Structure, Fascia and Internal Power (Jin)

Summary of an online lesson with Master Iain.

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Video Recording

• The Concept of Jin and Fascia: Master Iain introduced the concepts of jin (geng) in Chinese kung fu, describing jin as an energy accessed by stretching the body and holding that energy, which can then be released (far). The physical basis of this stretch is the body's fascia, whitch is the totally continuous, complex, and elastic connective tissue, including tendons and sheaths for muscles, bones, organs, veins, and arteries. The internal stretch, referred to as nei or internal jin, is typically held in the core and its release (far) must occur without muscle engagement or pushing, instead relying on relaxation.
• Creating Structure and Stability for Energy Transmission: The prerequisite for transmitting energy is creating the correct body structure, which is more akin to engineering than mysticism, focusing on aligning the skeleton. The basic structure taught in kung fu is the horse riding stance, which fundamentally uses the legs to form an arch, supporting a straight column formed by the back. Practicing to maintain this straight column in the stance is key. The fascia holds this structure together, providing the elasticity, bounce, and springiness required for the energy release.
• Maintaining Core Stability and the Role of Fascia: Instability or "wobble" in the core can cause the directed strength to dissipate. To maintain the structure and efficiently channel energy, the core must hold a springy stretch—but not too tight—allowing the energy to push up from the feet to the point of contact. The entire body must be held together as one unit with an even, continuous stretch throughout all the fascia; any tight bits prevent the energy from traveling. Master Iain explained that "relax" in this context means having a stretch in the fascia while the muscle itself is relaxed, allowing the strength to travel.
• Training Techniques for Core Stabilization and Energy Storage: Proper structure requires compressing the core to store energy; if it is loose, no energy is stored. Training to achieve this involves exercises using a weight on a handle, such as Indian clubs or maces, to practice movements while maintaining a straight, firm back and stabilizing the core. The goal of these exercises is to train firmness in the core and prevent the spine from arching. Stabilizing the core by pushing back toward the spine creates compression at the front and traction or extension in the spine at the back, stretching and opening the sacral part of the spine at a point called the Mingmen. This extension stores energy, which is the jin, and releasing it is the fa jin.
• The Connection Between Breath and Jin/Gang: Simon asked about the connection between breathing and using geng. Master Iain responded that breath, or chi in Chinese, is a component of jin, and is interconnected with the ability to gently engage the fascia while standing still (Jam Jong) to create nei jin. Breathing in causes the lungs to expand, which pulls on the connected fascia, increasing the internal stretch. Subtle variations in tension extend throughout the entire interconnected fascial network during breathing.
• Coordination of Breath and Action in Energy Projection: There are two main approaches to coordinating breath and action: either inflating the body with breath (chi) to increase the stretch, holding it, and then releasing the jin in the move, or breathing out as the move is executed to direct energy outwards. Master Iain emphasized that coordination between breath and action is necessary to maintain engagement, stretch, and energy. In the Tiger Crane art, the breath is typically held during the far, with inhalation inflating the body with air. In other arts, like the Shuang Yang art, energy flows out on the out-breath and draws in on the in-breath. Master Iain encouraged practitioners to develop and change their breathing techniques as they progress in their art.

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