Generating Martial Power (Jin)

Jin, or Martial Power, can generally be divided into three categories: Hard Jin, Soft-Hard Jin and Soft Jin. Among these, Hard Jin uses the most muscular power, followed by Soft-Hard Jin and finally Soft Jin. But no matter which Jin, in order to manifest maximum power you must have both the strength of the physical body (Yang) and a sufficient supply of smoothly circulating Qi (Yin). "Qi", which is pronounced Ki in the Japanese arts, is the Chinese word for "energy", and pertains to all forms of energy in the universe. In martial arts and qigong, it specifically refers to human Qi, the bioenergy or lifeforce within every cell of the human body.
The external physical strength manifested in specific external movements is called "External Jin"; it is a Yang manifestation of Jin. The internal Qi’s build up and circulation is called "Internal Jin"; it is the Yin manifestation of Jin. When this internal and external coordinate and support each other harmoniously and efficiently, it is called "the unification of internal and external". (The spelling of the word Jin is used to avoid confusion with another important concept in Chinese martial arts with the same pronunciation, "jing", which means "essence".)

You should also understand that Jin can be again divided into Yang Jin (commonly called "Attacking Jin") which is aggressive and used for an attack, and Yin Jin (commonly called "Defensive Jin") which is defensive. There is another category of Jin, which is neither for attacking nor defending. No matter which category, when the Qi is manifested into a physical form, it is called "Emitting Jin" (Fa Jin). Click to learn how Chinese medicine treats Male Infertility.

Let us define what Jin is and how different Jins are classified. Theoretically, in order to activate the muscles to generate force or power, the mind must lead the Qi to the area where the muscles should be energized. For example, when you push a car, you must first generate an idea, and from this mind, an electromotive force (EMF) is generated. From this EMF the Qi is led to the muscles for energization. Through the nervous system (a highly electrically conductive system) the muscles are stimulated and contract, thereby generating action. The Chinese dictionary gives two main meanings for "Jin." The first is "strong, unyielding, muscular;" this is usually applied to powerful, inanimate objects. For example, "Jin Feng" means a strong wind. It can also be applied to more abstract feelings of strength, as in "Jin Di" which means a strong enemy. The second dictionary definition of Jin is "Qi-Li" or "Li-Qi", which refers to muscles which are supported by Qi. Using only your muscles is considered Li. However, when you use your concentrated mind to lead the muscles to do something, Qi will flow to where you are concentrating and enliven the muscles. This is considered Jin.