Chinese Martial Arts can be understood in several different lens: as a combat system, as a magical ritual, as a conditioning system for developing the subtle energy body.
Although Chinese martial arts, like many martial arts from around the world, originates as combat systems, it has greater value in developing strong, robust subtle energy bodies to support siddhis , magical rituals, Domains and Mantles.
The first step is to develop "qi pressure" in various areas of the body. This is accomplished through practices following the Six Harmonies, such as the principles described in the Yijinjing. This unites the physical body, qi, mind (xin), intent (yi), and power (jin). This then allows physical movement to develop the subtle body, and develop the physical body through subtle energy.