The Internal Power Training Blog

Check out the latest info and research from Coach Chris' explorations in the Subject of Internal Power.

The anatomy of Connection

on March 1, 2016 in Body Training, Connection by

One of the initial focuses of Internal Arts training is to create a body that is connected and structured with healthy tissue. If you look at virtually any physical training methodology you will see the initial sections of their training devoted to alignment, strength, endurance and connection. Internal Power Training is no different, but the strength and endurance we are looking to build has a alternative quality.

As we have discussed in previous posts, the development of the tissues is required to create the unified body, but this can now be broken down a little further into major directions of expression and the related tissue development that is required to achieve action along them. In this post we will look at how muscle chains linked via fascia form ‘lines’ in the body that are responsible for the major motions our body can create. The body lines are the major chains of tissue that we use as humans, often without realizing.

Tagged With: fascia, connection, conditioning, major body lines

Academy Update

on February 9, 2016 in Body Training, Martial Training by

I have just updated the Academy with new videos on the following subjects :

- Vertical Dan Tien Rotation

- Crotch Arch Training

- Pulling Step Training

- Hand And Wrist connection

- Dragon Body

- An overview of Pulling Silk.

Join today to view these updates. Many more to be added in the coming weeks.

Happy training all.

Tagged With: academy, pairing, dan tien, conditioning

Of extension and Contraction

on November 19, 2015 in Body Training, conditioning, Connection, Winding by

Methods which utilize extension permeate the internal arts. The idea of extension is different to idea of ‘stretching’ however the two are often confused. When extension is used we actually lead entire chains of tissue out from the body in order to create an elastic like tautness, in stretching we are more focused on elongating a specific muscle or limited muscle group.

Extension plays several roles in internal work. Firstly it is a great way to identify what are often called, blockages or bindings in the body. We may extend our arms out to the side and notice an ache in the elbow or the upper back and this is indicative of the tissue in these areas 'resisting' the extension.

Tagged With: extension, contraction, fascia, conditioning, major body lines

Addressing lower crossed Syndrome

on November 17, 2015 in Alignment, Body Training, conditioning, Connection by

An initial point of research for the Internal Arts coach is the relationship between the various muscles of the center and how they relate and influence structural alignment.

Before any of the strength development can occur (pulling silk - winding etc), we need to address these imbalances or misalignment. If they are are not addressed early then the body will build strength over misalignment and compound any per-existing issues.

Tagged With: lower crossed syndrome, alignment, conditioning, relaxation, release

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Something exciting is Launching today in the IPT Academy! Articled 3 years ago
Addressing lower crossed Syndrome Articled 4 years ago
The lower crossed syndrome is something that we see to a lesser or greater degree in new students. The lower cross is a term used to describe a specific pattern of muscular imbalance in the lower body which results in pelvic tilting and curvature of the lower back. If left unchecked, internal strength training where we are specifically working on the connective tissues and muscles in this area can actually compound postural problems, as well as increase the likelihood of injury under load. The lower Cross is characterized by a combination of both weakness and tightness in the lower torso. Specifically, tightness in the Thoraco lumbar extensors which is reflected in the hip flexors and weakness in the abdominals reflected in the Gluteals. This specific pattern of imbalance creates joint dysfunction at specific points along the lower spine and will cause the pelvis to tilt forward. Internal arts have specific training methodologies to address this issue. The corrections are achieved through 'releasing' the tightness in the thoracolumbar and hip flexors. We are aiming to bring the lower cross into a relaxed ...