The number of options to choose from when selecting a martial art becomes intimidating. Each style encompasses its own pros, philosophies, and paradigms of outcomes. Nam Wah Pai offers something different: the Chinese internal martial arts in Singapore that come with the development of power from within, quite opposite to most external styles taught in mixed martial arts. Here are some of our special features, which will help you determine if you are compatible with us.

What Are Internal Martial Arts Singapore?

Internal martial arts or “soft” styles develop internal energy (Qi), create mental focus, and strengthen bodily expressions like internal organ health. The practitioners develop a kind of power that is frowned upon in common terminology when speaking about martial arts because it denotes nothing other than “Steel wrapped in cotton,” a deep-rooted efficiency in the body instead of brute force or bulky equipment.

Nam Wah Pai Levels of Internal Power Training

We are among a few schools in Singapore that promote progressive regularity of the internal martial skills:

• Movement Strike (招打) – Coordination of body mechanics with technique.
• Internal Energy Strike (劲打) – Infusion of intent and internal alignments, a key principle taught by our instructors.
• Qi-Powered Strike (气打) – Internal energy directed to impact, a technique often emphasised in martial arts classes.
• Spirit-Energy Strike (神打) – The most refined, mental clarity, and energy focus.

Through proper Neigong / Qigong practice, students learn to absorb what force from the outside has been available before and give a striking, fierce, finely aimed blow without using any external force training.

Singapore Internal Martial Art Styles at Nam Wah Pai

At Nam Wah Pai, there is a total disharmony with “just external techniques”. We look into Chinese Internal Martial Arts. There are as many philosophies as there are health benefits and self-defence applications from each martial art. The following are some of the main styles you would be getting acquainted with in our martial arts programme:

Xingyi Quan (形意拳)

Xingyi Quan, which means “Form-Intention Fist,” is one of the “long fist” martial arts, rooted in spear techniques and characterised by explosive and linear movements. It is an art in which the five elements and animal forms are used to maintain the organs, stamina, and ultimate harmony of body and mind. In addition to self-defence, such martial arts would impart health to the practitioner, strengthening his emotional stability and fostering his spiritual consciousness.

Ba Gua Zhang (八卦掌) – The Eight Trigram Palm

Ba Gua Zhang, created in the 19th century by Dong Haichuan, is characterised by constant circular walking and flowing techniques, with many martial artists preferring it. It is an excellent self-defence system that trains you to defend and attack at the change of just a couple of steps, using your nimble footwork, enemy body placement, and sensibility all together. On some occasions, it is even practised with some weapons, like swords or spears, further developing your core body, hand-foot-eye coordination, and reflexes. It also promotes the circulation of Qi energy throughout the body, leaving you feeling agile and energised.

Bodhidharma’s Shaolin Internal Martial Arts

This internal martial art form is attributed to Bodhidharma, the legendary founder of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu, which is taught in many martial arts schools. It was initially developed from the physical changes of Shaolin monks that require practitioners to learn martial techniques, qi gong, weapons, and meditation at a martial arts academy. The practitioners enjoy increased flexibility and strength, increased focus, and harmony of emotion, which are essential qualities for any martial artist. The internal martial art cultivates self-discipline, alleviates stress, boosts circulation, and brings inner power to enhance a great connection with oneself, how much one cherishes those three of the trio-mind-body-spirit.

Zhang San Feng’s Wudang Martial Arts

Wudang martial arts were introduced by the Taoist monk Zhang San Feng. Utilising Taoist concepts, the internal martial arts system instructs pupils to use visualisation, softness overcoming hardness, and internal power to neutralise attackers. Some martial arts are aimed at longevity, well-being, and self-defence, which bring accounting into spiritual and physical cultivation, and are considered by both beginners and advanced practitioners. 

Zhao Bao (Tai Chi) Taijiquan (趙堡太極拳)

The form originated in the 16th century, in the village of Zhao Bao. Zhao Bao Taiji is characterised by chi’na techniques, joint locking, and movements that emphasise the health of the joints and organs. Repetitive slow movements suited to gentle but intense muscular work and low impact are excellent for those challenged by sports injuries or related problems, especially in martial arts classes. Zhao Bao Tai Chi boosts flexibility, encourages the flow of Qi, and so serves as some kind of gentle heat therapy.

Liu He Ba Fa (六合八法)

Developed by the Taoist Sage Chen Tuan during the Song Dynasty, this martial art style, also called Water Boxing, has a rather sophisticated nature. Movements flow without expectation or constraint, which is a running water sort of motive. This style integrates not only the body, mind, intent, qi, and spirit, but also connects to truly understanding the environment. This can significantly increase stamina, coordination, and equilibrium in practical and self-defence applications. Practising this art will also increase internal and external health by improving circulation, dispelling sickness, and promoting longevity.

Why Join Internal Martial Arts Classes?

Internal martial arts versus external martial arts in Singapore do not depend on muscle strength; they develop energy, finesse in action, and general well-being. Nam Wah Pai gives each student insight into the journey, which includes discipline, practical self-defence, and, hopefully, health.

Interested in Ba Gua Zhang, Tai Chi, or some other internal discipline taught at our academy? Then get in touch with Nam Wah Pai today to find out for yourself the transformation that these arts bring to the body, mind, and spirit.

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