Xingyiquan

Just as Taijiquan is called Tai Chi, Xingjyquan (Hsing I Chuan) is also referred to as Xingyi (Hsing I). Xing means ‘external form’ and Yi means ‘idea’ or ‘thought’. Quan means ‘fist’ or ‘martial art’. Xingyi is also known by two other names: 'Xingyiliuhequan, 'Liuhequan'.

The most important principle of Xingyi is, first and foremost, to concentrate before you move; your thoughts direct the movement of the body. Xingyi is an old martial art that has existed for more than three hundred years and has achieved a legendary status among the Chinese Martial Arts. According to some, Xingyi was created by Ji Nong and Ji Feng around 1610 in Sanxi province.

Others citeGeneral Yue Fei of the Second Song Dynasty as the creator of Xingyi. The Shaolin Closter has been known to have practiced Xingyi for quite some time.

Beginning in the 18 century, Xingyi spread out to the Chinese provinces of He Nan, Sanxi, and He Bei. Famous Xingyi masters are: Ma Xue-Li, Dai Long-Bang, Li Luo-Neng, Zhang Zhan-Kui, Sun Lu-Tang, Shang Yun-Xiang, Guo Yun-Shen, Li Cun-Yi, Che Yi-Zhai.

The most familiar stance of Xingyi is San Ti Shi. The weight displacement is approximately 30% to the front and 70% to the rear. This stance is made for self defense. Most of the Xingyi forms are sober and tight, without any ‘flowery’ movements. Soft and hard movements are continuously replacing each other.

The basics of Xingyi are the Five elements. Other forms are the Twelve Animal Forms and the Combined Long form. There are also some partner exercises that are specific to Xingyi.