The ancient method with which China trains its pilots to combat enemy fighters and drones

The training carried out by combat fighter pilots is very demanding and, as technology makes aircraft more capable, it is becoming increasingly more so. For this reason, China has resorted to an ancient practice, called Qigongwhich helps them improve their performance in possible combats against fighters enemies and drones. This traditional Chinese method is now part of the regular training of a group of 50 pilots of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force.

Baduanjin is a form of Qigong that takes advantage of vital energy of the body, known as qi In accordance with this tradition, to improve the muscle development. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), this practice is proving to be effective and the group of pilots selected obtains better results than those who follow more conventional training.

According to a recent report, pilots who practice Qigong experienced an average 15% increase in thickness of major muscle groupsincluding the muscles of the back and waist.

What are Qigong and Baduanjin?

Qigong is a type of exercise, traditional in China, that combines slow and precise body movements with controlled breathing and mental concentration to improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength and overall health.

The Baduanjin, with more than 1,000 years of historyis one of the variants of traditional Qigong exercises. It is characterized by the interaction between symmetrical physical postures, movements, mind and breathing exercises in a harmonious way. Its main objective is to release the internal energy of the body to produce various health benefits.

Previous studies have noted that Baduanjin practice is beneficial for quality of life, quality of sleep, balance, hand grip strength, trunk flexibility, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as heart rate. at rest.

Why Qigong Helps Fighter Pilots

This month, a peer-reviewed article published in the Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine highlighted that Baduanjin, which consists of 8 specific movementsensures a fluid flow of the body’s vital energy, maintains the stability of the spine and controls its movements.

Better spinal stability essential for pilotswho must maintain a seated posture during extreme flight conditions and withstand high G force.

Song Yanpinga rehabilitation expert with the Joint Logistics Support Force, explains in the article that a thicker multifidus muscle means more muscle fibers, capable of generating greater force. According to Song’s team, this is crucial for pilots to maintain a sitting posture and better withstand vibrations and impacts during flight.

Many Chinese pilots, including those from squadrons deployed on aircraft carriers, are also participating in this ancient practice.

According to SCMP, numerous pilots have reported pain in the neck, waist or shoulders for the training, but, After practicing Qigong, these symptoms have significantly decreased. Additionally, your effort level during exercise has been reduced almost 20% compared to a control group, while their waist strength increased by a third.