The Difference between ICMA and ECMA
Let’s get the term 1st
- CMA – Chinese Martial Art
- ICMA – Internal CMA
- ECMA – External CMA
So what is the difference between ICMA and ECMA?
First, from the physical appearance (display of routines), generally ECMA focus on generating impact onto power packed movements; ICMA focus on soft flow of movement that generates power pack force.
Shaolin, Long-Fist Boxing, Canto style are typical family that falls under the ECMA. The movements are usually in a single line force with some jumps and flips action. Chinese saying: “”发拳似流星，腿击如闪电”, its emphasis on momentum and intensity. For e.g.: “劈挂拳” has a saying: “硬打硬接”, which literally translate as – “when situation arises, do not give in or give way, just enter forcefully and win by muscle.
Whereas for ICMA, especially Tai’chi and Pakua, which focus on soft flow/soft touch，its emphasis on: “引进落空、借力打力” (literally means to lure the opponent into a trap of emptiness; uses the momentum of the opponent to counter react). ICMA stress on circular gentle movement, display of softness to create solid force.
To further research the difference between ICMA and ECMA, it all lies in the different requirement of training.
CMA requires: “内练一口气，外练筋骨皮” (internally train to maneuver with a single breath, externally practise till armoured body).
To train the human body “hard” enough to withstand impact is almost similar between ICMA and ECMA. The much appreciated difference between ICMA and ECMA will be the internal training of the human “breath”, commonly known as “Chi” (气).
ECMA training of Chi is still to enhance the practitioner’s agility and power over his armoured ready body, e.g.: hard style chi or “Golden Bell Armour” that makes the body to be able to withstand better impact or to allow the body to generate high power force. ECMA Chi training still focus very much on power packed.
This form of training requires proper Chinese Medicine care and not Chinese Medical Science care. Improper training can lead to health problem.
The Chi training in ICMA some how has a certain relation with the Taoism elixir of life. Different schools teaches the aspect of Chi in ICMA differently, but it all has an underlying principle – 松、柔、静、空, which translate Loose, Soft, Motionless, Emptiness.
What really is Loose, Soft, Motionless, Emptiness? I have yet reach that level to provide a good explanation. Base on my limited knowledge and understanding, I view it as
- Loose – Solid but not rigid
- Soft – Heavy but not forcing
- Motionless – Touching but not physical
- Emptiness – Feeling but not giving
I may be talking nonsense and I stand corrected.
The difference between ICMA and ECMA lies in the location of development and the intention of formation. Many ECMA are founded for the purpose of fight. To get it done within that snap. So naturally, Fast and Force is the key element to focus. ICMA has a theory of cultivating life through the art of pugilism. The practise focus on intention rather then formation.
But I do believe that ECMA can convert to ICMA, they just had to shift their focus.
