Free Knowledge Articles

What is Qi? Life Force, Breath and the Ordering Principle of Chinese Tradition

By Christian Weidl · updated 22 April 2026

Qi is the central concept of Chinese medicine, philosophy and martial art: life force, breath and ordering principle – perceivable, cultivable, and beyond the esoteric.

Reading time: approx. 10 min

Wuji Quan – The Fist of the Great Nothingness: The Origin of the Inner Martial Arts

By Christian Weidl · updated 22 April 2026

Wuji Quan is one of the oldest inner Chinese martial arts – an art of emptiness from which Taiji, Bagua and Xingyi emerged. Philosophically precise, extremely rare, deep.

Reading time: approx. 11 min

Taiji Quan – The Highest, Ultimate Fist: Martial Art, Health Practice and Life Philosophy

By Christian Weidl · updated 22 April 2026

Taiji Quan is more than gentle movement in the park. Five main styles, a 400-year history, UNESCO World Heritage – the inner martial art that embodies Yin and Yang.

Reading time: approx. 11 min

Systema – The Russian Martial Art of Natural Movement

By Christian Weidl · updated 22 April 2026

Systema is the modern Russian martial art developed by Ryabko and Vasiliev: four principles (breath, relaxation, structure, inner calm), no rigid techniques, no competition.

Reading time: approx. 9 min

Bagua Zhang – The Palm of the Eight Trigrams

By Christian Weidl · updated 11 November 2025

Bagua Zhang blends circular movement, dynamic footwork and I Ching philosophy into a martial art that is as aesthetically refined as it is combat-practical.

Reading time: approx. 4 min

Xingyi Quan – The Fist of Form and Willpower

By Christian Weidl · updated 11 November 2025

Xingyi Quan is an internal Chinese martial art with explosive close-range power, the splitting principle, and a strong focus on Yi – willpower as the motor of every movement.

Reading time: approx. 4 min

Yi Quan – The Fist of Willpower

By Christian Weidl · updated 11 November 2025

Yi Quan distills the essence of internal martial art: explosive power from absolute stillness, developed by Xingyi master Wang Xiangzhai – no superfluous training.

Reading time: approx. 5 min

Geng vs. Lik – Why True Strength Doesn't Come from Muscles

By Christian Weidl · updated 8 June 2025

Lik is muscle strength, Geng is intelligent, effortless power. Understanding the difference transforms your training and builds strength that deepens with age.

Reading time: approx. 4 min