Qigong Martial Arts: Its Origins
Neigong, or internal martial arts, traces its roots to Bodhidharma’s classic Yi Jin Jing (Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic). This marked the third major phase in qigong’s evolution.
Unlike waigong (External Martial Arts), which focuses on physical conditioning, neigong integrates breathing and meditation techniques—essentially qigong practices—to cultivate qi (vital energy) and build internal strength.
Qigong nurtures two forms of qi energy: nei dan (internal elixir) and wai dan (external elixir). Nei dan refers to the refinement of internal energy, while wai dan relates to energy that is external, localized, or surface-level.
From 502 AD to 1911 AD, spanning the Liang Dynasty through to the fall of the Qing Dynasty, qigong’s primary focus shifted toward developing internal arts.
The Rise of Qigong Martial Arts
During this period, Buddhism was in decline. However, the discovery that qigong could enhance martial arts ushered in a new era—the age of Qigong Martial Arts.
In 527 AD, Emperor Liang Wu Di, a devoted patron of Buddhism, invited an Indian Buddhist monk to his royal court. That monk was Bodhidharma, known in China as Da Mo.
According to legend, Bodhidharma’s terse and deeply philosophical views frustrated the emperor, leading to his departure. He traveled to the Shaolin Temple in Luoyang, only to find the resident monks weak and in poor health.
Seeking a solution, Bodhidharma meditated in a nearby cave for nine years before writing two foundational martial arts classics:
- Yi Jin Jing (Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic)
- Xi Sui Jing (Marrow-Washing Classic)
His goal was to help the monks regain their health and stamina. However, as they practiced the Yi Jin Jing, they discovered an unexpected benefit: increased strength and resilience.
At the time, China was plagued by political unrest, and even monasteries were vulnerable to attacks by warlords and bandits. Neigong and wugong (martial training) became essential for the monks’ self-defense. Over time, they gained fame for their combat skills, earning the title “warrior monks.“
The Philosophy Behind Shaolin Martial Arts
Despite their martial prowess, Bodhidharma emphasized that combat should never be used for aggression. The core principle of wugong remains: training is for discipline and self-defence, notfor violence.
This philosophy is encapsulated in an old Shaolin saying:
“不動手則不犯” (“Bu dong shou ze bu fan” — One who engages in combat has already lost the battle.)
The Essence of Yi Jin Jing
The Yi Jin Jing exercises belong to wai dan (external qi cultivation) qigong. They use yi (focused intent) and visualization to direct local qi, enhancing its circulation throughout the body.
Over time, these exercises evolved into Luohan Shi-Ba Zhang (Eighteen Priest-Scholar Palms), forming the foundation of Chinese temple boxing and Shaolin martial arts.
In Chinese medicine, tendons symbolize meridians—pathways for energy flow—while marrow represents the heart. Thus, the Yi Jin Jing is about “transforming tendons”—opening energy channels, removing blockages, and restoring natural qi flow to promote health.
With regular practice, Yi Jin Jing not only sustains well-being but also fortifies immunity against disease and age-related deterioration.
This is the origin of Da Mo Qigong. While still practiced today, it has evolved into a set of ex
ercises focused on health maintenance, chronic illness treatment, and its original goal of meditation and enlightenment.
Ramifications of the Two Martial Arts Classics
Of the two martial arts classics written by Bodhidharma, only the Yi Jin Jing has survived.
The Xi Sui Jing (Marrow-Washing Classic) taught Buddhist monks how to use qi to purify the bone marrow, strengthen the blood, heart, and immune system, and prepare for Buddhahood.
However, because it was difficult to understand and even harder to train, only the most advanced disciples could practice the Xi Sui Jing. For others—especially laypeople—it remained a secret, passed down to only a privileged few.
Bodhidharma’s teaching philosophy justified this exclusivity:
「教外別傳，不立文字，直指人心，見性成佛。」
(Jiao wai bie chuan, bu li wen zi, zhi bie ren xin, jian xing cheng fo.)
Translation:
“Do not transmit [these teachings] to outsiders of our sect.
Words should not be recorded in writing.
Point directly to a person’s heart.
See and cultivate the person into a Buddha.”
In other words, only true Shaolin Buddhists could access this knowledge. Teachings should not be written down for outsiders, but rather passed on through personal insight—judging an individual’s mind and guiding those who were truly devoted toward enlightenment.
Bodhidharma’s two classics were deeply rooted in Chan Zong (Chan Buddhism), which later evolved into Zen Buddhism in Japan.
The Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing were intended to be practiced together as a complete system leading toward Buddhahood. However, when separated, the final purpose could not be achieved.
Yet, paradoxically, Yi Jin Jing training is absent from modern Chan Buddhism, and Xi Sui Jing is rarely taught at the Shaolin Temple.
The Lost Legacy of Xi Sui Jing
After Bodhidharma’s death, it is said that he entrusted the Xi Sui Jing techniques to his top disciple, Hui Ke. However, over generations, the knowledge was lost—perhaps kept too secret.
Fortunately, many of Bodhidharma’s teachings — including the Yi Jin Jing — were preserved by Taoists, who safeguarded Buddhist knowledge alongside their own practices.
This is reflected in the saying:
「佛道一家」 (Fo Dao Yi Jia)
“Buddhism and Taoism are one family.”
In the early days of religious Taoism, its philosophy drew from both Taoist traditions and Buddhist teachings, leading to significant overlap between the two.
Even before Bodhidharma arrived at Shaolin Temple, Taoists had already adapted many Buddhist qigong practices. As a result, even after his death, they retained a vast collection of Buddhist manuals and martial arts techniques, including the Yi Jin Jing.
After Bodhidharma, Shaolin monks continued to develop Wai Dan Martial Arts, creating forms inspired by aggressive animals—styles still practiced in wugong today:
🐅 Tiger (power)
🐆 Leopard (speed)
🐉 Dragon (spirit)
🐍 Snake (flexibility)
🦅 Crane (balance)
These traditions endure, forming the foundation of modern Shaolin martial arts, preserving the legacy of neigong, qigong, and the ancient wisdom of Bodhidharma.