Theoretical Essense and Practical Wisdom of Chinese Martial Arts "Shenfa"

Using the methods of literature review, expert interviews, etc., the "body"(shen) in Chinese culture is interpreted as the starting point, and the body logic and practical mechanism of "shenfa" (body movement of practising wushu) is analyzed. From the perspective of etymology and quan classics, the bending in shenfa is mainly "determined by the spine", which is where shenfa is produced; the stretching in shenfa is to "extend with bending", following the ways the body changes, while the Qi in shenfa is to move body with Qi, serving as the internal logic of shenfa. Closely collected, the three above can further develop into three dimensions, that is, the bending moves starting with the waist, flexion-stretching moves in the mutual promotion between yin and yang, and the body moves with Qi. The practical mechanism of "shenfa" lies in the non-disciplinary rationality, multi-sense integrity, change-between-virtual-and-real effectiveness, and the theory-practice-in-unity complexion, etc. This spiritual body behavior deeply presents a Chinese-style body theory logic, so it can be regarded as a return to the era of its own ancient and dynamic cultural tradition.