One of the main features of learning Taijiquan is to understand the power of relaxation called (song). While the definition of song may refer to relaxation or being loose or slack, the art of song in Taijiquan goes much, much deeper than this. In fact, true song skill means to really understand the concepts of the famous Yin and Yang symbol the Taiji-Tu in muscular interaction. The skill to be developed requires knowing which muscles to flex and which ones to relax during offensive and defensive actions. So it is more than just becoming loose and flaccid.

Take any muscular movement in the body, in the arms and legs there are flexors that bend the limb and extensors that straighten it. For example, if you bend your forearm up to touch your shoulder you are mostly using the biceps muscle a flexor (Yang). For the arm to move smoothly the opposing triceps muscle, an extensor must relax (Yin). Tension in the triceps during flexion places strain on the elbow joint and inhibit fast, smooth muscle action due to the resistance from the extensor. Song is learning how to use this principle of flex and release in an optimum way for peak efficiency.

This video link below is a series of demonstrations showing the use of song and listening energy (Ting-jin) with the intention (Yi) to control the actions of another person. This demonstration was performed at the 2006 A Taste of China Teachers demonstrations. Please be aware that what is shown here is in no way magic or the result special powers of Qi. It is a simple demonstration of how to lead the mind and intention and energy of another person through touch. This is a method I developed over a span of 30 years that I call No Enemy No Fight.

In its simplest form, the principle is that when an individual’s force is interrupted by a hard force as in a hard block to a punch there is an immediate harder and faster counter-reaction on the part of the attacker. However when the incoming force is met with what feels like no resistance the mind and nervous system of the initiator senses no danger thus there is little or no counter reaction. Using this concept one can direct and redirect an incoming force softly as the opponent feels almost no resistance. The mind sensing no danger the attacker’s body is disposed to join with and move with the guiding actions.

Martial Implications
Yes, I can do this 98% of the time at full combat speed with someone striking, kicking or grabbing. In the accompanying video, there was no rehearsal or collusion on the part of the audience members participating in the demonstration. With the exception of two men Dr. Orchard and Robert Michael, the others are volunteers who had no idea what was going to be presented.

I contend that I can teach anyone to do this on a basic level in a short time with proper instruction. All reactions of participants in this demonstration are spontaneous and are the result of mind-body intention and are not Qi or mystically related to magical prowess of any kind.