Xingyiquan With Alex Kozma

Alex Kozma’s Journey into Chinese Martial Arts

Few will forge a journey quite as distinctive as Alex Kozma in the crucible of the martial arts world. With a lifetime dedication that stretches back to his teenage years, Kozma, a practitioner of Xingyiquan and Baguazhang, has taken strides across continents and cultures, leaving indelible footprints in the shifting sands of martial arts knowledge.

Alex Kozma is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Song Family Xingyiquan 宋家形意拳, among other martial arts. Alex’s mastery of Song Family Xingyiquan goes far beyond physical technique – he embodies the philosophy that is woven deeply into its heritage.

He channels his knowledge through his movements and teachings, providing a doorway into the mysterious world of traditional martial arts. His grasp of Xingyiquan’s intricate dance between energy and form brings to life a martial art that is increasingly becoming lost to the annals of history.

Song Family Xingyiquan traces its lineage back to Song Shirong, one of the renowned Song brothers, who championed Xingyiquan in the late Qing Dynasty. The style is art and discipline, designed to awaken and cultivate the practitioner’s inner power. It emphasizes both the external movements and the internal energy, creating a holistic practice that nurtures the mind and the body.

In contributing to the martial arts narrative, Kozma has authored several books, each a milestone in his journey. Yet, the path is never-ending, every book, he says, becoming “out of date” as soon as it’s written, a testament to the fluid nature of growth in the martial arts tradition.

Don’t Call Him Master

When asked to introduce himself during the interview, Alex Kozma responded with a humble, down-to-earth perspective that defies the pretentiousness often associated with martial arts experts. Kozma preferred the simple introduction, “Just my name is fine.” This alone captures his modesty, preferring to let his work and passion speak for themselves.

“I practice martial arts. Specifically Xingyi and Bagua, since I was a teenager.” 

Kozma further revealed his humility when he recalled a message from Grandmaster Sam Chin. “When Sifu Sam wrote to me and said, ‘We are interviewing masters,’ I just laughed. Because I’m so far from that, you know.” Despite his deep knowledge and expertise, he refrains from using the title of ‘master,’ positioning himself merely as a diligent practitioner. 

“I teach a few guys because I want to have people to practice with.” His words suggest that he views teaching as a tool for learning, thereby making his engagement with the arts a dynamic, shared experience. 

Kozma mentions his additional pursuit as an author. “And I write books. That’s it. Yeah.” His casual tone underplays the accomplishment yet highlights his desire to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding his beloved martial arts. 

An Ever-Evolving Understanding of Xingyiquan & Baguazhang

When asked about his body of work, Alex Kozma revealed that he has authored “seven or eight books,” yet he views each as inherently “out of date” as soon as they are written. “As soon as they’re written, I realized they’re outdated. My thinking now is very different from five or ten years ago.” 

Kozma mentioned his latest book, “Obvious, Hidden and Transformed Power in Xingyiquan and Baguazhang,” which aims to encapsulate his current understanding of those arts. Yet, he quickly remarked, “It’s already out of date because I wrote it about six months ago.” His remark underscores the dynamic nature of martial arts, where knowledge and understanding are ever-evolving. 

Kozma shared his perspective on the ongoing discovery process involved in practicing martial arts: “You discover things, and you realize how much is lacking. You learn something; you see the ability of somebody you train with, and it pulls you forward, right?” His words highlight a sense of humility and curiosity, a constant pursuit of understanding stimulated by the skills and abilities of others.

For Alex, ultimately, his writing serves as a self-reflective process, capturing his understanding at a particular moment in time. “That’s what the writing is, is explaining where I’m at that moment, basically, to myself, and then putting it down in a book.”

Alex & Tai Chi

During the conversation, I asked Alex about his Tai Chi background. Responding to this, Kozma clarified that while he does have some Tai Chi Chuan training, his primary focus remains Xingyi and Bagua.

“Yeah, the Tai Chi Chuan is very limited.” 

He then spoke about his time in Taiwan with a master named Chen Yuensan, who he described as an “exceptionally good fighter.” He was a teacher to the bodyguards of the President.

