Fa jin, fajin or fa chin, sometimes misspelled as fajing, is a term used in some Chinese martial arts, particularly the neijiamartial arts, such as xingyiquan, t'ai chi ch'uan, baguazhang, bak mei and bajiquan. It means to issue or discharge power explosively or refining the explosive power, and is not specific to any particular striking method. With this definition in mind, a boxer is also capable of the same. However, in the context of internal martial arts, this process commonly seen as a set of methods capable of generating the energy further refined and focused through many more muscle groups allowing feats with far less visual physical expression such as the one-inch punch. Jìn, or "power", is often confused by Westerners with the related concept of jīng, which literally means "essence." Jin describes the ability to generate force. Jin and qi are inherently combined concepts in internal martial arts. To generate the fa jin, according to the traditional explanation, it is necessary to transfer qi from dantian towards the limb or body part that will perform the technique with explosive force. If a person is off balance and stiff, they have no jin, as qi cannot penetrate the muscle to produce force. In terms of physics, it is a simple matter of body alignment, coordination, and torque. The body begins in a relaxed physical state, which is then quickly accelerated like a "whip" in a coordinated movement of the entire body. Generally, the strike is immediately retracted after contact to shorten impact time, which theoretically increases the impulse of the strike.
Taijiquan and fa jin
In the practice of taijiquan it is a description of a technique, generally indicating a sudden release of energy obtained by the coordinated movement of the entire body. Every technique can express fa jin, not just kicks, punches, elbows and knees, but also holds, levers and projections. The mastery of the techniques of chan ssu jin silk reeling is essential. The fa jin released during exhalation is almost unconscious. This technique is referred to in the forms of training school as the Lao Jia Chen Paochui, while in Yang school, especially for those who have a direct lineage to Yang Shaohou the fa jin is added to techniques to release the stored energy.
Fa jin and the dantian
A main principle in creating fa jin, is using dantian. The dantian is thought to be the storehouse of your energy and can be used in striking. One technique described by Master Wang Jianqiao for developing fa jin is by breathing into your lower abdomen and creating a pressure. When you strike and squeeze your lower abdomen tight so that the core becomes compact, unifying the torso, this actively engages more of the muscle fibers to generate more force.
