The Leading Edge Yiquan: The Hidden Science of Power- A conversation with Andrew Markell
Aug 30, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Andrew Markell, a seasoned practitioner and teacher of Yiquan, shares insights from his three-decade journey through this fascinating Chinese fighting and healing art. He reveals how Yiquan melds physical training with mental clarity, emphasizing the importance of a well-regulated nervous system. Markell discusses the challenges of relying on adrenaline, the transformative power of self-awareness, and the significance of community in mastering Yiquan's complex intricacies. Prepare for a captivating exploration of resilience and consciousness!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Origin Story In Nepal
- Andrew Markell began training in Nepal with Chokinima Rinpoche and learned a distinct "hot" method of practice.
- That training led him to Yi Quan after witnessing extraordinary speed and power and committing to learn it.
Train The Nervous System
- Yi Quan trains the nervous system by holding structurally demanding postures under pressure to reveal real weaknesses.
- The practice forces recruitment of tendons, ligaments, and fascia rather than just big muscles, unlocking different power.
Force Recruitment, Not Comfort
- Put your body into challenging postures and hold them to failure to force recruitment of connective tissue.
- Persist past the mind's urge to stop so smaller, subtler structures take over and build lasting capacity.
