
In Korean thought, body and mind flow together, like gi—vital energy or life force. CKD’s all about that—fluid moves, no stiffness, connection to the mind.
It’s the invisible energy that flows through all living things, sustaining life, health, and balance. Think breath, spirit, or vitality—hard to pin down but central to well-being. In practice, it’s about harmony: when gi flows freely, you’re strong and calm; when it’s blocked, you’re weak or tense.
How to improve it?
Ways to Improve Your Gi
1. Refine Your Posture
Why It Works: Posture is gi’s highway. A 2010 study (Psychological Science, Carney et al.) found upright, relaxed poses increase testosterone (energy/confidence) and lower cortisol (stress), priming your gi to flow. Slouching? It’s a traffic jam—energy stalls, you feel drained.
Modern Life Fix: Counter hours of hunching (desk, phone) by resetting to CKD posture—stand up every 30 minutes, roll your shoulders back, breathe.
2. Move Fluidly
How: Focus on CKD’s smooth, circular motions—elbow strikes, flowing blocks, no jerky stops. Keep joints soft, not locked. Practice slow-motion drills to feel the flow.
Why It Works: Gi thrives on movement, not rigidity. In Korean and Chinese traditions, stagnant gi leads to fatigue or sickness; fluid motion keeps it circulating. The 2015 Health Psychology study (Nair et al.) showed upright movement under stress cuts anxiety—motion plus posture = gi
CKD Link: CKD’s design avoids hard impacts (protecting joints), letting gi flow through relaxed power, not force.
Modern Life Fix: Break sedentary traps—walk instead of sit, stretch during breaks. CKD’s warm-ups are perfect for this.
3. Breathe Deeply
How: Use CKD’s breathing—slow, full inhales through the nose, exhales with strikes. Outside class, pause for 5 deep breaths when tense, keeping that tall, soft stance.
Why It Works: Breath is gi’s fuel. Shallow breathing (common in stress) starves it; deep, rhythmic breaths recharge it. Science ties this to the vagus nerve—deep breathing lowers heart rate and stress (Nair, 2015), syncing body and mind.
- Modern Life Fix: Modern stress—deadlines, screens—makes us hold our breath. CKD breathing cuts through that noise.
4. Calm Your Mind
How: our 묵념 at the start of CKD classes only takes a minute and helps us to let go of mental clutter.
Why It Works: Gi isn’t just physical; a racing mind blocks it. A 2014 study (Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Michalak et al.) found upright posture plus focus reduces negative rumination—clear mind, clear gi.
CKD Link: CKD’s not about aggression—it’s growth. That on-yu gentleness in posture calms you, letting gi settle and strengthen.
Modern Life Fix: Notifications, multitasking—mental chaos kills gi. A quiet moment fights back.
5. Train Consistently
How: Hit CKD classes regularly—build muscle memory for posture and flow.
Why It Works: Gi grows with habit. Consistent movement refines energy pathways, like clearing a riverbed. The 2012 Biofeedback study (Peper et al.) showed posture’s mood-lift gets stronger with repetition—gi follows suit.
CKD Link: CKD’s progressive training (no rush, no strain) builds gi over time, not overnight.
Modern Life Fix: Inconsistent routines—couch one day, overwork the next—disrupt gi. CKD’s steady pace keeps it even.
6. Eat and Rest Smart
How: Fuel gi with whole foods—lean protein, veggies, water—not junk that slugs you down. Sleep 7-8 hours;
Why It Works: In Korean tradition, diet and rest balance gi—too much or too little throws it off. Science backs this: sleep deprivation spikes cortisol (stress), choking gi (Carney, 2010).
CKD Link: CKD’s health focus—longevity over burnout—supports gi with practical self-care.
Modern Life Fix: Processed food, late nights—modern traps drain gi. Simple meals and a CKD cool-down set you right.
7. Connect With Others
How: In CKD, drill with jeong—that warm bond. Stand tall, loose, and supportive—help your partner, rather than competing
Why It Works: Gi isn’t solo—it flows through relationships. A 2018 Harvard study (Cuddy et al.) found open posture boosts social confidence, amplifying shared energy.CKD Link: CKD’s community spirit—jeong—charges gi by syncing posture and intent with others.
Modern Life Fix: Isolation (screens over people) cuts gi. CKD’s “I’ve got you” vibe rebuilds it.
Gi (기) isn’t magic—it’s CKD’s flow. Keep it moving, and you’ll feel the difference.