Application training is followed by Jin Gong training which should complement the former. With persistent practice over time, each application becomes embedded with Jin and Jin can be applied in application. At this stage, application may be left behind to give way to Jin. Once Qi Gong training is complete, the practitioner’s applications and Jin dissolves into Qi, applications, Jin and Qi are moulded into one. When all three elements are issued forth with Shen, the practitioner becomes completely spontaneous and un-predictable in his combat skills.
So what is Shen? Shen is the highest level of one’s mind-intent (Yi). It is the driving force for the subconscious. Though born out of silence and stillness of mind, Shen is released like an arrow being released from a fully pulled bow.
Application Techniques – Zhao Gong 着 功
These are based on the martial application of each individual posture within a set Tai Chi form. Training methods employed in Zhao Gong training include form training, push-hand, break-up of the posture, feed the posture and partner form practice. The purposes are to train the student how to issue force (发 Fa), manipulate the opponent (拿 Na), strike (打 Da) and dissolve or neutralize the incoming Jin (化 Hua). As far as form practice goes, traditionally there’ve been two methods of training which is Lian Jia (练架 practice form or holding form) and Yong Jia (用架 application form or fast form). Specific training methods are applied for Push Hand. Pushing hand following a certain pattern also falls within the category of applications. ……
Jin Gong is a form of solo practice specifically designed to develop specific kind of Jin within the practitioner. … Tai Ji Jin is a special kind of force generated within the practitioner through some specific Nei Gong training. This kind of jin mobilizes the energy of the human body to the full. In boxing terminology, Jin is defined as a ‘trained force’ to differentiate it from innate force generated within the body. The Great Grandmaster Wu Tu Nan made the following observations about Jin,
The reason it is called Jin is to distinguish it from force, Li. Li is untrained force which I call brute force. But Jin is something else; it is fully dynamic and volatile with no fixed strength. It is both harsh and gentle, both loose and tense, both fast and slow, adhering but not over close.
Through persistent and repeated Jin Gong training over time, the practitioner will experience a transformation in the way his innate force functions.
Relaxation Techniques – Sung Gong 松功
The state of Sung should be evident in all aspects and stages of Tai Ji Quan. Sung implies loose, light and hollow. It works on many levels: bones, ligaments and tendons, flesh, skin and Qi.
Once Sung is achieved, one will experience perfect fluidity during practice; his Jin and Qi flows from one movement to the next guided by his Shen and Yi, now circulating inside the body, now getting released externally. Jin and Qi waxes and wanes, expands and contracts, but never get interrupted. It feels like reeling silk threads that are constantly gyrating, spiraling cyclically with no gap, no stop and no end. Like this, one can experience the miraculous powers derived from ‘sticking, connecting, adhering and following’ of Tai Ji Quan. [Next]