Example Protocol to test Fa Jin ability
Abstract:
Background The drafting of this test for Fajin ability came about through various discussions with Tai Chi Chuan practitioners across social media platforms like Facebook and topic related forums. In terms of its purpose, firstly it has to be clearly stated that this is not intended to debunk or discredit any person or tradition. It's purpose is to provide a format to create a foundation of scientific inquiry into this mysterious martial arts technique.
Methods used The test is structured as close to a double-blind as possible. The main test subject, referred to as the Demonstrator, will be attempting to perform fajin on randomly selected, unknowing and unprepared test subjects within a controlled environment.
Results The results will be presented both in simple percentage terms and in terms of success or failure of the target result. These results, and associated video footage, may be used by all parties involved for educational purposes. These results will also become a collection of base-line data for further study and investigation of fajin and associated subjects.
Definition of Fajin
Fajin (meaning "fast or explosive power") is a martial arts technique contained within the field of "Internal Martial Arts" originating in China. Internal Martial Arts (IMA) include styles like Tai Chi Chuan, Bagua Chuan, Xin Yi Chuan etc.
Whilst some IMA practice and demonstrate a form of fajin that is merely a superior coordination of bio-mechanics to release a sudden impulse of physical force (search for "Chen Xiang's Bajiquan scientific" on Youtube), within styles like Tai Chi Chuan fajin is regarded as a paranormal ability.
Quite specifically, fajin experts claim they can make opponents "bounce" away in an involuntary manner with only the merest of touches by an opponent (i.e. the opponent only touches the demonstrator's forearms with finger tips). The observable signs of fajin include:
- the wrists and elbows of the person issuing fa-jin do not follow the opponent, as they would if one were merely "pushing" with the muscles,
- no discernible tension in one's shoulders, elbows, or wrists that would signify the use of muscular engagement to produce the force,
- with the demonstrator standing with feet parallel with someone at least their own size facing them in a well-rooted stance, the demonstrator can instantly shear the opponent off their feet, both feet clear off the ground in a single moment, and send him backwards 3-4 feet
- whilst there may be a visible "pulse-wave" passing thru the body-system, if the demonstrator's elbows accelerates forward and follows the trajectory of the opponent as he is thrown backwards, what has just occurred is definitely NOT fajin.
Materials required:
~ 1 Fajin Demonstrator
~ 30 randomly selected test subjects that meet Stipulation 5 (see "Stipulations")
~ 2 x adjoining rooms separated by a closable door that complete blocks visibility and limits audio from one room into the next
~ Ground mats jigsaw puzzle style (for health and safety precautions)
~ Cam recorder
~ 1 box to hold index cards
~ 2 sets of 30 index cards number 1 to 30
~ 1 coin
~ 6 adjudicators
Stipulations:
1. The Demonstrator cannot speak aloud or make any vocal/audible sounds.
2. The Demonstrator cannot make any foot-tapping, knocking, or other forms of noise that can be used as communication.
3. The Demonstrator can make no facial expressions in an attempt to produce a reaction in the test subjects.
4. The Demonstrator must wear only neutral clothing and nothing they wear must indicate any proficiency in martial arts or combat nor give any indication of what the test subjects might experience.
5. Subjects must be randomly selected and can not be a student, friend, associate or family member of the Demonstrator.
6. The test will be recorded via cam recorder.
7. The adjudicators must be independent and have no prior connection with either the Demonstrator or the organizer of the test.
8. The test must be overseen by an independent authority and have no prior connection with the Demonstrator. An appropriate authority would be a University faculty or independent research organization. This authority does not have to have any prior association with martial arts.
If any of the above listed are violated, or if it is determined the Demonstrator has attempted to tilt the results in his favor due to trickery of any kind, the test will be halted immediately and considered a failure.
If there is a setup or technological problem, or if for any reason the test must be halted due to extenuating circumstances rather than trickery, the test may be conducted up to two additional times. However, the Demonstrator must not be changed once the individual is chosen.
Pre-Test Survey:
Test subjects would be asked a simply lead-in questionnaire as to their knowledge and experience of martial arts, in particular Chinese IMA. This will be used to correlate post-test data.
Successful Test:
If the Demonstrator can make the test subject physically move (i.e. meaning that the test subject will involuntarily move their feet and whole body away from the Demonstrator) using ONLY fajin (see "Definition of Fajin" above) then the result will be considered a ‘hit’. If there are six hits out of ten attempts, the Demonstrator will have achieved the target result and the test deemed a success.
Set-up:
Test Room:
- the floor will be covered completely with the ground mats.
- cam recorder will be set up facing center, side-on to the Demonstrator
- three adjudicators will be present
Prep room:
- table with prepared index cards
- three adjudicators will be present
Protocol:
The Demonstrator stands in the middle of the Test Room with feet parallel, hands raised into “embrace the tree” posture (i.e. feet shoulder-width, parallel, hands held out in front of shoulders palms facing back as if "embracing a tree).
A group of 30 potential test subjects, who have passed Stipulation #4, will be gathered in the Prep room with 3 Adjudicators whilst the Demonstrator will wait with the other 3 Adjudicators in Test room.
One set of the index cards numbered 1 to 30 will be shuffled and one card given to each test subject by an Adjudicator, the other set will be shuffled by another Adjudicator and dropped in the box in a loose fashion. One at a time an index card will be withdrawn from the box and the test subject whose number matches this card will be escorted into the Test Room and handed to the care of one of the Test Room Adjudicators.
The test subject will be given instruction by one of the adjudicators on how to stand and how to touch the forearms of the Demonstrator using only their finger tips.
An Adjudicator will flip a coin and if the result is ‘heads’ then the test subject will stand before the Demonstrator in a well-rooted bow-stance and will touch the Demonstrator's forearms with only their fingers.
The Demonstrator will have 30secs to attempt to physically move the test subject (i.e. instantly shear him off his feet, both feet clear of the ground in a single moment, and send him backwards 3-4 feet) with the test subject only touching the forearms of the Demonstrator with their fingers.
If the coin flip result is ‘tails’ then the Demonstrator makes no attempt HOWEVER the test subject must still take up the test stance and touch the forearms of the Demonstrator as if a test was to take place. Only the Demonstrator will make NO attempt to demonstrate fajin.
After either an attempt or a non-attempt the test subject will be escorted from the room (via another door – i.e. the test subject will not be permitted to have any interaction with other possible test subjects) by an Adjudicator.
The test will be repeated with a different test subject until a total of 10 actual (i.e. the Demonstrator does attempt to physically move the test subject) attempts have been conducted.
Time required:
No more than 1 hour.
