The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness in Martial Arts: Essential or Optional?

JowGaWolf

Sr. Grandmaster
MT Mentor
I've been thinking a lot lately about the role of meditation and mindfulness in martial arts training. While martial arts primarily focus on physical techniques, I've come across various schools and practitioners who emphasize the importance of integrating meditation and mindfulness practices into their routines. How much of a roles does this serve in your own training or school? Is it Essential or Optional?
 
mindfulness


From a recent translation.


"对上手状态的理解唐凤池杨式汪脉太极拳的主要特点是“点断拍” ,所谓“学通点断是真传” ,点断劲的核心是上手,而如何才是真正的上手

Understanding the State of "Shangshou" (Being Skillfully Connected). **
By Tang Fengchi

The main characteristic of Yang-style Taijiquan as passed down through the Wang lineage is the concept of "dian duan pai" (point, break, and snap). It is often said, "Mastering dian duan is the true transmission." The essence of dian duan lies in achieving "shangshou" (a state of being skillfully connected). However, what truly constitutes shangshou is something that captivates practitioners, while also leaving many at a loss.


From this perspective, Shang Shou seems entirely dependent on intent and understanding,
appearing formless and intangible. Beginners often feel lost, as if wandering in a fog, unable
to grasp its essence.

However, experienced practitioners can often discern whether someone has achieved Shang Shou by observing their Tui Shou (push-hands) practice—whether their structure is intact, whether they have lost connection, broken form, or failed to maintain
integration."


**

"Shangshou (上手)
is a concept in Taiji that refers to a state of advanced skill or mastery in physical and internal connection during practice and application. The term can be translated as "getting the upper hand" or "being skillfully connected," but it implies much more than just technique—it embodies a refined state of awareness, control, and integration."

"something you “know” when you feel it, but it’s hard to describe fully in words."

Often questioned when viewed in videos
 
Last edited:
I've been thinking a lot lately about the role of meditation and mindfulness in martial arts training. While martial arts primarily focus on physical techniques, I've come across various schools and practitioners who emphasize the importance of integrating meditation and mindfulness practices into their routines. How much of a roles does this serve in your own training or school? Is it Essential or Optional?
Xingyiquan essential, that is pretty much what stance training is. Wing Chun, optional. Taijiquan, well, that depends on what you are after, but many call it moving meditation.
 
mindfulness


From a recent translation.


"对上手状态的理解唐凤池杨式汪脉太极拳的主要特点是“点断拍” ,所谓“学通点断是真传” ,点断劲的核心是上手,而如何才是真正的上手

Understanding the State of "Shangshou" (Being Skillfully Connected). **
By Tang Fengchi

The main characteristic of Yang-style Taijiquan as passed down through the Wang lineage is the concept of "dian duan pai" (point, break, and snap). It is often said, "Mastering dian duan is the true transmission." The essence of dian duan lies in achieving "shangshou" (a state of being skillfully connected). However, what truly constitutes shangshou is something that captivates practitioners, while also leaving many at a loss.


From this perspective, Shang Shou seems entirely dependent on intent and understanding,
appearing formless and intangible. Beginners often feel lost, as if wandering in a fog, unable
to grasp its essence.

However, experienced practitioners can often discern whether someone has achieved Shang Shou by observing their Tui Shou (push-hands) practice—whether their structure is intact, whether they have lost connection, broken form, or failed to maintain
integration."


**

"Shangshou (上手)
is a concept in Taiji that refers to a state of advanced skill or mastery in physical and internal connection during practice and application. The term can be translated as "getting the upper hand" or "being skillfully connected," but it implies much more than just technique—it embodies a refined state of awareness, control, and integration."

"something you “know” when you feel it, but it’s hard to describe fully in words."

Often questioned when viewed in videos
I'm curious, how do you integrate mindfulness into your regular training routine? Do you have any specific exercises or practices that help you develop this advanced state of connection?
 
Xingyiquan essential, that is pretty much what stance training is. Wing Chun, optional. Taijiquan, well, that depends on what you are after, but many call it moving meditation.
What your personal experiences with meditation in martial arts? How has it impacted your training and overall practice?"
 
I'm curious, how do you integrate mindfulness into your regular training routine? Do you have any specific exercises or practices that help you develop this advanced state of connection?



My work through my teacher comes from this line of practice
reflected in the practice

Wang-Yongquan-1904-1987.jpg


Wang Yongquan

The Pursuit of "Wu" (Nothingness)**
‭ Whether practicing for health or combat, seek the state of "wu"
—emptiness, absence of goals or‬
‭ adversaries. Move with relaxation, dispersion, and circularity—utterly空透 (*kong tou*
"hollow‬" transparency") and全身透空 (*quan shen tou kong*
,
"complete bodily emptiness"
‭ Advanced practice transcends form: Peng, Lu, Ji, An lose their shapes;
the body becomes‬ formless and transparent.‬

 
Back
Top