With rare exceptions, which I’m certain that may exist, what’s used to call internal arts are scarce in offering a coherent system which could guide a student.
I had this perception when struggling to understand the reasoning behind the I Liq Chuan system considering stage 1 and stage 2 lessons as we can see here at Chi Factory. Like the others practitioners of martial arts (being internal or external) and related disciplines I have only my mind/body tool.
So for a first conclusion would be: all of us have the same tool.
Generally speaking, apart the 13 points, and which are similar to other traditional schools, what’s offered, in my view, are “the classics” (for those interested to deepen understanding), the traditional main structural body principles (in ILQ would be the 13 points) with an additional reference to song (translated as relaxation plus a serene mind), for the remain curricula it consists of written books by dedicated practitioners according to their own understanding and guidance of competent instructors and - for those lucky few - .outstanding masters.
It’s a question of how far someone can get and deepen his understanding once the correct information is at hand from the beginning.
For I Liq Chuan has, to my knowledge, “I Liq Chuan System guide” and a book by Master Sam F.S. Chin “I Liq Chuan Martial Art Of Awareness”, both in a straightforward language easy to understand, where the intricate and apparent complexity of the Internal Arts can be clarified for the beginner as well as the long-time practitioner, as in my case.
I would conclude wishing that awareness may arise to us here at Chi Factory, practicing and using our own tools in the sense that “feel” could be manifested.
Paulo