Energy and How it Springs Life Into the Dynamics of Jeet Kune Do

Energy is always a part of any discussion in the martial arts. If one listens closely, he/she will hear people describing hitting power, sensitivity, strategy, structure, etc...which all amount to internal, divisionary, and external energy, qi, whatever a person wants to call it.

Internal energy, congenital essence, jing (all synonymous) is stored energy that a person is born with. This is an individual's potential. Some people describe it as the savings account of the human experience. The qi that you acquire through food, air, etc. is considered your checking account. Ideally, one would want to spend less energy than the acquired energy, so that he/she can store the surplus or profit into the savings account. The profit of qi can then be transferred into jing.

Divisionary energy, or the communicator is the physical body which was constructed to facilitate the transfer of energy between the internal and external energies. The communicator makes us aware of the difference between internal energy and external energy and how they play or swirl.

*The communicator is the tool used for the physical expression of the internal process that IS the essence of the human spirit. So, in essence, JKD is an extension of the Self, not the other way around.

External energy, or acquired essence is the air, food, drink, emotional, bio-electric energy that a person absorbs moment to moment. Just like being observant of one's food intake, a person should also take great care in the emotions that they allow themself to take on. Emotional baggage is heavy baggage on the heart, much like gaining 20lbs around your waistline. One should be careful with who and how they spend their time. To manage your energy better, here are 5 things to become aware of and journal.

1. Daily food intake
2. The days of cardio exerise and the amount of time spent
3. Personal experiences related to training (positive reinforcement)
4. Sleep
5. Leisure time

So, that's the overview on energy. In part 2 we will be looking at Structure and how it applies to JKD in full and how to maximize results efficiently by shifting the mediocre paradigm. Make limits the beginning and time precious.

"Success is a journey, not a destination. Have faith in your ability." -Bruce Lee

Sifu Barry St. John
Second Generation Jeet Kune Do Instructor