Xing Yi Quan

Xing Yi Quan is one of the three most popular Chinese internal martial arts. Xing Yi Quan was created based on the natural principals of the Five Elements, and imitating the spirit of the twelve animals as fighting techniques . Below lists some of the theories and forms practiced in this system.

Basic Posture

The most basic stationary posture of Xing Yi Quan is the three body posture (San Ti Shi).

San Ti Shi Posture Picture

The main purpose of this stance is to build up physical strength and to train in correct standing posture. Most of the Xing Yi movements use this basic posture.

Five Elements (Wu Xing)

1. Pi Quan (Splitting Fist)
2. Zuan Quan (Drilling Fist)
3. Beng Quan (Pounding Fist)
4. Pao Quan(Cannon Fist)
5. Heng Quan (Crossing Fist)

   

One of the most important aspects of the Five Elements is the relationship between them. It is based on the theory of mutual creation and destruction of the Five Elements or Phases.

In Xing Yi Quan, Pi corresponds to Metal, Zuan to Water, Beng to Wood, Pao to Fire, and Heng to Earth. When these relationships are applied to Xing Yi Quan and its offensive fighting strategy, the Splitting Fist can generate the Drilling Fist, the Drilling Fist can create the Pounding Fist, the Pounding Fist can move into the Cannon Fist, the Cannon Fist can generate the Crossing Fist, and finally the Crossing Fist can generate the Splitting Fist.

Also, based on the theory of mutual destruction in defensive strategy, the Splitting Fist can defeat the Pounding Fist, the Pounding Fist can overcome the Crossing Fist, the Crossing Fist can be used against Drilling Fist, and the Drilling Fist can defeat the Cannon Fist, and the Cannon Fist can overcome the Splitting Fist.

Five Elements Linking Form

This form or sequence links and combines the Five Elements.It enables the practitioner to learn how to apply them in a continuous way.

Five Elements Mutual Creation and Destruction Fighting Form

?This is a two-person fighting set or sequence that applies the fighting strategy, principles and theory of the Five Elements and their mutual creation and destruction relationship.

Twelve Animals (Shi Er Xing)

This form imitates the fighting spirit and techniques of twelve animals. The twelve animals are: Dragon, Tiger, Monkey, Horse, Alligator, Rooster, Sparrow Hawk, Swallow, Snake, Chinese Ostrich, Eagle and Bear.?

Tiger1	Tiger2
Snake	Eagle
Horse	Swallow

Six Combinations Theory (Liu He Lun)

When practicing Xing Yi Quan, it is important to understand the theory of the Six Combinations (three internal and three external combinations). The three external combinations are: hands must line up or combine with feet, elbows line up with knees, and shoulders line up with hips. The intermal combinations are: heart (Xin) combines with mind (Yi), mind combines with internal energy (Qi), and internal energy combines with muscular power (Li).??