Most people distinguish between external and internal martial arts and think that they are separate. They are not. Both the internal and the external elements have to be practised together. The hardest combination is that of the Heart 心 (Xin) and what is known as Intent/Mind 意 (Yi).

Liu He means the combination of six sections of the body, of which three are external and three are internal. When the six sections of the body are combined, including the Xin Yi, limitless power can be developed in the body.

The Three External Combinations

There are three combinations: feet and hands, knees and elbows and waist and shoulders.

Training in traditional Shaolin movements, one learns how to incorporate the three sections of the body and, through constant practice, learns how to set them in motion as a seamless whole. It then becomes difficult for an opponent to win. Through practising the physical aspects of training and maintaining a vegetarian diet, one builds and stores more Qi within the body, and will thus be ready for internal training.

The Three Internal Combinations

There are three combinations: Xin (Heart) and Yi (Intent/Mind), Yi and Qi (Energy) and Qi and Li (Power).

The most important aspect of internal training is one's mind and intention. One's intention must be combined with the Qi and focused on each movement. Qigong is the art of breathing and though many theories relating to Qigong are similar, the methods of practice vary.

Normally, a person's breathing is never fully completed. But through the practice of deep breathing through the Dantian (lower abdomen), one can achieve full and complete breathing. One can then guide more oxygen to every organ and nerves, which in turn causes the nerves to be more sensitive. The immune system is consequently made stronger and more resistant to viruses and illness, and the body can generate more internal energy. This is how some people who practice Qigong have been able to cure sickness on their own when conventional medicine has failed.

In traditional Shaolin training, there are some advanced methods and forms for internal training such as Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing. These forms enable one to manipulate the Qi and produce more physical power in fighting movements. The movements are led by the mind. Only when the mind is purified and combined with intent can one control their Qi to the fullest extent, allowing it to flow smoothly through all the nerves. To achieve this power, one’s Heart, Intent/Mind, Energy, and Power must be well combined.