Yes. Very few martial artists can generate and extend their chi at will. Having that level of self mastery would improve your balance and other skills.

I think that would be a faith thing. If you think it will help you it will. I doubt there is any scientific evidence that agrees with a mechanism for how these ethereal things will help (other than the placebo effect). :)

Yes and No ... as one progresses through DECADES of Chi control training, one of the things that happens is you bulk up some of your sensory nerves and some of your motor nerves ... a rather vague comparrisson is the huge muscle bound body builder and weight lifter who turns small muscles with little definition into large muscles with excellent definition - then compare that to decades of chi control exercises that changes a hair thin string of nerve cells to a thick rope of nerve cells ... and you may start to get the idea. Jump higher - NO, or at least a very low probability. Run faster - probably not, but maybe just a bit due to slightly better control and more self awareness, but the speed increase will be minimal or negligable. More balance - YES, very much so, as balance is something that requires both the inner ear and all of the body's sensor nerves to determine which way is up as well as centrifical force in turns, twists, spins, etc. and motor nerves to correct the body's positioning in relation to which way is up and which way are forces moving. ... keep your mind even sharper than you keep your sword!

I am going to have to disagree with Takei-Shihan. Even with only improved balance, one's ability to jump can be increased as a result of a more efficient use of body power. Combine that with the improvement of the sensory nerves that you speak of, and that increase in proprioceptive ability is bound to help make a person's jumping/running technique more efficient.

Yes chi is real and it is proven to make you feel less pain and it can make you stronger. It isn't just a faith thing.

Yes according to martial arts experts it does!

Controlling the ki/chi/chakra is one of the most important things you can ever do in life

i say it does dont know what level im on but all it is is controlling that energy that lets you do something then puting that energy into what you want to do at will like jumping: how much energy you want to use to do it where are you jumping and what are willing to sacrifice if you were jumping to save you life you would jump extremly hight because you care not what energy you have but only the energy to make the jump to accomplish that jump its all in your breathing and truly clearing you mind and focusing on what you want to do. like a cat: they are always one step ahead knowing what they want to do before they do it and before it happens

ki.. i feel is more an understanding of one's body and mind, and using both in unison results in heightened consciousness, using the spirit to perceive the "here and now". i myself are not as smart as i am strong.. so i chose to develop my manipulation of my Own ki to enhance my physical traits. One prime example i have is through fixing aspects of my posture, learning supreme control of my muscles (through extensive practice/trial and error, then from human anatomy books)and learning how/focusing on "feeling" the experience of how the body breaks down/processes vitamins/nutrients/minerals ect.. due to understanding how My body works, i noticed i had increased my body's ability to achieve such things as significantly increased metabolism, "rush" or increase blood pressure significantly at will (though is exhausting!) maintain increased constant cardio exercise through controlled muscle contractions and breathing techniques during everyday activities, and through conditioning my targeted muscles to "strengthen" rather than tear to attain larger size, i am by no means a body builder, but i can however bench my own body weight and manage 5 pull ups (under or overhand..), i'm 24 6'0 and weigh approx. 192lbs, and i Never worked out a single day in my life! i have been learning/developing how to best implement the use of my ki in my everyday life religiously since i was 15 and i am living proof that what is to be understood as "ki/chi/qi gong" is real, and can help in amazing ways. And also, using ki to "help" your mind i have also practiced, however is difficult and requires a great deal of time to develop effective techniques to reach the "heightened consciousness" using Only one's energy and will.. it is much to difficult Not to take from others.. Yes it Is true you can take from those around you to do things such as elevate your own mood, or other's, induce depression, jealously, or anger on/to someone or a large group of people.. i myself focused on the manipulation of others around me normally for my Own selfish benefits or entertainment.. and whether or not you believe in "karma" i paid for my ignorance and misuse of my own skills manifested.