You don’t have to know 1,001 ways to fajing if you are interested in the combat side of Tai Chi. You only have to know how to get the position and apply one good strong power. This is what I normally focus on.
However, when you eat the same food too many times you get sick of it. So yeah, sometimes we can take a side trip to the fajing world to reaffirm our interest. Mind you, as it is our first form, the 108, already has enough fajing methods for you to play with.
But Tai Chi fajing skill level is like a deep, dark hole as how my teacher once said. This video of GM Wei Shuren is a constant reminder of the skill level we can work towards.
His fajing is light and crisp, with minimal movement and effort. It doesn’t mean he does not have fajing that can cause serious injury. He did but stopped demonstrating it when he nearly caused serious hurt to someone once.
Anyway, consider this a good source of inspiration and motivation. Keep on training.