While Kozma was part of the Tai Chi Chuan morning classes, his primary interest lay in Xingyiquan, Buddhist cultivation, traditional medicine, and Bagua. “I mainly did Tai Chi Chuan with him because I was in the class in the mornings in the early morning.”

Kozma recalled how he had initially resisted learning Tai Chi Chuan, as he was more inclined towards Xingyi and Bagua. “I kept telling him; I want to do Xingyi and Bagua with you… And he said, ‘Just do the Tai Chi Chuan as well because later you’ll understand how valuable it is.”

In recent years, now in his 50s, Kozma began to truly value the lessons in Tai Chi, practicing it more due to requests from others. “I’ve only started practicing it more because people asked me to learn it.”

Speaking about the specific movements and differentiating between his training under Master Chen Yuensan and the typical Yang or Wu style often seen in the West, he emphasized how the Tai Chi Chuan he learned, emphasizing the bing striking action, differs significantly from most Tai Chi Chuan he’s seen practiced. 

Despite the unique knowledge he has gained from his Tai Chi Chuan training, Kozma made it clear that he does not focus heavily on this martial art: “I don’t do Tai Chi Chuan very much at all.” Instead, he concentrates on Xingyi and Bagua, the arts he first fell in love with. “But mainly Xingy and Bagua. Yeah.” 

Out of Africa

Discussing his background, Alex shares his extraordinary martial arts journey that spanned across continents, cultures, and styles—his time in Asia, specifically Taiwan, stood out prominently. 

Living with the martial arts master Chen Yuensan for about six years in Taiwan, Kozma experienced a culture that held a deep respect for traditional practices. “I lived with Master Chen from 1996 to 2002 on and off… I was in Asia altogether, just over nine years,” he revealed.

Delving into the nuances of this experience, Kozma disclosed the challenging aspects of living with a teacher. “Living with a teacher can sound romantic, but it can be tough, really difficult. But it was great; fantastic experience,” he said.

His martial arts journey, however, began from darker roots. Kozma spent the early part of his life in Africa. Kozma’s family was involved in politics, and they had to suddenly flee back to Britain due to a war. The family’s life was turned upside down, and Kozma found himself in a rough neighborhood, which led to him being severely bullied. This adversity pushed him towards martial arts as a refuge. “I got badly bullied from 12 to about 15-16. My mum put me in a karate school,” Kozma recalled.

His passion for martial arts intensified as he discovered David Carradine’s Kung Fu series and felt an irresistible pull toward Chinese martial art. This led to his first significant trip to Hong Kong when he was just 16, setting him on a path that would define his life. “I knew from a young age, this is it, this is what I want to do,” Kozma confessed.

In his years in Asia, Kozma encountered various martial arts masters, broadening his understanding of the field. One of the most impactful moments was his encounter with a Xingyiquan master, who taught him about ‘neigong’ or internal power, marking a significant turning point in his journey.

Returning to England periodically, Kozma would share his knowledge by teaching martial arts, primarily Bagua and Xingyi, which helped finance his continued travels and training in Asia. “I came back for about two months, every six months, and taught in England… mainly Bagua. Xingyi,” he said.

Exploring Neigong: Unlocking Internal Power in Martial Arts

Our conversation dips into the murky waters of nèigōng (內功) – the ancient Chinese mind-body practice involving movement, breathing, and visualization for the purposes. 

In Chinese martial arts, “internal power” is cultivated through the practice of neigong, which emphasizes the cultivation and use of “qì” (氣) and “jìn” (勁) rather than “lì” (力), or brute force.

Although it’s a contentious subject, roughly speaking, “qi,” or “chi,” represents the life force or the intrinsic energy that animates us – it’s as intimate to our being as breath and, indeed, is closely associated with it.

This concept is mirrored in the Latin “anima,” meaning “breath,” “air,” or “soul.” Qì gives us vitality and breathes life into the physical form.

The ongoing practice of cultivating and directing qi within the body is the goal of neigong. Breath becomes more than the mere exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide; the rhythm stokes the internal fire of qi. The essence of these practices revolves around the synchronization of breath, attention, and movement, orchestrating a harmony that intensifies this life force and helps guide it throughout the body.

