”After you understand Jing, the more practice, the more skill.” – Classics

In Tai Chi (Taijiquan) we learn to move softly as a wave. This develops a specific force. We call it the inner force Jing (Chin). Its name is said to express the sound of a bell, which is vibrated by a blow.

The manifestation of this power is very surprising and gives the uninitiated viewer a feeling of magic or a strange trick. But it is not a trick. It is a technique achieved by patient training. Jing arises from the harmonious movement of the whole body. All parts parts of the body move smoothly in a dynamic chain. Jing comes from relaxation and softness. It does not depend on the size or strength of individual muscles. On the contrary, too large and stiff muscles prevent the expression of Jing.

Jing has different qualities – manifestations.

Examples of Jing

  • Chansijing – silk reeling / internal rotational movement
  • Pengjing – roundness
  • Tingjing – softness, relaxation and listening associated with the waves
  • Discharge – processing the opponent’s force which results in ”uprooting” the opponent.
  • Fajing – explosive releasing force

It is interesting to look at Tai Chi schools from the perspective of using Jing.

You may notice that every school usually tends to prefer some specific form of Jing. It has to do with the priorities of the style, the school and it’s teaching methods.

Qualities of Jing – important for training

Chansijing – rotation

”Mobilize internal force Jing like pulling silk from a cocoon.” – Classics

In Tai Chi we distinguish between external and internal motion, similar to the kinematics of a body. During exercise, we apply and combine both types of movement. One of the most important aspects of Tai Chi is the inner movement. It is important both for martial and health purposes. For its fluency, it got the name ”silk reeling.”

Internal and external movement

External movement is relatively simple and visible. With such movement, the body (or part of it) moves linearly through space. This includes, for example, lifting, stepping or kicking.

Internal movement is a rotary motion. During internal movement, the body or its part rotates. In Taijiquan such movement means the rotation of the upper and lower limbs, with the axes of the limbs at the center of the rotation.

Tingjing – waves

”The motion should be rooted in the feet, released through the legs, controlled by the waist, and manifested through the fingers.” – Classics

Tingjing is connected with skills of relaxation, softness and listening. This quality of Jing behaves as a wave or vibration. It can be trained partly in solo movements, but understanding and cultivation comes only through pair work.

This inner force is connected with movement of the whole body. Movement spreads in smooth waves throughout the body. The rhythm comes from the waist and the rotation around the center of the body. The whole body is involved in the movement, exactly as described in the Classics.

Pengjing – roundness

”Stand like a balance and rotate actively like a wheel.” – Classics

Pengjing we often call ”roundness.” Training of this quality requires partner work. It cannot be trained and felt in solo movements.

In training of this particular type of inner force we revolve around our center and create a spherical motion at the points of contact with our opponent.

We work with the center of the body and we can describe this movement from the concept of Tai Chi Principle.