Master Guo Shilei

Internal And External Are Just Labels

- Zhang Tianyu

MASTER GUO SHILEI is a seventh generation successor of the Ma style Baguazhang, Yang style Taijiquan and Xingyiquan, a disciple of the great master, Prof. Shi Chongying who was appointed “First Successor” by Grandmaster Wang Jiaofu, for over 20 years. Master Guo is running several successful schools in Dongguan, in addition to training groups in Guangzhou and Singapore.

What’s an Internal martial art?

There is a general consensus that Internal martial arts are deeply influenced by Taoist philosophy. Consequently, training starts with focusing on relaxation, “Softness” and exercising slowly, the emphasis being on developing “Internal Power” (Liu He Jin). Certain martial art styles such as Taijiquan, Baguazhang and Xingyiquan descending from Wudang Mountain are commonly considered as Internal.

What’s the difference between Internal and External martial arts and is such a separation necessary?

Internal and External are just labels, but in reality, they are not too different. For example, Bajiquan, which is considered to be the paragon one of the External martial arts, also emphasises training and cultivation of Liu He Jin and utilises many slow training methods. Thus, as long as a genuine martial art system has been passed on correctly and trained diligently, ultimately all methods should reach the same goal.

However, without Liu He Jin, a martial artist will have “fractured” or “isolated” power, even if he is an exponent of an Internal method, his expression of the art will still be External.

Are you familiar with Wing Chun?