Internal martial arts in Japanese anime

[Berserk]

Hello John,

I've been looking for a long time now, and still have not come across any fighting/kung fu anime that portrays the internal martial art styles of Xingyiquan or Baguazhang as a main theme or even a character that uses these styles. The majority of every fighting anime I've seen all contain hard hitting Karate or some form of it. I like them in Japanese anime, but I would really enjoy seeing something different, as I am taught these martial arts and would be happy to see them animated. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough, but I figured maybe you could help me out.

Thanks again!

[Spadesy]

I know you're not asking me, but this topic is kinda interesting.

Keep in mind that many said "internalized" styles are originated from China, the concept originated from that country. But considering that anime is Japanese, as martial styles, more physical-centralized styles ("hard" or "externalized") like boxing or forms of karate will be present.

Note: Before somebody replies to my post only to say that Japan also has "internal" styles, keep in mind that I'm aware of this...however, "hard" styles are more popular and native to Japan.

[Berserk]

Thanks for your input Dusty, that never occured to me until now.

[Daishikaze]

Condor Hero has internal martial arts, but its fantasy so don't expect realism.

[John]

I also thought of Condor Hero, but it's mainly a Chinese production with Japanese assistance. I think Dusty has presented the most likely explanation.

[Suiko Eiji]

I know you're not asking me, but this topic is kinda interesting.

Keep in mind that many said "internalized" styles are originated from China, the concept originated from that country. But considering that anime is Japanese, as martial styles, more physical-centralized styles ("hard" or "externalized") like boxing or forms of karate will be present.

Note: Before somebody replies to my post only to say that Japan also has "internal" styles, keep in mind that I'm aware of this...however, "hard" styles are more popular and native to Japan.

Not only do many of the "hard" styles originate in Japan, but Japanese people are exposed to Japanese martial styles at a young age; Karate and Judo are still begun, I believe, as extracirrculars in elementary school; additionally High School Kendo is also still pretty popular from what I hear. In comparison to many of the classical arts of Japan, a few of which might actually bear some resemblence to some of China's internalized styles (though, the difference between 'internal' and 'external' is still a foreign concept to me; probably has to do with my little interest in Chinese arts aside from thier respective histories), all three of these arts are "new". Certainly, watching competition of either of the three is usually more interesting for the layperson than the typical classical demonstration and, hence, have an added flair to them.

As far as why Chinese arts aren't shown so much, I think familiarity (or lack there of) has a lot more to do with it.

I like them in Japanese anime, but I would really enjoy seeing something different, as I am taught these martial arts and would be happy to see them animated.

I've always found this to be a double-edge sword sort of scenario. Ideally, most martial artists I've known would like word to spread, accurately, about thier respective art; however, media has a weird way of twisting it around. There are certain nuances about a style, any style, that are readily noticible only to people who practice said styles. Even though I love YAWARA, I often wonder myself how she can throw perfect Ipponzeoi, one after another, with little or no shifts in balance or movement. Perhaps it is the intention of the author, or perhaps it is something it isn't intentional because it's something the author, very well a layperson, didn't notice because he wasn't looking for it. Getting past the fantasy can also be rough, too. A lot of times on martial arts forums, the typical newbie is asked to "get out of anime mode" but seperating reality and fantasy can be a chore going the other way. I remember sitting down and watching portions of the Animatrix at the behest of some friends - there was one that involved some spearwork - they were blown away with how cool it looked, I was *****ing because there were some incredibly highly imporbable movements with the spear done.

[Soluzar]

I've never been entirely sure if I believe in "Internal Martial Arts". I'd like to believe, but it seems like there's no genuine proof that such martial artists are doing anything more than hitting people effectively. You can say that it's all about Qi or the focus of the mind, but really, how do you know for sure that anything you are doing with your mind or your Qi is affecting your ability to kick and punch?

[Reidar]

...it seems like there's no genuine proof that such martial artists are doing anything more than hitting people effectively.

That's the point of martial arts. It's not trying to be anything more.

Also, "ki" is used in every style. Notice how boxers sniff when they jab?

[Soluzar]

That's the point of martial arts. It's not trying to be anything more.

What I mean is that there's no evidence that the philosophies that make Internal styles different from Hard styles makes any difference at all. It could just as easily be self-delusion.

[Reidar]

The primary distinction in internal arts is more use of leverage. What philosophies in particular are you talking about?

[Soluzar]

The primary distinction in internal arts is more use of leverage. What philosophies in particular are you talking about?

Qi. There's no proof that it exists, and while I'm intrigued by the notion of it, it never hurts to be skeptical. I'm aware that the increased use of leverage is one of the three basic principles of internal martial arts, but the other two are rather less physical, and rather more philosophical.

If we're going to discuss this, let's lay a framework. Would you agree that this quoted passage is fair, accurate, and a good basis for the discussion of internal martial arts?

In the 1920s the nèijiā master Sun Lutang identified the following as the principles that distinguish an internal martial art:

1. An emphasis on the use of the mind to coordinate the leverage of the relaxed body as opposed to the use of brute strength.
2. The internal development, circulation, and expression of qì.
3. The application of Taoist dǎoyǐn, qìgōng, and nèigōng (內功) principles of external movement.

[Reidar]

I would.

"Qi" literally means breath. To me, a good internal school won't make it out to be anymore than that. Sun Lu-t'ang's teachings don't contradict that.

The way I fight is far from being "internal", yet I recognize the value of teaching it as a means of helping the fighter to focus. It's really not that different from having a boxer forcefully exhale when he throws punches.