Fajin(s)

 

Ken L. asked: hi, i have a question for master Hwa, is fa jing the same as internal movement?

if not, can you explain more about fa jing and how to do it?

Master Hwa replies:

The term “fa jin(jing)” may be explained as ‘thrust of power”. It could be a “sudden burst” but it could also be extended over a period of time.

Yes, practice of internal movement is the practice of fa jin in a deliberate and systematic manner so that one could perfect the technique of fa jin. In addition, the practice of Tai Chi Form is also important to fa jin by building up your internal energy as well as providing a proper body structure base where you can launch fa jin effectively. One example is the topic of “heel on the ground” discussed in Forum 3. Another example is the body posture. Remember in the video, certain movements resulted in the posture of the body leaning forward forming a straight line with the back leg. This is ideal posture for “forward fa jin”. When you sit back with weight all on the back leg, a defensive posture, this is ideal for “side-way fa jin” with turning motion, such as ward-off or neutralization. If one try to “forward fa jin” while sitting on the back leg, with the body perpendicular to the ground, there is not much support to counter act the reaction force from “forward fa jin” and his body will likely tilt backwards losing much of the forward force. In the Form you are practicing, when ever your hand is moving forward, the forward arm is always at the same side of the body as the back leg, forward right hand with right leg at the back, and vice versa. This alignment provides better structural integrity of supporting the fa jin than that of forward right hand with left leg at the back.

                  *************************************