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Effects of Ki

Ki is used to:

• Increase stability, such as in the immovable body

• Increase strength, such as in the unbendable arm

• Increase power, such as an effortless yet powerful kick 

• Increase sensitivity, such as sensing an attack

• Increase health, such as increased resistance to illness

• Heal, such as used in Kiatsu

• Develop non-physical contact, such as a no-touch throw

Ki Concepts

The effects of ki may be explained using two concepts: physical and mental.

Physical

This refers to a relaxed body that allows connections to be made through the entire body and to the ground with a minimum use of tension and strain. Most of the effects of increased stability and power come from this concept, since a relaxed and properly aligned body distributes forces force throughout the body, not just in one area. For instance, in the unbendable arm, the applied force is dissipated through the large muscles of the back, not just in the arm. This concept also has a health benefit since the connectivity requires a release of body stress and tension, which allows better blood circulation, deeper breathing, etc.

Mental

This refers to a strongly focused mind. This concept is more difficult to explain than the physical concept. Everyone accepts the idea of "will" and the fact that it can clearly effect physical behavior but yet it cannot be measured in any direct way. Most people accept that the mind can effect the physical body, such as the placebo effect in medicine. Ki affects the body in the same way. If we believe something may give us power and we focus on it, it may indeed give us power. 

Mental focus has two components: the effect on the self and the effect on others. It increases the connection between the various parts of the body performing an action, resulting in a greater efficiency and power. Since mental focus is perceivable by others, whether directly or via subtle clues, this intent can cause effects in others, such as breaking an opponent's concentration and thus reducing their power. Also, one may perceive an attack is imminent and step to the side resulting in a no-touch throw where the opponents momentum causes him or her to fall. The focus of an opponent who is pushing may be diminished to the point that the power they believe they are exerting is actually much less. This effect helps explain the previously described feats of ki.

To Develop Ki

To develop ki, we train to:

1. Open, connect, and relax the body

2. Focus, develop, and strengthen the mind

3. Develop some synergistic combination of 1 and 2

Modern Ki

Modern Taekwondo students are not too concerned with the metaphysical aspects of ki; they just want to know what it is, what it does, and how may it help them. Many Taekwondo practitioners view ki as an expedient concept that includes intentions, momentum, will, and attention. If students believe that ki may literally be extended, whether they understand it true meaning or not, it may give them a physical and psychological edge over an opponent. Whether you believe in the physical existence of ki or not, a belief in its physical effects will give you increased power and confidence. 

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