Phillip Starr

One of the most powerful and esoteric aspects of the Chinese internal martial arts is chansi-jin, also known as silk-reeling power or coiling power. This special type of jin (strength or vigor) allows the internal stylist to strike with tremendously explosive power, even at very close range. But to wield this power involves many years of training: learning correct body alignment and structure, connecting expression of the breath with the application of strength, and focusing the mind on the task at hand.

Develping Jin provides a progressive end complete training regimen for increasing and refining chansi-jin. With step-by-step instructions and photographs, experienced teacher Phillip Starr walks readers through a variety of techniques designed to help practitioners feel and use jin in their martial art training. Avoiding cryptic and mystical descriptions of internal power, Starr takes a direct, no-nonsense approach that addresses commonly held myths and identifies the real body mechanics behind this unusual power. Useful for novices and advanced practitioners alike, Developing Jin is an essential addition to any serious martial artist's library.

PHILLIP STARR began studying martial arts in 1956, including judo, Kyokushin karate, Shito-ryu karate, Baixingquan (a form of Northern Shaolin kung fu), baguazhang, taijiquan, xingyiquan, and Filipino arnis. In 1976 he won the United States Karate Association's Grand Championships, becoming the first kung-fu stylist to win the title of National Champion. He is also a two-time winner of the Amateur Athletic Union's Chinese Martial Arts National Tournament. He has authored four books on the martial arts: The Making Of A Butterfly, Martial Mechanics, Martial Maneuvers, and Hidden Hands, as well as numerous articles for various magazines and e-magazines, including Inside Kung Fu and Truwaza. Starr lives in Liuzhou City, Guangxi, China.

I began martial arts training in 1956 when my Father was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Since then, I have trained in a number of martial disciplines to include judo, Japanese karate, hoquan (renamed 'baixingquan' by my teacher, W.C. Chen), xingyiquan, taijiquan, baguazhang, arnis, and iaido.
In 1976 I was named as a U.S. National Champion of the United States Karate Association, the only kung-fu stylist to achieve that title at that time.
In 1982 I founded Yiliquan (One Principle Boxing) and currently serve as the National Chairman of the Yiliquan Martial Arts Association.
I also spent several years serving as a peace officer, working in (state) drug enforcement. I also worked as a correctional officer at a state penitentiary, and later as a private investigator.
In 1991 I was elected as National Chairman for the Chinese Martial Arts Division of the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union). Within two years this entity became the largest kung-fu organization in U.S. history. I was subsequently admitted into the Inside Kung-Fu Hall of Fame in 1992.
I've taken up writing and hope to use whatever talent I have to promote and preserve the traditional martial arts.

Please visit our websites at http://www.omahakungfu.net and http://www.yiliquan.com

Summary (for those who won't read to the end):
1) For those seeking a plain-language, down-to-earth, frank, no pulled-punches, English-language explanation of how to develop powerful punches, kicks, and throws as derived from and as taught in the Chinese traditions, this is the book!
2) For those from any fighting system who are simply trying to understand the “internal” martial arts better, either intellectually or physically, or both, this is the book!
3) For those already involved in any of the internal Chinese martial arts but want an English-language explanations of what the heck is going on, this is the book!

Although I truly appreciate this book and highly prize and highly recommend it, I fully realize the book isn't for everyone.

You will not magically develop great and powerful strikes by reading a book. You will not be convinced that by perfecting your internal self that you will be able to generate far more external power. Not everyone believes in, is exploring, is learning what the “internal” of internal martial arts really is. Those who simply believe in brute force answers to fighting and self-defense questions, this book probably won't change your already set minds. You and I both know you are tough and you can kick ass already. You don't need the book and it probably won't do anything for you. The book wasn't designed to try to convince this group. The only thing that convinces this “show me” group is feeling the power. I too had great deal of difficulties in believing how much power could be generated in such short distances. I had great deal of difficulties in believing how much power could be generated by the Russian Systema ballistic strike. I had searched high and low to find a school with such mastery just to take one of those powerful hits! That was my only way to know if this stuff was real. Getting dropped inside a couple inches moved my acceptance closer. But it wasn't until I could do it, did I become a believer. A believer that there is something quite real and powerful about the real-deal internal masters and their ability to externalize the power with incredibly powerful strikes. This book helped me to better explain it, but only after I had felt the power first. If you are like me, go find a real master of an art like Russian Systema and get hit by the master.

