Internal martial arts are a style of training. The term was first coined by Sun Lu-tang back in the 1920’s as a way to describe Tai Chi, Hsing-I, and Bagua. In general, internal martial arts (sometimes called soft styles) focus on the development of sensitivity and awareness, the study of efficient body mechanics, an understanding of angles and hidden leverages, and the use of the mind and peacefulness to overcome aggression and brute force. External martial arts (sometimes called hard styles) usually focus on studying techniques, forms, or routines, which typically emphasize the use of brute force, aggression, dominance, and sometimes even anger or hatred to defeat an opponent.

   One style of training is not necessarily better than the other and which style a practitioner chooses ultimately depends on one’s goals. External arts tend to favor the young, strong, and agile. They train fast, repetitive motions as a way to develop speed and power. Because of the continued torque and snapping of the joints this can be both difficult and painful as one gets older. As a result, external style skill-sets usually diminish with age.

   Internal arts on the other hand tend to appeal to those who want to discipline not only their bodies, but their minds as well. They train using slow and deliberate motions as a way to develop sensitivity and power. Because of the style and approach to training, internal arts take longer to become proficient at than external arts. But due to this approach that not only trains in ways that develop sensitivity and awareness, but also to heal the body, internal style skill-sets will actually improve with age.

This is just a basic list of some of the differences between internal and external martial arts and is by no means complete. Depending on the style, there may be some overlap:

Internal

• Sensitivity and awareness

• Hidden leverages and angles

• Calmness to defeat an opponent

External

• Aggression and dominance

• Brute force and torque

• Anger or hatred to defeat an opponent