The term “qì” is composed of two distinct Chinese characters:

1. The top character is “qì” (气), a simplified Chinese steam or gas character visually representing the rising vapors. It’s frequently used in Chinese to describe air or gas-like substances.
2. The bottom character is “mǐ” (米), which translates to rice in English. Rice holds significant cultural importance in Chinese society as a staple food, and its presence here suggests the nourishing and life-sustaining aspects of qì.

In a combined form as “氣,” these two characters symbolize the transformative process: The ‘steam’ rising from ‘cooked rice.’ It describes the vital substance or life force that forms part of everything in existence, akin to breath, air, or energy in English. The visual metaphor of steam rising from cooked rice encapsulates the concept of qì as nourishing, life-giving power, transformed from basic sustenance and dispersed into the atmosphere, much like the body transforms food into energy.

“Jìn” refers to a refined, inherently more potent force produced through proper body alignment and the focused intention of “yì” (意), along with the flow of “qì.”

The wisdom of the Old Masters taught “yì dào, qì dào, lì dào” (意到,氣到,力到), which roughly translates to “where the mind goes, the qi follows, and then the power follows.” However, it’s essential to understand that the “power” mentioned here isn’t raw physical strength (lì) but a refined force (jìn) derived from the harmonious interplay of the mind, breath, and body.

“Aiki” (合気) in Japanese martial arts refers to a form of internal power similar to the Chinese concept. Comprising “ai” (harmony) and “ki” (the Japanese pronunciation of “qi”). It’s about aligning energies for control and redirection with minimal effort.

This underlines the essence of “internal power” as a journey that transcends physical strength to a more intricate coordination of the mind, energy, and body. Mastery of this aspect of martial arts encompasses a lifelong journey of exploration and practice, integrating physical discipline with profound concentration and, ultimately, wisdom. It’s a testament to the depth and complexity of Chinese martial arts philosophy.

Returning to his time with Master Chen, Alex said, “If you ask him a question, you’d get hit or thrown or swept, but not much detail.” He described Master Chen as a brilliant yet mysterious martial arts teacher who shrouded his teachings in obscurity.

Then Kozma recounts how meeting a Xingyiquan teacher in a park illuminated his understanding. The teacher had him work with a heavy spear on lan 攔, na 拿, quan 圈, zha 紮, the basic Xingyiquan spear techniques, and drilled him in detailed exercises that scrutinized every movement of the body, every joint, and their inter-connection. “What do your hip joints do? What do your shoulder joints do? What does your spine do?” he muses, illustrating the precision that reshaped his martial arts perception.

But it was not just about understanding; it was about doing. “Are you willing to put the hours in?” Kozma challenges, drawing attention to the essence of martial arts. It’s about the breakthroughs after periods of feeling like you don’t understand anything – finding hidden connections after months of practice. It’s about piecing together this intricate puzzle over time.

As our conversation evolves, Kozma finds a way to simplify the intricate complexity of martial arts. “You go from all of this complexity that I had 20 years ago, and now it’s all that’s gone. It’s extremely simple. It’s just one thing,” he says, emphasizing that this ‘one thing’ is so simple it’s beyond explanation.

His words echo my own experiences. It feels familiar, like a mirror reflecting my own martial arts journey. “In the beginning, it was very technical… but then at the end, you realize, oh, it’s all just one thing,” I find myself saying, resonating with Kozma’s narrative.

Kozma drops another piece of wisdom, a sentiment that every martial artist grapples with. “The less we do, the better… we only need one or two things, but those should be good.”

All Paths Lead To The Mountain Top

Amid our discussion, I found myself stepping back, tracing the path of our conversation back to karate, an entry point for so many into martial arts.

I asked Alex if he knew of anyone teaching karate, with roots in Fujian White Crane, with the same insights we discuss as “internal power.”

It was a musing aimed at discovering new masters of these disappearing arts. 

Alex shifted the discussion to Tetsuzan Kuroda, a revered kenjutsu master, and the profound depth he’d observed in Kuroda’s art.