At 213 pages of no-bull information, explanation, and work to go practice, this book is the real deal.

I've read it twice already and no doubt will dig deeper and conduct the recommended practices over time, and incorporating the ideas into my own personal style and practice. I think nearly everyone will get more than they paid for out of this manual. If you got all the way this far reading what I have to say, you have interest in the subject, just buy it and learn what you will.

I have decades of martial arts practice in a number of traditions including “new” systems but virtually no background in Chinese arts except for a short dabble in Tai Chi, yet this book met the need I was searching for and then some! Now having the tested and proven ability to strike with great power, I was searching for the words to explain the how and the why. Sometimes the level of power defies logical explanation. It messes with my head that I and a few others can develop that much power; This book to my rescue.

The author explains the training the body, especially the core, improvement of how you hold your body while fighting, and how to focus your entire body in an orchestrated manner so that every movement contributes to the strike, and use of the breath. This is really no different than all the exercises and drills done in so many Asian traditional arts and especially in the Russian Systema that I am now practicing and teaching. The problem out there is that many schools and systems don't adequately train the core strength in the kind of rotational effort required to create great torsional energy. Many also overlook the tendon strength required. Mr. Starr covers all that well.

The focus and detailed explanations of body alignment, structure, and breathing were precisely where I was in my own self-actualization of power. I re-learned in-depth recently that without body alignment and structure, you have little power and few options to fight and if you can take those elements away from your opponent … In Russian Systema we say it's all about breathing, structure, movement, relaxation (controlling tension only where useful).

In my own analogy, of developing power, is comparing power in cars. A car's engine horsepower is of little use if much is lost in spinning wheels or inertia, drag, or mechanical losses. What matters is how much it moves the car. What matters in martial arts is how well it delivers desired effect and affect on the opponent. The book addresses delivery of energy. Human power-delivery losses can include many things such as: isometric counter-opposing muscles resisting the striking power, poor posture preventing energy to move efficiently through the body all the way to the striking fist, and even emotions. Mr. Starr explains quite well the many details to deliver the power efficiently.

The non-Chinese artist must have an open mind when it comes to the style, the time, and the order suggested. He's not wrong but it may seem a bit over-stated and some might think that his Chinese way is the only way but that's what he's writing of, so it's to be expected.

Some, especially those enamored with modern UFC, MMA, fighting styles may not appreciate this book. For one thing it takes a long time. Most “modern” MMA fighters tend to discount “internal” entirely and are willing to prove it with their fists. I think Mr. Starr does a good job in bringing internal down to earth. If approached with an open mind, all can benefit and increase their power in real fighting applications. Because the author's background is in the traditional Chinese arts, he will show their stances and training methodology. You don't need to adopt the complete stances, that may appear awkward, but just adding small changes suggested in this book to your structure to whatever you already know, you will improve your striking power. If you incorporated some of the suggested exercises, your core will be strengthened, again adding to your striking, kicking, and throwing power. Additionally if you follow Mr. Starr's recommendations for form structure and strengthening, you are more likely to avoid injuring yourself. If you already know all that, then this book should be a validation.

I am a lifelong martial artist, having begun at age 4 under my father. Now 58 years later, I have been able to develop great power in my strikes, kicks, throws. I didn't study Chinese martial arts but came about my knowledge of internal arts by a more circuitous route. Suffice it to say I understand how to develop Jin, I just never knew the Chinese terms, methodology, nor explanation. Having read Mr. Starr's book, now I do better understand the Chinese method of thinking, explanation and application.

I bought the book to help me intellectually understand what I can do. There are virtually no English-language books on the details of how and why it works. I was searching everywhere for an intellectual understanding of the power I felt. It is here in this book.

Buying up every book from Amazon on the topic of internal power, I have an impressive library. Each book provides some pieces and parts of explanation. Many authors seem to rush through a layman's explanation however and quickly resort to what the way they were taught. Most were unable to explain the development of power in plain English very well. It is possible they don't fully understand, but instead just repeated what their instructors told them. Mr. Starr does understand, he gets it and does a good job explaining.

He does an exceptional job in de-mystifying the “internal” martial arts. There is no magic and he says that flatly.

