General Introduction

Hsing I Chuan, Hsingichuan, Xing Yi, and Xingyiquan all refer to the same thing – a Chinese Health promoting Martial art that is based on the training of the ancient chinese infantry. Hsing I is one of the “internal” styles of Chinese martial art (the others being Tai Ji Quan, commonly known as Tai Chi, Ba Gua Zhang or Pa Kwa Chang, and Liu He Ba Fa).

“Hsing” or “Xing” refers to form and “I or Yi” to the mind or intent. “Chuan” or “Quan” literally means fist and is the idea of unarmed combat. Hsing I is commonly called “Form and Mind” boxing – this means the form and the intention match. This also points to the fact that good military strategy like good healing- is based on leading the mind of the enemy or patient/client!

In Hsing I, you have the 5 fists (correlating to the 5 Elements), the 12 animals, and “linking” (linking different movements together) and two-man forms, as well as weapon sets. In all of these, the practitioner will not only strike with fists, but what are called the “Seven Stars” (the head, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees and feet)

Whereas the circle emulates Ba Gua, Xingyi looks predominately linear. Whole-body power is favored and focused into a rhythm that is then released in sudden bursts.

The Five Elements or Five Punches or Fists of Hsing-I in the Shansi -Hopei school are the foundation of Hsing-I. These lead to the more advanced Animal Systems of Hsing-I which among the three Nei Chia Arts are probably the most athletic and combative of all forms.

Videos

Hsing I Tai of Chang

hsing-i dragon

Hsing-I Swallow solo

Hsing-I Swallow

Allen Does Hsing I