Fa jin, fajin, or fa chin (發勁, fā jìn) is a term used in some Chinese martial arts, particularly the neijia (internal) martial arts, such as Xingyiquan, T'ai chi ch'uan (Taijiquan),Baguazhang, Bak Mei and Bājíquán.
It means to issue or discharge power explosively or refining the explosive power, and is not specific to any particular striking method. Jìn (勁), or "power", is often confused by Westerners with the related concept of jīng (精), which literally means "essence." To generate the fa jin it is necessary to create a spiral from Dantian towards the limb or body part (e.g. shoulder, head, hip) that will perform the technique with explosive force (Bàofālì 爆發力).
Xingyi Quan and Fa Jin[]
The release of explosive force in Xing Yi, is akin to a piece of rattan when it is bent. Rattan is pliable, resilient, and yet sturdy; it flexes but snaps back with great force. Like rattan, Xing Yi looks rigid on the surface but in actuality is pliable, lively, and energetic. Practitioners seek to coordinate the motion of their entire body, along with their mind’s intent, into one focused action. Xing Yi has a Yang exterior and a Yin interior and blends the actions of hard and soft. The most used Jin is called Ji Jin (斤勁, Axing Energy).
Taiji quan and Fa Jin[]
In the practice of Taiji quan 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. Essential is the mastery of the techniques of chan ssu jin Silk reeling. 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 Pao Chui (ancient cradle, cannon fist, one of the two original forms Chen-style t'ai chi ch'uan), 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. The most used Jin is called Peng Jin (掤勁, Expanding Energy).
Bagua Zhang and Fa Jin[]
The most used Jin is called “dragon body” circular movements. Other types are also used mostly during the Circular Walking.