KI ENERGY
I have had the very humbling privilege of training with some extremely high ranking Hapkido Grandmasters including the honorable Grandmaster Ji Han Jae, Grandmaster In Sun Seo, Grandmaster Pellegrini, among others like Grandmaster George Dillman of Karate who demonstrates "Ki energy regularly", all of whom have a distinct and somewhat different idea of "Ki". Each has given me an entirely different description of what "Ki" energy is. Grandmaster Ji Han Jae explained Adrenaline has alot to do with Ki energy. Others have described it as a mysterious internal force which can leave the body when focused correctly, Grandmaster Dillman actually does a demonstration where he knocks someone out without touching them using "Ki Energy" (difficult for many to believe, including myself, however I keep a very open mind). My take on "Ki Energy" and what I tell my students is;
"It is when all energy sources come together.
We have physical energy from our body, mental energy from our mind and spiritual
energy. The body can only produce maximum energy when all of our internal organs
are in balance, proper diet, nutrition, proper hydration. The energy sources
which power the nervous and muscular systems of the body can only flow
uninterrupted when we take proper care of our bodies. Our mind can only focus
maximum energy when it is clear and unclouded with negative or unnecessary
thoughts. Our spirit can only provide maximum energy when we are unwavering in
our will to succeed and survive and when this spirit is indomitable regardless
of the odds. This together with proper rooting of stance and proper connection
to our opponents weight and center approaches my concept of "Ki". When
it is all at the optimum, all connected and focused on the task at hand and the
adrenaline can flow freely, uninterrupted and unclouded by our mind and spirit
we are probably experiencing what the eastern cultures have referred to as
"Ki or CHi energy" (in my humble opinion). Mind you each one of these
categories, Physical Energy, Mental Energy, and Spiritual Energy can be broken
down into categories and discussed at length, however for the sake of a
relatively brief analogy, that is my position on "Ki Energy".
- Instructor Frank S. Ehnle