Ki Attacks

[Lateralus]

In my opinion, since this thread revolves around opinions and preferences, magic is what lacks credible explanation for its 'supernatural' capabilities and origin (and is okay with that gap), but Ki still thrives for some kind of realistic vantage point on how to interpret and describe what it is. Psionics is different from magic due to the sheer fact that it has a source for how it is possible, and it's never really used without the help of something mental/of the mind/consciousness. Ki seems a bit more relevant to Psionics than magic, but still, Psionics is nothing without a consciousness, Ki is nothing without a body/consciousness, and magic is like Aunt Sally's perfect cleavage in some inbred family, where everyone gets at least one hand to feel around. Then again, you know, you could consider that none of the three fighting styles can technically work without a consciousness to guide them; however, it's only Psionics that relies wholly on consciousness, while Ki needs some kind of conduit (their body) to channel the energy.

Magic just drifts about as too fuckin' ambiguous to juggle in my opinion, despite the 'planes of existence' sloppy and contradicting method to detail magical phenomena (even Psionics, and potentially Ki).

[baane]

There is a lot of argument as to just what magic is, and as such many people become confused and irritated when their ‘powers’ are effectively defeated or otherwise nullified by a field or charge intended to serve as a countermeasure to magic. By definition, magic is a conceptual mechanism that asserts that beings have the ability to manipulate or otherwise predict the goings on of the natural world through mystical, paranormal, or supernatural means. The phenomena known as ‘ki’ is synonymous with the notion of chi, qui, prana, vitality – I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Many people feel that ‘Ki’ is not a magical force. But on the contrary, it is by definition a concept of life force that is paralleled in many belief systems and finds its way in martial arts such as Tai-Chi Chuan. Being a metaphysical concept it is born out of investigations of reality which transcend those of any particular science, which holds a rigid and conservative foothold on the physical world and the understanding of it through mortal perspectives. Therefore, metaphysical concepts such as ‘ki’ fall safely within the category of mystical, paranormal, and supernatural phenomena which in turn makes it decidedly a thing of magic.

…but that’s only my theory.

[Fenris]

Alright, Im not an expert on ki or chi, but to some extent they exist in the real world. I probably only have the barest understanding but from what I can tell, when in many types of martial arts, one is taught to not punch "at" a target but to punch "through" a target, meaning to strike as if you could penetrate their body with your blow. The result sees that their is an increase in momentum. The nature of the strike channels momentum "through' a targets body, or outer surface. (depending on the target) and then resonates from within the targets to break it apart where it is most fragile, with potential of shattering bone, and rupturing vital organs. This is also how Martial artists are capable of breaking stone/hard wood/ or dent metal. (Like i said this is just how i understand the use of ki and can be totally wrong but to an extent this concept is used in martial arts techniques such as the "one inch punch" essentially the martial equivalent of a shotgun.) Though theorhetically if one was good enough at Ki manipulation one could turn the momentum of a strike into a ranged attack, (IE Kamehmeha) however the more realistic approach can be just as deadly especially in close range combat. It can give one an advantage against a particularly tough opponent for instance, bypassing their armour or outer physical protection to travel through the victims body and rupture vital organs. If used with cunning and guile, it can make one deadly in hand to hand combat, turning otherwise blocked or parried blows into devastating and debilitating strikes.

[baane]

A strike being more powerful with a greater follow through is not evidence of chi/ki/qi/vitality/whatever. That's just plain, unadulterated physics.

The DBZ kamehameha is not an outward manifestation of kinetic energy. It is essentially a magic spell using divine spiritual energy that operates independently of kinetics.

Some will argue that DBZ ki is closer to psionics than magic. I say "Show me a @#$%ing difference," all things considered. It's all metaphysical soul forging to create a spectacular display of power beyond the comprehension of most mortal creatures. Well, except in DBZ where everyone in the universe can fire energy blasts except the mindless human masses who are there for no reason other than to get killed off by the good guys destroying everything when they power up.

[Styles]

Extra Lulz for Baane's final statement on that. -=thumbs up=-

This boils down to semantics. So many people refer to this shizzle as so many different things, simply because most of the time they want some sort of nigh-invincible procuration of power in which they can control, but it cannot be manipulated by any other than thereselves.

....you want a difference?

There isn't one if you ask me. A Rose by any other name is still a Rose; taking one thing and calling it another, even with what someone would consider 'a logistic foundation' doesn't change what that is.

It creates the same effect no matter what name it goes by, or what reasoning is put behind it. (though the outcome varies because of authors' mental retardation at ZOMFG I BLU UP ZEH EARF WIF MAI NRG! YU DIDE!")