The Five Striking Energies of Taijiquan

Over at Thoughts on Tai Chi, there as an interesting article about the five different striking energies used in Taijiquan.An excerpt is below. The full post may be read here.

This article explores five distinct types of Jin (trained force) used in Tai Chi Chuan’s striking methods. While Tai Chi Chuan includes the concept of the “five fists,” referring to the five punching techniques in the traditional Yang-style long form, the actual repertoire of striking methods within the art is far more extensive. Here, however, we will not focus on these “five fists” but rather on five unique qualities or flavors of Jin, which operate independently of specific striking techniques.

Toward the end of the article, I will delve deeper into the nature of Jin, its underlying principles, and share insights into my personal approach to developing and applying it.

An introduction to Jin in striking

In Tai Chi, the term jin is commonly used and often translated as “energy.” However, in my opinion, “refined strength” is a more accurate and appropriate translation. When discussing attacking power, the term fajin is frequently used. This is a general term encompassing various types of power based on the principle of storing and releasing energy. Most often, fajin refers either to a quick, explosive release of power or a whole-body shaking movement, which can produce a notably powerful and impactful expression.

In general, when discussing striking in Tai Chi, the focus is more on differentiating various types of “refined strength” (jin) rather than specific punching or striking techniques. These different qualities of jin can be applied across a wide range of striking methods, using different hand shapes, fist forms, or even the elbow or shoulder. This versatility allows practitioners to adapt the same refined strength to diverse techniques and applications.

However, the terminology for different types of striking jin – “energy” or refined strength – in Tai Chi Chuan varies greatly across styles, lineages, and individual teachers. There is no universal standard. Some teachers emphasize only the general term fajin, while others use a wide range of terms to describe distinct qualities of power. These qualities reflect differences in mechanics, body structure, and movement organization, highlighting the depth and variety within Tai Chi’s approach to striking.

Through my study, reading, and practical experience, I have concluded that there are five basic types of jin used for striking power in Tai Chi Chuan. To clarify, although the different names of each jin is explained by various teachers and authors, the concept of “five jins” is not something I have encountered in any specific text or tradition, nor do I know if others use the same categorization. This is simply my own way of summarizing the most common terms that various teachers from different styles use to describe their striking methods.

The five types of jin for striking

After studying a wide range of texts, both historical and contemporary, I have identified the five most commonly mentioned types of jin as described by various masters and teachers. These five terms encapsulate the most essential types of power developed in Taijiquan. The five types of jin are:

• Toujin, 透劲 – Penetrating Jin: refers to a force that is focused and directed inward, passing through the opponent’s external defenses, and transmitted deeply into the opponent’s body, to target the core or internal structure of the opponent.
• Danjin, 弹劲 – Elastic Jin / Spring Jin: refers to a jin generated by compressing and releasing energy in a controlled manner. It is a springy, rebound-like energy that resembles a stretched rubber band snapping back into place. Or maybe rather pressing a spring together and releasing it.
• Doujin, 抖劲 – Shaking Jin: refers to a sudden, whip-like force generated through a whole-body wave or vibration. The force starts from the ground (rooted in the feet), travels up through the legs and waist, and is amplified by the spine, eventually reaching the point of contact.
• Zhenjin, 震劲 – Vibrating Jin: involves delivering a rapid, oscillating energy that shakes or vibrates, sending shockwaves into the opponent’s structure.
• Hanjin 寒劲 – Cold jin/Freezing Jin: refers to a sharp, sudden, and unexpected force that feels chilling, both physically and psychologically, to the opponent. Although a physical attack, it can also disrupt the internal balance or psyche.