力由腳底生，勁由丹田出Force arises from the soles of the feet, and jing (energy) is issued from the Dantian.

力由腳底生，勁由丹田出Force Arises from the Soles of the Feet, and Jing (energy) Is Sssued from the Dantian. 

The phrase "力由腳底生，勁由丹田出" ("Lì yóu jiǎodǐ shēng, jìng yóu dāntián chū") translates to "Force arises from the soles of the feet, and jing (energy) is issued from the Dantian." This expression is a key concept in Tai Chi, emphasizing the integrated movement of force and energy within the body.

Understanding the Concepts

1. Force (力, Lì) vs. Energy (Jing, 勁):

   • 力 (Lì): Typically refers to physical or brute force, which originates from muscular effort. When it is said that "force arises from the soles of the feet," it emphasizes the importance of rooting and grounding. The physical stability and power that come from a solid connection to the ground provide the foundation for movement and force generation in Tai Chi.
   • 勁 (Jing): Refers to refined, internal energy or power that is more sophisticated than brute force. Jing involves the coordinated use of the whole body, integrating mind, energy, and structure. It is not merely muscular force but an energy that is cultivated and directed through practice, often originating from the Dantian (the body's energy center located in the lower abdomen).

2. Tai Chi Jing Deriving from the Foot:

   • The phrase "Tai Chi jing is derived from the foot" refers to the idea that all movements in Tai Chi are rooted in the feet. The feet connect the body to the ground, and through proper alignment and structure, the force generated from the ground is transmitted upward through the body.
   • This force is then refined and transformed into jing as it moves through the body, especially when it passes through the Dantian, which plays a central role in coordinating and integrating the body's movements and energy.

3. "Exercised in the Waist and Transmitted to the Arms and Hands":

   • This part of the concept describes the pathway through which jing travels in Tai Chi practice. After the initial force is generated from the ground and refined through the Dantian, it is "exercised in the waist." The waist (or lower back and hips) is crucial in Tai Chi because it acts as a pivot or axis, coordinating the body's movements and ensuring that the energy flows smoothly.
   • The waist directs and amplifies the jing as it is transmitted through the body, eventually reaching the arms and hands, where it is expressed outwardly. This transmission is what allows Tai Chi practitioners to move with power and fluidity, using integrated energy rather than isolated muscular force.

Reconciling the Two Phrases

The idea that "force derived from the sole is brute force, and jing derived from Dantian is energy force" can be understood as follows:

• Initial Force Generation (Brute Force from the Feet): The soles of the feet provide the grounding and initial power. This is the raw, potential energy that is necessary for any movement or force in Tai Chi. However, by itself, this force is not yet refined or fully integrated into the body's system—it is merely the starting point.

• Refinement and Integration (Energy Force from the Dantian): As this raw force travels upward through the body, it is refined by passing through the Dantian. The Dantian serves as a focal point for gathering and directing qi (energy), transforming the initial brute force into jing, which is a more refined, directed, and powerful expression of energy.

• The Role of the Waist: The waist is where the transformation and direction of jing happen. It ensures that the energy is properly aligned and coordinated before being transmitted to the arms and hands. This process allows the practitioner to express jing in a way that is powerful yet smooth and controlled.

Summary

The phrase "力由腳底生，勁由丹田出" is correct within the context of Tai Chi principles. The initial force (or brute force) comes from the feet, which is then refined and transformed into jing (energy force) as it passes through the Dantian. The waist plays a crucial role in coordinating and transmitting this energy to the arms and hands, where it is finally expressed. In this way, Tai Chi integrates both physical and energetic aspects to create powerful, controlled movements.