Martial Intent Video a link
There is “internal discipline” and “martial intent” which are both very important as you can see in our video link. Then there is “internal dialogue” which we discuss here.
“Internal Dialogue” is like an inner radio station of thoughts in your mind!
A constantly playing, sometimes static-filled station you cannot easily turn off. A constant playing station that interferes with, sometimes obliterating, the mindfulness needed for Classical Tai Chi.
The facets of mindfulness: In other words, through constant practice of classical tai chi, the benefit comes from a positive feedback loop that continues to build and expand the more one practices. Also, the quieter the mind becomes in practice, the more mindful and like a meditation your tai chi becomes.
A greater communication needs to develop between the bodily systems because one’s mind chatter or internal dialogue interferes with the transmissions mentioned above. Just like a noisy radio; one must tune out the discordant frequencies until that one clear station comes in.
Quieting the mind in practice comes only with practice, and this is important because the more we move in this direction, the faster and more widespread positive changes will occur.
It is mainly the martial intent that causes the changes in the mind and consequently in the physical. Herein lies a primary reason (often not given by teachers) for practicing a form many times. This is the essence of practice!
Martial Intent
“Yi”
Quiets Internal Dialogue
- “Internal Dialogue is like an inner radio station of thoughts in your mind”
In Classical Tai Chi, it is the martial intent (Yi) that serves as a focused mental anchor, quieting internal dialogue and distractions, allowing for deeper embodiment of movement and internal power. Rather than being a passive thought, martial intent is a single-minded, intuitive focus on the self-defense application of each movement—such as deflecting an incoming strike or controlling an opponent’s limb.
This practical mental direction replaces abstract or wandering thoughts, aligning the mind with the body’s mechanics.
As noted in Uncovering the Treasure and Classical Tai Chi Blog, martial intent is not complex or elaborate—it is a direct, subconscious trigger that activates the correct body method at the onset of a movement.
For deeper study, Master Hwa details these methodologies in his book Uncovering the Treasure: Classical Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health and his video lessons
https://classical-tai-chi.teachable.com/
When practiced consistently, it becomes automatic, and as Master Stephen Hwa says:
"Once the practitioner masters the ‘Yi’, it is no longer a conscious effort anymore. It becomes subconscious and comes naturally whenever the practitioner moves."
