This is called Yi (意)—don’t think about it, don’t try to practice it, don’t force it. In time, it will come, and you will know it. This was my response when asked what I felt from some of the practitioners in our group. The sensation was unmistakable, yet difficult to define. A key component of dealing with it was the ability to perceive it—something that also needed to be developed. In practice, this is referred to as Ting Jin (听劲) – “Listening Energy.”

Ting Jin (听劲)– Levels of Perception

Ting Jin (听劲, Tīng Jìn) is the ability to perceive an opponent’s force, movement, and intent through progressively increasing levels of sensitivity. In our practice, we describe this development in 3 levels : skin, hair, and air sensitivity.

• Skin (皮听, Pí Tīng) – The most basic stage. The practitioner detects pressure, tension, and changes in force through direct physical contact. This is the foundation—learning to relax and absorb information through the skin and muscles.
• Hair (毛听, Máo Tīng) – A more refined stage where perception extends beyond direct touch. Just as body hairs can sense subtle movement in the air, a practitioner begins to detect shifts in energy before full contact is made. This includes feeling the opponent’s intent through micro-movements and body positioning.
• Air (气听, Qì Tīng) – The highest level, where one perceives movement and intent at a distance. At this stage, awareness becomes intuitive, allowing a practitioner to respond proactively rather than reactively.

The Concept of Yi (意)

The meaning of Yi (意) in Chinese philosophy differs significantly from “intent” in Western thought, often leading to misunderstandings in translation.

In Chinese internal arts, Yi is not just “intent” in the Western sense—it is a guiding force that integrates mind, energy (Qi), and body into a seamless whole. Yi leads Qi, and Qi moves the body, making it an active and dynamic force rather than just a mental decision.

Western thought treats intent as a cognitive process—a plan, goal, or conscious decision that precedes action but remains separate from physical movement. This distinction is why translations of Yi as simply “intent” or “will” fail to capture its deeper connection to energetics and embodiment.

Bridging the Gap

In Western martial arts, intent is often associated with strategy and execution, focusing on decision-making and action. In contrast, Chinese internal arts emphasize the seamless flow between mind, energy, and movement.

This fundamental difference in worldview creates confusion—Western intent is a thought before action, while in Chinese philosophy, Yi is the force that shapes action itself.

Through the practice of Ting Jin, a practitioner learns to perceive and refine their awareness, eventually experiencing Yi not as an abstract idea, but as a tangible guiding force—one that transforms movement into expression and enables effortless power.