Xingyiquan Hsing I Chuan Mind Form Boxing

Xinyiquan

Xíng yì quán (形意拳, Hsing-I Chuan) is a system of Internal Kung Fu (Chinese Boxing) based upon martial techniques, five element philosophy, and internal principles. The origin myth of Xingyiquan credits General Yueh Fei (岳飛) as the originator of this system.

Xing Yi Quan is part of our Internal Kung Fu Curriculum. It, along with Ba Gua Zhang and Tai Ji Quan are considered the three "Sister Arts" of Internal Kung Fu.

The Xingyi we teach comes from both Hebei Xingyiquan and Dai Family Xinyiquan (Mind-Intent Boxing). The Santi or Three Bodies Stance forms the foundation of Xingyi. It is a type of post standing (Zhanzhuang) which builds the structural basis of the system. The Sancai Stance from Xinyi is an alternate method of practice taught to intermediate and advanced Xingyi students.

Xingyi Five Elements

The heart of Xingyi consists of the Wu Xing Quan or Five Elements Fists. These are short, powerful movements based on the traditional Chinese Five Element or Phase Principle interaction of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth. Martially, these principles are expressed in 5 Foundation Movements:

1. Pi Quan: Splitting Fist, Associated with Metal
2. Zuan Quan: Drilling Fist, associated with Water
3. Beng Quan: Bursting or Crushing Fist, associated with Wood
4. Pao Quan: Exploding Fist, associated with Fire
5. Heng Quan: Crossing Fist, associated with Earth

These movements are repeated continuously as a type of Jibengong or basic training. They contain the entire essence of the art and help train the key Jin or energies of the art. There are a number of variations these five fundamental drills, which lead to the development of a comprehensive traditional martial art.

Xingyi Animals

Xingyiquan combines the foundational Five Elements into numerous techniques and sequences, including the 12 Animals. The animals represent a development of the Wu Xing Principles with the addition of hand forms, shapes, and martial tactics inspired by both natural and supernatural beasts.

The animals also have a number of variations which further develop the theme of each animal, but always within the context of the core 5 Element Principles.

Xingyi Neigong and Special Training

At the intermediate level, the curriculum includes contains several other empty hand forms, such as the Combined Form, the Five Element Linking Form, and Za Shi Chui.

Weapons play an important role in the Xingyquan since it was originally developed from battlefield arts. Since spear and saber which were the main military cold weapons' in ancient times it is thought they had an influence on the creation of the art.

Xingyi also has it's own system of two person training called Joined Hands in additional to Body conditioning, iron palm training, and Free Sparring (Shan Shou or San Da).

Intermediate and advanced students will learn the Qigong and Neigong of Xingyi. Thi is the key to understanding the advanced exoteric and esoteric aspects of Xingyi, refining the 3 levels of Jin (Ming Jin, An Jin, Hu Jin) and making it an effective internal martial art. Without the internal Qi and Shen (Spirit) work, you might have an effective martial art form a mechanical perspective, but the deep internal work is required to reach it's full potential.

Begin your Xingyiquan training today...