I found myself nodding, remembering glimpses of the same depth in various practitioners from different arts. Alex’s point echoed loud and clear: “It doesn’t matter about Japanese, Indonesian Chinese, it really doesn’t matter. It matters how real the practices you had. That’s not limited to Chinese systems.”

I found myself bringing up what Grandmaster Sam Chin often says: “it doesn’t matter what kind of punch you throw; it’s still just you who punches.” The realization strikes: it doesn’t matter what art you’re practicing; if you engage with it long enough, you uncover universal principles. “We’re sort of all under the same blanket set of rules that are determined by physics and the environment,” I found myself musing.

As Alex built upon this, I couldn’t help but agree with his simple yet profound assertion: “We all have a center…four limbs, which is the same. So how many different ways can there be?” The distinction he drew between arts that damage your body and those that keep it healthy was one I hadn’t thought of before. It was a reminder of the importance of respecting the body in our pursuit of mastery. 

In this dance of words and ideas, the realization struck us both hard and true: art is not what defines us. It’s merely the vehicle, the means to an end. The journey is personal; our lives unfold in every movement, punch, and stance. Our lineage is respected, even revered, but as Alex so eloquently put it, “We are something vast, unlimited.”

As the conversation shifted, I returned to a guiding principle my sifu often shared: “Don’t train the system; use the system to train yourself.” We use these systems to challenge and develop ourselves, becoming more than we thought possible and discovering depths within ourselves we never knew existed.

Neigong Sijing – The Four Classics of Inner Power

The flow of our conversation returned to the subject of neigong when I raised the matter of Alex’s published works. Despite his modest admission that they might be “out of date” by the time of publishing, I found myself reflecting on the enduring value of such records. “Each of them…would still have some value as a snapshot of your understanding then. Right,” I said, finding an unexpected parallel with my own martial arts career.

I recounted my first on-the-road workshop in New Mexico and how the initial wave of nervousness had dissipated the moment I touched hands with the participants. It was a profound realization that even though I wasn’t where I wanted to be, I was far enough along to offer guidance. It occurred to me then that Alex’s books served a similar purpose — they showed a snapshot of his understanding at a given moment and provided a stepping stone for others who might be at a similar point on their path.

Eager to explore this literary avenue, I urged Alex to discuss his books. He introduced a small but valuable volume titled “Neigong for Martial Power: Cultivation and Fighting Strategy of Song Family Xingyiquan.” It was a tome from his years of studying the Song family tradition. It was an interpretation of the ancient martial arts scrolls used as guides by many Northern Chinese martial art schools.

“So Song family Xingyiquan is based on this set of scrolls called the Nèigōngsìjīng 內功四經, four classics of inner power, for inner cultivation.” 

Opening the book, Alex reads aloud, “Real knowledge of neigong requires a thorough understanding of the vessels and channels. You must understand this first, or else you will do yourself harm. It would be like practicing archery without a bow, the Rèn Mài 任脈 (conception channel) in the front and the Dū Mài 督脈 (Governor channel) in the back have a continuous flow of qi running through them. Okay, that’s the opening. A couple of sentences.

So this is a book that many of the great Xingyi Bagua fighters follow; you think, Wow, that’s a very unusual opening for a fighting manual, right? Talking about the channels in the body. But it kind of gives you the… like, in your system, the yin and yang meridian channels that yin and yang system isn’t it is fundamental to doing the practice correctly. If you don’t have that, you’re not doing Zhongxindao or I Liq Chuan. Because you have the Rèn Mài/Dū Mài channel, the yin-yang channels, and you have the center. That is the essence. So this whole book really then goes on and talks about lots of different detail of neigong and fighting strategy and stuff. But that is the very opening, and in the opening is the most important.”

Hindsight’s Wisdom: Lessons Learned and Advice for Martial Artists

Nearing the end of our conversation, I posed a question with a knack for drawing out the most intriguing answers: “What do you wish that you knew then that you know now?” As Alex paused, I couldn’t help but consider my own response to this question.

With hindsight’s clarity, Alex expressed a wish to have focused more on what he now deems essential, a sentiment that resonates with all of us who’ve ever looked back on our past selves. He didn’t delve into specifics but implied that this hindsight applies to people, events, and places alike. “But you cannot do that when you’re going forward,” he reasoned. “You can only see it looking back.”

