Most Tai Chi practitioners understand that while what is seen in parks, on the screen (small and large), and in most classrooms is done very slowly, Tai Chi can be fast and martially very efficient. It is, however, very important to start slowly so that movements are learned correctly and the student develops an understanding of energy flow and the importance of relaxation.
Whether to practice at different speeds comes down to a personal choice! Depending on their focus and/or purpose, more experienced students may deepen their Tai Chi knowledge by practicing at different speeds. Of course, this depends on a practitioner’s goals, learning style, level of fitness, interest in experimenting, and past experience. As practitioners transition from slow through faster practice, it is important that there be a synergy between the body, breath, mind, and Qi.
If there is a desire to use Tai Chi for combat or self-defense (and even if there is not), one should learn to move quickly and with force. That being said, no new practitioner should start quickly. Progress should be from slow, to medium, then to fast (if desired). Practicing at medium speed may improve your awareness and assist you to become aware of necessary adjustments. Some experienced practitioners believe that medium is the ideal speed to practice in order to understand Jing (martial power) and Fa Jing (explosive martial power). This way when you are practicing faster, it will be a bit easier to gauge your root, balance, and center. Lower and upper body connections improve and there is a much better feeling for explosive power.
Fa Jing (or Jin) in Tai Chi
Explosive, penetrating power in Tai Chi is known as Fa Jin or Fa Jing and is usually released at close range. It is not a specific striking method. Nor is it specific to kicks, punches, etc., but can also be used for holds, projections, etc. The exceptions would be in competitions and on the big or small screen. In internal martial arts, such as Tai Chi, Fa Jing is a method to generate, as well as focus, that explosive force. One example is Bruce Lee’s famous one-inch punch.
Fa Jing is explosive because it combines physical strength with internal energy (Qi). Physical strikes are “push power”. Fa Jing power can be deadly and penetrating and is said to be seven times more powerful than strictly physical strikes. Fa Jing power is generated by the body and powers each weapon, be it hand, leg, elbow, etc. Qi flow is what enables Tai Chi to be performed fast (but relaxed) and with explosive/tremendous force, like “cracking a whip”.
In order to be successful at using Fa Jing, one must understand and master silk-reeling. At least some internal force needs to be accumulated and you must use “proper” technique in order to let your Qi flow. Tension blocks flow! So does leaning forward and “raising your body”.
In order to generate this “explosive power”, Qi flows from the Dantian to the part of the body or limb which will perform the technique. Fa Jing requires proper body alignment and coordination. The practitioner must be in a relaxed physical state prior to forming a kinematic chain which accelerates and becomes an efficient, coordinated, whole-body movement. If the practitioner is not relaxed and balanced, the Qi cannot penetrate the muscle in order to produce the desired force. The experienced practitioner almost unconsciously exhales and releases Fa Jing.
The torque between the wrist and hand snap releases the energy (which initially gathers at the wrist) into the target/opponent. Obviously, it’s important for the hand to be relaxed until the “point of contact”. Once contact is made, the hand relaxes in order to send the energy into your opponent/target. The expended energy comes in through the other Yin hand via the Laogong (Pericardium 8), as well as other energy input points. Energy is never wasted and there must always be a balance between Yin and Yang. It stands to reason that the greater the Yin present in the attacking hand, the greater the Yang attack.
Fa Jin in Single Whip
Once you “master” the proper (according to Tai Chi Principles) technique of Single Whip, you may want to look at the explosive power one can generate with it! Grandmaster Wong asserts that when one practices Tai Chi, one generates Qi flow and internal force. Two examples - Cloud Hands and Grasp Sparrow’s Tail. Unfortunately, according to Grandmaster Wong, many Tai Chi practitioners have never experienced Qi flow, meaning they have never performed Tai Chi in a fast but relaxed manner using internal (not muscle) force! Using muscle strength blocks Qi flow. The hook in Single Whip “locks the force so that it can shoot out more powerfully at the palm on the other side.” Grandmaster Wong also suggests that your mouth should be open when you explode the force! Plus as an option, you can shout out at the end. Hmmm!
According to Master Jesse Tsao, author of 108 Answers to Tai Chi Practice, the target of an explosive Single Whip is usually the back of the head or neck of your opponent. Otherwise, you can apply a throw, use the hook (bird’s beak) to attack the eyes, or use the elbow or hand (if in close contact) to strike the ribs or solar plexus. The key applying explosive force is twisting your spine and using your waist to power the whiplash.
Of course, you always have the option of doing your Single Whip in a slow, relaxed manner! The choice is yours!
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