Article on Jin

Over at the Forum for Traditional Wu Tai Chi Chuan, there is an article about the meaning of Jin (Power) in martial arts. Below is an excerpt. The full article may be read here.

About jin-power

Written by Ma Hailong, translated by Dr. Lukas Kasenda

In everyday spoken Chinese, jin is used as meaning power or strength. Used as a term in relation to the theory of Taijiquan it has two aspects: the understanding of internal training and power. These aspects are closely related and cannot be separated. In relation to the internal aspect, it is the understanding of jin (dongjin)“ and the “collecting of jin (xujin)“. In relation to the power aspect jin is peng, l_, ji, an, cai, lie, zhou and kao, the four sides and the four oblique angels of the bagua. The conection between these two aspects follow the concept of “foundation (ti)“ and “application (yong)“. The following are some types of jin-power.

1) Understanding jin-power (dongjin)

In the Taijiquan Classic (Taijiquan jing)“ it is stated: “If one studies and trains regularly, one will gradually achieve understanding of jin-power. The understanding of jin-power is followed by degrees by enlightenment. Without consistent effort, however, one cannot suddenly understand”. (Taijiquan- Lilun 2). The ability to understand jin-power is not restricted to the hands and arms, but is in the whole body. To attain this it is important that qi flows freely: “The mobilizing of qi is like passing through a zigzag hole of a pearl reaching any part of the body”. The key to this lies in posture. Straight back, shoulders and neck relaxed, head like hanging from a thread, chin slightly in and sinking the breath to the dantian. In partner-exercises it is very important, not to resist the partner. Otherwise you will develop double-weighting (shuangzhong). This means stagnation, it is the opposite of flowing.