I pointed out that my intent behind the question was to mine for a “pearl of wisdom” for the next generation. And indeed, Alex provided a gem that took me back to my beginnings. “Really take time to find a teacher, even if it’s years… And when you find the person you really, really, really trust and connect with. Never leave them.” He emphasized that popularity or eloquence didn’t guarantee a good teacher; trust and connection were vital.

Reflecting on his words, the wisdom of his advice hit home – the right teacher isn’t about fame or finesse but about connection and trust. And when you find that person, don’t let go. This, to me, was not just a lesson in martial arts but a life lesson.

Recommended Reading: Great Disciples of the Buddha

I dug for a book recommendation on the tail end of our exchange. “Besides your own, what book have you gifted most often?” I invited Alex to share something that might further enlighten our fellow martial artists or anyone on a personal journey.

With a glance toward a nearby bookshelf, he grabbed a tome titled “Great Disciples of the Buddha: Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacy.” As he held up the book, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued. I was familiar with the series, but this specific volume had yet to find its way onto my radar before now. 

“Before I didn’t understand, really, how amazingly accomplished the disciples were, but this is brilliant. Yeah, I recommend this to everybody,” Alex enthusiastically endorsed, his eyes dancing with the excitement that a good book often sparks.

Reflecting on this suggestion, I was reminded once again of the depth of our art and its intersection with broader philosophical and spiritual teachings. Alex’s recommendation wasn’t just about martial arts. Still, it offers wisdom for anyone committed to personal growth and discovery. It left me eager to explore this book myself, to seek what enlightenment it might hold for me as a martial artist and a human being.

Conclusion

Encapsulating a journey as varied and rich as Alex Kozma’s can seem overwhelming, but when you break it down, the essence of his life’s work emerges. Kozma’s dedication, as solid as the martial arts forms he practices, is both humble and profound at once.

Much like myself, Kozma teaches martial arts not for self-aggrandizement but to share in the mutual growth that the art offers. His teachings are from the essence of his journey, spanning continents and cultures, and the rich wisdom accumulated from experiences like living with the renowned martial arts master Chen Yuensan in Taiwan.

His exploration embodies his commitment to discipline and the unending pursuit of understanding. It speaks to the passion that pushes him through periods of confusion and uncertainty to reach the other side, where knowledge shines brighter.

As our conversation winds down, the essence of Kozma’s wisdom remains – martial arts is a dynamic journey, not a destination. It’s a continuous process of learning, evolving, and growing. As Kozma would tell you, “Never stop practicing, never stop learning.” His journey stands testament to this timeless wisdom, an inspiration to those stepping onto the mat for the first time and those of us continuing our own martial arts journey.

Support Alex’s Work

For those captivated by Alex Kozma’s profound wisdom and intrigued by his approach to martial arts, you’re in luck. Alex runs a website, lineofintent.com, which he began two decades ago initially as a platform to publish books. In addition to his publications, you’ll also find 12-week video and audio courses offering teachings in Neigong, Buddhist practice, Xingyi, Bagua, and more. You can also connect with Alex via email at lineofintent[AT]gmail.com and visit his YouTube channel. It’s an invitation open to all; whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned martial artist, you’re sure to find something valuable in Alex’s “digital dojo.”

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About the Author

Ashe Higgs, I Liq Chuan Master Instructor & L2 Nutrition Coach

Ashe is a highly skilled martial arts instructor and certified nutrition coach with over two decades of experience in the field. He holds a Master Instructor certification in I Liq Chuan under Sam FS Chin, making him one of only several individuals worldwide to hold the title. He has taught classes and workshops worldwide and is passionate about helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals.

With a background in full-contact fighting and a Level 2 certification from Precision Nutrition in nutrition coaching, Ashe is a well-rounded expert in the fields of martial arts. In addition to his expertise, he has a wealth of experience in teaching and mentoring others. He has a natural ability to connect with his students and inspire them to reach their full potential.

Read more about Ashe here…