If any area this book is slightly short is in explaining the energy part and visualization parts of Jin. I hunger for more. The qi, Ki, or whatever you wish to name it. I found the internal energy, specifically the ki concepts addressed somewhat more deeply in other books on other non martial topics and in other disciplines such as Reiki and in Robert Bruce's Energy Work.

The chapter on “reverse breathing” was a huge boost to my Russian Systema practice! I was repeatedly instructed to allow the breath to lift and to move your body. I never felt it until I read Mr Starr's book and applied the principals of reverse breathing. Then I definitely felt moved by my breath! Thank you Sir!

The term “engaging” was fascinating! In Russian Systema we breathe into our entire bodies empowerment of various types. In many systems I've seen and felt making a part of the body stronger to resist a blow. In Russian Systema there is also a phrase “making heavy”. Seems we can empower our bodies through clear intention and the body “powers up” those areas in defense, as required. I have felt it, seen it, not that mystical.

I liked his thoughts on the kata sanchin that I leaned in my GoJuRyu practice. Mr. Starr says it was originally intended to make your body more engaged, full, heavy, empowered. Very interesting indeed!

The exercise section is quite similar conceptually to our Russian Systema exercises. Very interesting. I am a believer in their value.

The Chinese concept of Song is definitely at the core of Russian Systema relaxation, so this too was a useful validation for my own work.

His cautions are the voice of experience and of wisdom. I have developed so much power that I ripped the muscles off the bone of my own arm. He says you must release all the energy in the strike. I am living proof of the downside risk. Pay attention to his wisdom and try to internalize the meaning and apply it to your practice.

Mr. Starr does a nice job with definitions of terms and clarifying the confusion of the various terms used to define power. He also makes clear that just having pretty form isn't necessarily the path to develop real fighting power. I think we can all agree. I too see a profound lack of understanding of how to generate big power at most martial arts schools in the USA today.

Overall, this is the best book I have found to date to help Western, English-speaking martial artist understand the Chinese Eastern martial arts approaches to the development of and the concepts of powerful strikes and kicks and throws. There is no magic here, just work, proper work.

It will become one of my “mandatory reading” books for my own students.

George Borrelli
Systema Colorado Springs
Borrelli Self Defense

I could not put this book down! One of the clearest and best instructionals on a topic that is extremely difficult to teach in person, let alone through a book. I have been a martial artist for many years (since 1969) and have studied many topics regarding qi and qigong. Sijo Starr's teachings are clear and concise, and best of all, down to earth. No mumbo jumbo in this book, just great straight forward teaching!
Buy this book now. You will not be disappointed.-David Nelson

I'm an oldster who's trained in a number of martial arts over the years, beginning back in the days when Bruce Lee was just starting out in Hollywood ... In that time, I've been fortunate to have received some real-deal training in the cultivation of 'internal power,' & I can't shout out loudly enough how grateful I am to have Sifu Starr's latest book in hand to help me better understand what I was learning back then & shore up my practice now ... This is as comprehensive & thorough a treatment of the subject as anyone could hope for, delivered w/exceptional concision & clarity - a volume that truly deserves a place close to hand on every serious martial artist's bookshelf!-Nicole Spencer

This book is really a rare thing. I have seen a few masters of the internal arts and their skill was amazing from my perspective. However the terminology and 'how to' attain their ability was difficult to grasp. This book takes on the subject of a dying art, almost lost to our generation by tackling the subject of coiling (internal power) and through progressive drills teaches you how this martial skill can be developed. The only thing that would have made this book even better, would have been a companion DVD to see the timing of the moves. I especially liked how an esoteric skill was broken down in simple terms that a westerner can understand and start to apply, however be warned this isn't about becoming a Master overnight, but if you are willing to put in the time, the skill would be more than worth it. . I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to increase their understanding of power development in the Marital Arts.-Patrick

Every martial artist should own this book, read it, and keep it for reference. The materail covered in here is for every martial arts style. It will take your practice results to a higher level for intensity, focus, power with amazing results. Those at higher levels (or belt or years of practice)will benefit greatly if the gems of information are approached with a beginners open mind. Martial arts should not stop with just learning technique and this book explains how to get the best out of technique and how to develop our internal energy for maximum benefit and results. What is especially remarkable is that the instruction is presented in such a plain and user friendly way with humor and clear exhibits enabling anyone to understand and utilize the information. Buy it, read it, and keep it in your training bag!-Barbara Galluppi

Peng Jin? Never got it till Phillip Starr explained it as 'engagment'. I enjoy the physicality of my stature. I don't look any different it's quiet and personal and I FEEL physically prepared for life. Is this one aspect of a meditation the exercise of Peng Jin? It's an awesome transport to the NOW moment.-gt..chi!

