shaolin Martial Practice | jstor = 3558572 | journal = Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies | volume = 61 | issue = 2 | pages = 359–413 | doi = 10.2307/3558572| s2cid = 91180380 }}

==External links==
<!-- ATTENTION! Please do not add links without discussion and consensus on the talk page. Undiscussed links will be removed. -->
{{Wikiquote|Tai chi chuan}}
* {{Citation | url = http://neigong.net/ | title = Neigong}}, a site devoted to original texts of Neigong, Qigong and Neijia.
* {{Citation | url = http://www.martialdevelopment.com/blog/defining-the-internal-martial-arts/ | title = Defining the Internal Martial Arts | date = 22 November 2006 | publisher = Martial development}}.
* {{Citation | url = http://www.shenwu.com/Internal_VS_External.htm | title = Internal vs. External, What Sets Them Apart? | publisher = Shenwu}}.
* {{Citation | url = http://qi-journal.com/Taiji.asp?-Token.FindPage=1&-Token.SearchID=NeijiaFAQ | title = Neijia FAQ | journal = Qi | access-date = 2006-12-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070928042030/http://qi-journal.com/Taiji.asp?-Token.FindPage=1&-Token.SearchID=NeijiaFAQ | archive-date = 2007-09-28 }}.
* {{Citation | url = http://www.sammasich.com/index.php?content_id=1125&main_menu_id=2 | title = Glossary of Neijia Terms with Chinese characters | publisher = Sammasich | access-date = 2007-11-25 | archive-date = 2011-07-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110715234551/http://www.sammasich.com/index.php?content_id=1125&main_menu_id=2 }}.
* {{Citation | url = http://cookdingskitchen.blogspot.co.il/2013/05/translation-of-science-of-nei-jia-quan_19.html | title = A translation of a book on the subject, titled 'The Science of Nei Jia Quan' | date = 19 May 2013 | publisher = Jonathan.bluestein}}

{{Martial arts}}

[[Category:Neijia| ]]
[[Category:Chinese martial arts]]
[[Category:Chinese martial arts terminology]]