The Development of Chi

by Si Fu Edward Joseph Laramie

edited by: Mara Hui

click here to view a iron body demo

The development of Chi is a long and difficult process and the path consists of many turns and twists.  Achievement of Chi or development of Chi can only be brought about by many years of intensive training.  Chi is found everywhere on this earth, in the air, in the sun, in the earth, in the metal, in waters, and oceans, in the plants, in the trees, in the mountains, on the plains, in the jungles, everywhere.  Chi can be used by anyone willing to take the time to harness the energy, to understand its nature, and to spend many years training in its prerequisites.

I was first introduced to Chi in the 1960’s when I watched a demonstration of Chi.  A man had bent three iron poles using only his neck.  That was very impressive.  At the time, in North America, there were not many books written on Chi and there were not many schools teaching the topic.  Even at universities, no one seemed to know too much about it.  However, the subject of Chi is not limited only to the Chinese people.  It pertains to all of us in the world.

Chi, by its very nature is difficult for science to understand or to study.  My development and understanding of Chi began with the mastering of the ancient art of Gung Fu. 

My instructors would always tell me to push the air out of my hands.  I did not understand what that meant.  I just kept doing what seemed to be impossible – pushing the air from my chest, through my arms, and beyond my finger tips – unimaginable.  As time passed though, with repeated practice, I was beginning to develop the awareness of Chi.  The Chinese way of learning is certainly unique.  One models oneself after the teacher, not asking too many questions but learning from the doing.

My very first Chi "trick" was with something quite simple.  While holding a sheet of very soft paper with the forefinger and thumb of one hand, I poked through the sheet with the finger of my other hand.  Surprisingly, other participants could not do this.  I learned that speed and power are necessary to do this trick, but one also has to have "Ging" (pronounced “jing”).  Ging is the empty state of mind of acknowledging what is to be accomplished while not having any positive or negative thoughts about it.  Reaching this state takes years of training and belief in oneself.  It is not the teacher who will give the student this ability.  It is the student who will accomplish this for himself or herself.  Having Ging will allow for the cultivation of Chi.

From punching holes in paper, I progressed further into various activities such as bending steel rods with my neck, breaking spears with my neck, and thrusting my finger through potatoes and watermelons.  One activity, known as “the Iron Vest”, allows people to hit my body repeatedly with a nine pound sledge hammer while I suffer no injuries or bruises.  Whether they are cheap parlor tricks or actual demonstrations of Chi, I can do these seemingly impossible things.  The fact that I can perform these activities repeatedly gives cause to believe that Chi is something worth studying.

I cannot describe exactly what happens inside my body during a demonstration, as my mind is empty and things just happen.  I can, however, confirm that if one is afraid or unsure of the task, then one cannot go through with the task successfully, and he or she will be severely injured.  A person has to have complete faith in oneself and in his or her abilities.  He or she has to trust the power of the Chi.  I have seen people who were unqualified to play with Chi, attempt to harness and manipulate it.  They ended up with illnesses and major problems.  Western medicine is not able help these people.  It takes a Chi practitioner to recognize the cause of suffering for these people.  Little knowledge with little ability can mean big danger.

There are two major avenues of Chi study – Medical Chi Gung and Martial Chi Gung.  Both styles use the one source energy, the Chi.  One cannot learn Chi from a textbook nor can one learn Chi based on what is said in the classroom.  The study of Chi is a very private matter to be undertaken and measured by one’s self only.  Even if studied in a group environment, the development of Chi will vary amongst individuals.  One must push one's body beyond belief for an indefinite period of time.  Only then will one begin to acquire Chi.  The same exercises must be performed over and over again until perfection is near.  Not many people will be able to really know and use Chi.  Success is dependent on one’s attitude, morals and reasoning.  One can be physically weak and still acquire Chi.  It is how hard you train and how much you want to achieve it that matters.  The one thing that the study demands is total commitment on one’s part.  If the student has other commitments, such as family or work or school, then he or she will not have the dedication required to learn and use Chi.  The study of Chi requires total commitment.  There are many good Gung Fu practitioners who do not have the ability to control the Chi.

The development of Chi is based on abstract concepts and is not easily attained.  The student must be well informed and careful in the selection of a teacher.