Contents

Acknowledgments
Foreword
Got Jin?
Basic conditioning exercises
The foundation of internal kung fu
In the beginning
Structure and alignment
Training the breath
Let's get engaged!
Beginning with stillness
The breath coiling form
The secret of tendon power
Internal coiling
Applying the coiling power
Putting it all together
Training form: Three become one
Combative applications
Conclusion
About the author… (meer)

'Many contemporary martial arts instuctors and students are fed up with seeing gymnasts ands semi-professional wrestlers labeled as martial artists. They want a return to their roots. They want to return to the practice of real martial arts and to the kind of techniques that make these arts and their devotees the stuff of legend. Unfortunately, they often lack a firm understanding of the principles upon which these techinques are based. It is for these people that I have written this book.'-From the book

Martial Mechanics is a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide that explains the science behind essential martial arts techniques. Dawing on his decades of experience as a martial arts student and teacher, Phillip Starr describes how martial artists of all systems can tap into the laws of physics and kinesiology to become faster, more powerful, and hence more effective in actual combat. The book features instructive photographs that demonstate the correct positoning for practices including stances, footwork, body actions, breathing, alignment, combinations, blocking, and striking techniques.

'Sifu Philip Starr presents clear-cut, easy-to-read, and convincing explanations about the how and why behing some of the most important concepts in traditional martial arts training. This book divulges valuable insights that will save you from countless hours of incorrect practice, frustration, and injury. Read it, re-read it, and then read it again.! It's that good.'-Mark Cheng, LAc, PhD, RKC II, directior and chief physician, Chung-Hua Institute and contributing editor to Black Belt magazine.

'This book will enrich any martial artist's understanding of the martial arts basics.'-John A. Morrow, adjunct professor of Kinesiology, St. Ambrose University and 7th level black sash in Shaolin Chuan kung-fu

'Martial Mechnics will make you a better martial artist...period. Using terms we all can understand and techniques you can integrate quickly, Sifu Starr gives you priceless insight into the ancient fighting arts in today's terms. Simply put, Martial Mechanics is extraordinary!'-Kris Wilder, author of Lessons from the Dojo Floor and Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Kodokan judo, and Goju-ryu Karate.

Contents

Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1 The way we were
Differences
What's real and what isn't
Chapter 2 Principles of power
Basic principles of force
Physics and the martial arts
Measuring force
Concentrated striking force
Is bigger better?
Chapter 3 The big bang
Making an impact
Target surfaces
Types of impact
Chapter 4 The need for speed
The secret of kinetic energy
Terminal velocity
Longer is better
Coiling power
Common errors
Chapter 5 That's shocking!
Brute force and shock
Action and reaction
Force, reaction force, and shock
Common errors
Striking through the target
Chapter 6 Shorter is better
Parachutes and punches
Impulse
Chapter 7 The foothold
The importance of the foundaton
What is a stance?
Inward tension stances
Outward tension stances
Sit straight!
Overextension of muscles and joints
Chapter 8 The importanceof footwork
What is footwork?
What is the dantien?
How to move from the dantien
Common errors
Moving from the dantien in everyday life
Chapter 9 Using the body as a fist
Lions and tigers and bears!
The eight body actions
Body rotation
Body shift
Body throw
Body vibration
Body up
Body down
Body circle
Body whip
Chapter 10 The secrets of breathing
Breathing and the martial arts
Basic forms of breathing
The real meaning of balance
Training the breath and balance together
Chapter 11 The importance of spinal alignment
Stand up straight!
Press the head upward
Tuck the coccyx
Spinal alignment and kicking
Testing the effectiveness of spinal alignment
Additional benefits
Chapter 12 Don't isolate...consolidate!
All persons are created equal
Principles of upper-body techniques
Principles of lower-body techniques
Chapter 13 the fighting stance
Overcoming inertia
What is a fighting stance?
Standing on a hair trigger
Moving in a fighting stance
Positioning the upper body
Fast versus sudden
Fighting stances in the real world
Chapter 14 The mechanic's shop
Putting it all together
Starting from the feet and ankles
Up through the legs
To the hips and waist
Up the spine and out through the hands
Chapter 15 Techniques in combination
What is comnination?
Why a combination?
Finding combinations that work
Combinations and breathing
Chapter 16 Comedy, love, and martial arts
Borrowing the opponent's force
Using timing to your advantage
The advantages of sharp timing
What? Disadvantages?
Chapter 17 Horizontal strength
'Tis better to give
The third foot
Displacing the forward stance
Displacing the in-line stance
Applying horizontal strength
Chapter 18 Being dense is a good thing
The importance of density
What is density-and why does it matter in martial arts?
The psychological effect
Chapter 19 That extra something
Moving from the inside
How it works
Chapter 20 Principles of blocking
The why of blocking
The key to effective blocking
Types of blocking techniques
Chapter 21 Training exercises and equipment
Knowing why and how
The striking post
The candle
The heavy bag
The balloon
Resistance exercises
Chapter 22 Questions and answers
About the author… (meer)

