Neijia
/ˈneɪˌdʒjɑː/noun
A Chinese martial-arts classification referring to traditions that emphasize internal training, body alignment, breath, and intention.
Did you know?The internal-versus-external distinction became especially influential through a 1669 inscription honoring the martial artist Zhang Songxi, though modern schools often debate how sharply the categories should be divided.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
內 (nèi)
“Inside, within, or internal”
Classical Chinese
Chinese
家 (jiā)
“Family, household, or school of thought”
Ming–Qing period
Chinese
內家 (nèijiā)
“An inner school or internal tradition, especially in martial-arts classification”
1669
Chinese
內家
“A term used in a commemorative inscription associated with the martial artist Zhang Songxi”
20th Century
English
neijia
“A Mandarin-transliterated term adopted in English-language writing on Chinese martial arts”
Modern English
English
neijia
“Internal martial arts, commonly contrasted with waijia, or external martial arts”