Instead of pushing back at the opponent's attack, the best known defensive strategy of Tai Chi is to follow and stick to the opponents' move, neutralize or drain off its power and then counterattack. In order to be able to follow and stick to the opponent, one has to be relaxed, sensitive and quick on the feet, matching the opponents move with ease and anticipation. That is one reason that the Compact Form optimizes body posture to achieve lightness and nimbleness through parallel feet, compact movements, and avoidance of
"double heavy".
Tai Chi applications emphasize stickiness or adherence to the opponent. This is useful only because this complements the fajin move perfectly. The characteristics of Fajin are:
• Delivery of Fajin is most effective when already
in contact with the opponent such as sticking to
the opponent.
• Delivery of fajin is most effective when the
hand in contact with the opponent is sufficiently
relaxed to allow "listening" or "ting jin"- the
objective of sticking to the opponent.
• Fajin has the ability to go from relaxation to
full power instantly.
When one sticks to the opponent and detects a weakness in opponent's move, one can suddenly counter attack with fajin without telegraphing the intent. If the capability of fajin is not available, even when one detects weakness in the opponent, one will not be able to take full advantage of those fleeting opportunities.
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