Page 1 - Page 2 - Page 3 - Page 4 - Page 5 - Page 6 - Page 7 - Page 8

Heavily influenced by the teachings of Taoism, the art is divided into two main systems, the ten animal and the five element, which is further divided into two major branches, the Hebei and Shanxi styles. The ten animal style is closest to the original Xin-yi-liu-he-quan in form and practice. Its movements are patterned after the spirit of ten types animals: dragon, tiger, monkey, horse, chicken, hawk, snake, bear, eagle,and swallow. Students are more concerned with discovering the meaning behind the animal movements than with imitating the movements themselves. The five element (wood, water, earth, metal and fire) systems are based upon: splitting, drilling, crushing, pounding, and crossing. These basic energies were later expanded into twelve animal forms which include variations of the animal forms found in the ten animal styles as well as two additional animals, the tai (a mythical bird) and the tuo (a type of water lizard, akin to the alligator). Training in all systems centers on repetitive practice of single movements which are later combined into more complicated linked forms.

The direction of movement in Xingyiquan patterns is predominately linear. Practitioners "walk" through the patterns coordinating the motions of their entire bodies into one focused flow. The hands, feet, and torso all "arrive" together and the nose, front hand, and front foot are along one vertical line when viewed from the front (san jian xiang jiao). The arms are held in front of the body and the practitioner lines up his or her centerline with opponent's centerline. A familiar adage of Xingyiquan is that "the hands do not leave the (area of the) heart and the elbows do not leave the ribs." There are few kicks in the style and the techniques are of a predominately percussive nature. Great emphasis is placed upon the ability to generate power with the whole body and focus it into one pulse that is released in a sudden burst.

Xingyi is characteristically aggressive in nature and prefers to move into the opponent with a decisive blow at the earliest opportunity. The style prizes economy of motion and the concept of simultaneous attack and defense. As the name of the style implies, the form or "shape" of the movements is the outward, physical manifestation of the "shape" of one's intent. A fundamental principle underlying all styles of Xingyiquan is that the mind controls and leads the movement of the body.

Training in Henan (ten animal) Xin-yi-liu-he-quan includes basic movements designed to condition and develop the striking ability of the "seven stars" (the head, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees and feet). From there, the student will progress to learning the basic animal forms. Form practice consists of repeating single movements while walking forward in various straight line patterns. Later, the single movements are combined into linked forms. The techniques are relatively simple and straightforward and rely on the ability to generate force with almost any part of the body (the seven stars). Also included at more advanced levels are weapons forms (including the straight sword, staff and spear).

The Five Element based styles of Xingyiquan (Shanxi and Hebei) traditionally begin training with stance keeping (zhan zhuang). The fundamental posture is called "san ti" (three bodies) or "san cai" (three powers, referring to heaven, earth, and man). It is from this posture that all of the movements in the style are created and most teachers place great emphasis upon it. After stance keeping, the student begins to learn the fFive Elements (wu xing). These are the basic movements of the art and express all the possible combinations of motion that produce percussive power. After a certain level of proficiency is acquired in the practice of the Five Elements, the student goes on to learn the twelve animals and linked patterns. The twelve animal patterns are variations of the five elementsexpressed through the format of the spirit of animals in combat. There are several two-person combat patterns that teach the student the correct methods of attack, defense, and the applications of the techniques practiced in the solo patterns. Five Elements based styles also include weapons training (the same weapons as used in the Henan styles).

As mentioned above, Xingyiquan is divided into three related yet distinct styles: Henan, and Shanxi, and Hebei Xingyiquan. Henan Xingyiquan is characterized by powerful swinging movements of the arms and the ability to strike effectively with every part of the body. It is very powerful and aggressive in nature and the movements are simple and straightforward. Hebei style Five Element Xingyiquan emphasizes larger and more extended postures, strict and precise movements, and powerful palm and fist strikes. Shanxi style Five Element Xingyiquan is characterized by smaller postures with the arms held closer to the body, light and agile footwork, and a relatively "softer" approach to applying techniques. It places a greater emphasis on evasiveness than the other styles.

Page 1 - Page 2 - Page 3 - Page 4 - Page 5 - Page 6 - Page 7 - Page 8