Pathgate Theatre
The development of energy projection in martial art practice can be summarised into four progressive stages. They are:
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Fa Li : deployment of sinew power derived from the gross physical plane of vigorous muscle contraction;
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Fa Jing : projection of vibrational power that arises from the ching plane [the plane of primordial essence] of the lower dan tien through integrating the wei qi [protective energy] with the triangulated action of tendons, ligaments and a relaxed yet properly aligned physio-skeletal structure;
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Fa Qi : projection of a more subtle, more penetrating vibrational energy that arises from the qi plane of the middle dan tien through extending the influence of ying qi [nourishing energy] that could either disable the energetic structure of an attacker or effect healing to a patient;
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Fa Shen : the projection of the subtlest of all human energies that arises from the refinement of shian tian qi [pre-heavenly energy] and hou tian qi [post-heavenly energy] into the pure awareness of ling qi [spiritual essence] at the shen plane [spiritual plane] of the upper dan tien and through which the influence of the resulting harmonisation of the energies of Heaven, Earth and Man can effect changes to transform the physical, mental, emotional and energetic structures of both the tangible and intangible.
On the subject of developing true martial art skill, Grandmaster Wang Xiang Zhai, the founder of Yi Quan had this advice to his disciples:
"A big movement is not as effective as a small movement, a small movement is not as effective as the appearance of no movement, it is the presence of movement within the appearance of no movement that is the real movement."
Likewise, Fa Li (big movement) is not as effective as Fa Jing (small movement), Fa Jing is not as effective as Fa Qi (even smaller to no movement), and Fa Qi is not as effective as Fa Shen (no movement).