'When you first start to learn martial arts, the ma (basic stance) is the most important thing,' Chen said. 'If you don't develop a storng ma you will never have strong techniques. Your power comes up from the bottoms of your feet. If your balance is bad or if your legs are weak, the powera cannot come up to your hands. It is said that the first seven years are spent building a strong ma. After that, you are ready to learn.'-from the book.

At a time when Chniese martial arts were rarely taught to gwai-lo (foreigners), Phillip Starr entered the training hall, the home, and the heart of legendary kung-fu master W.C. Chen. In this collection of stories and humorous anecdotes from his apprenticeship, starr passes on the techniques, forms, and philosophy of his sifu (teacher). Each story provides detailed instruction, as well as insight into martial arts practices and life itself, from the words of the master.

'The Making of a Butterfly is a rich story of old Chinese kung-fu meeting American culture. This book made me long for the old ways of martial arts instruction before McDojos and health clubs dominated the land. I had been waiting for this book for a long time and din't even know it. A wonderful book, lovingly written.'-Kris Wilder, Goju-ryu karate instructor and author of Lessons from the Dojo Floor and The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide to Deciphering Martial Applications

'Phillip Starr is a very personable and knowledgeable sifu in the Chinese martial arts. I endorse his knowledge and tacing, and hope that everyone reads The Making of a Butterfly with an ipen mind and body.'-Sifu Harlan Dai Tong Lee, five-time U.S. National AAU Kung-Fu Champin and head instructor of the Gee Yung Fut-Ga Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii

Phillip Starr has been practicing martial arts for nearly fifty years. He is the founder of Yilichuan kung-fu, a style that merges China's internal systems, and he holds a third-grade black belt in Kyokshin karate. Starr lives and teaches in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Knock, knock...
Chapter 2 The life and times of W.C. Chen
Chapter 3 Concentrate!
Chapter 4 Look ma! No hands!
Chapter 5 Polishing the mirror
Chapter 6 Constant practice
Chapter 7 True courtesy...
Chapter 8 The death of kung-fu
Chapter 9 Weapon nature
Chapter 10 Culture, kung-fu, and baseball
Chapter 11 The ancient texts
Chapter 12 The meaning of the bow
Chapter 13 The test
Chapter 14 Commit or quit
Chapter 15 Don't fight your opponent!
Chapter 16 Form and fighting; fighting and ofrm
Chapter 17 Sitting quitetly, doing nothing
Chapter 18 the mystery of chi
Chapter 19 Two sides of the same coin
Chapter 20 Getting the point
Chapter 21 Stop, look, and listen
Chapter 22 Sleepwalking
Chapter 23 Touch and throw
Chapter 24 The art of deception
Chapter 25 Hurry up and wait
Chapter 26 It's the real thing
Chapter 27 The secrets
Chapter 28 Forget it!
Chapter 29 Healing and hurting
Chapter 30 The art of pain
Chapter 31 The teacher
Chapter 32 The uniform
Chapter 33 Commence!
Chapter 34 Discipline
Chapter 35 The meaning of courage
Chapter 36 Custom fit
Chapter 37 The voice of thunder
Chapter 38 Pushing the envelope
Chapter 39 Fame and fortune
Chapter 40 Crossing I's and dotting T's
Chapter 41 Four weaons, four teachers
Chapter 42 The most valuale gift
Sources for quotations
About the author… (meer)