Xing Yi Quan is one of the 3 main internal styles of Chinese Martial Arts, the other two are Tai Jai and Bagua. Xing means body, form, or structure. Yi means mind, intention, or spirit. Quan means fist or martial arts in generals.
The theory and practice of the style have been well developed by many generations of masters, it helps its practitioners achieve excellent fighting skills along with other benefits in a relatively short amount of time. It has simple, sharp, and easy-to-practice movements which result in powerful force releasing techniques. Xing Yi has many unique characteristics, but simplicity is the common key aspect to all of them. Simplicity equals sharpness.
To be considered a complete system or style, a martial art should include many aspects of training including theories and principles, weapons, application, etc...
Xing Yi is a very well developed style, it includes :
1- Stance training
2- Single movement
3- Fa Li exercises
4- 5 elements for 5 different types of forces
5- 12 animals
6- 2 person forms
7- Weapons
8- Application
9- Internal training
10- Others...
Practice Procedures and standard
Like any other style, one must follow a specific training procedure. Apart from common exercises like stretching, body conditioning, etc... one should start with practicing the Santi stance, which is considered one of the iconic training of Xing Yi. Then 5 elements, 12 animals, and other routines should be trained. Weapons, force training should be added simultaneously to the training routine.
The real beauty of this style is to be able to practice single movements at a high level. W can compare the Xing Yi structure to a diamond, although a diamond is composed of a single element, carbon, it is extremely strong, solid, and unique because of its structure. To master Xing Yi, one should pay special attention to its structure.
The Principle of coordination is emphasized in Xing Yi, many people focus on coordination in dynamic movement but neglect the coordination in stance training. We should emphasize coordination while practicing stance training as well.
The coordination training used in stance practice is by applying the triangular force, San Jiao Li. Triangle force is an adjustment of our mind and physical structure while maintaining a correct posture in stance training. Xing Yi's stance training is to create and adjust a structure consisting of different triangles.
The Seven Building Blocks of Xingyi Practice
Xingyi is a martial art deeply rooted in structure and progression, with seven essential building blocks forming the foundation of its practice. These blocks are:
Principles and Theory
Body Conditioning and Force Training
Barehand Practice
Weapons Training
Two-Person Forms
Martial Applications
Internal Cultivation
These building blocks are hierarchical, meaning each step builds upon the foundation of the prior ones. While some higher-level concepts can be introduced earlier, they should only serve as guiding principles, not the focus of practice. Prematurely emphasizing advanced concepts can hinder progress. By understanding and following this structure, practitioners can evaluate their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and ensure well-rounded development in Xingyi.
Let’s explore each building block in detail.
1. Principles and Theory
The foundation of Xingyi lies in its principles and theoretical framework. Of the three major internal martial arts, Xingyi is considered the most conceptually developed. Its principles have evolved over centuries, drawing from ancient Chinese martial texts. Xingyi (with a "G") evolved from Xinyi (without a "G"), inheriting many of its theoretical elements while charting its own course through generations of practitioners.
Key theoretical concepts in Xingyi include:
Hunyuan (Mixed Primordial)
Liang Yi (Dual Polarization)
San Cai (Three Talents)
Si Xiang (Four Imageries)
Wu Xing (Five Elements)
Liu He (Six Harmonies)
Qi Quan (Seven Fists)
Ba Fa (Eight Methods)
Jiu Yao (Nine Key Aspects)
Shi Quan (Ten Considerations)
Additionally, Xingyi incorporates specific principles for movements, postures, and routines, which may vary slightly across schools but adhere to a consistent general framework.
Without a solid grasp of Xingyi principles and theory, achieving mastery is nearly impossible. Understanding these concepts distinguishes advanced practitioners from others. Unfortunately, many modern practitioners lack a proper understanding of Xingyi theory, a shortcoming that can often be attributed to their teachers. Improving the collective understanding of Xingyi principles is crucial for the preservation of this martial art.
2. Body Conditioning and Force Training
The second building block involves body conditioning and single exercises designed to develop internal force. Many practitioners neglect this essential aspect of training, leading to movements that, while technically correct, lack the necessary power and substance.
Force training in Xingyi typically includes exercises tailored to specific schools or branches. These exercises are non-negotiable and form the physical foundation of Xingyi. A well-conditioned body is key to generating the unique Xingyi force, making this stage indispensable for practitioners.
3. Barehand Practice
Barehand training represents the core curriculum of Xingyi and includes three main subcategories:
Five Elements: These are five fundamental types of force training, each with five variations, totaling 25 fists.
Twelve Animals: These forms represent 12 distinct skill sets derived from animal-inspired movements. While the specific movements may vary among schools, their underlying principles and imagery remain consistent.
Routines: These include forms such as the Five-Element Linking Form, 12 Fists Form, Mixed Fists Routine, and others. To simplify and streamline the teaching process, I created a 17-Posture Routine that combines elements of the Five Elements and 12 Animals, specifically for the Xue Dian branch of Xingyi.
Barehand practice is a lifelong endeavor for Xingyi practitioners, forming the backbone of daily training.
4. Weapons Training
Weapons training complements barehand practice and enhances force development. Common Xingyi weapons include the spear, sword, saber, and staff. Among these, the spear and double-edged sword are particularly significant.
Spear training, in particular, is invaluable for developing Xingyi force. Historically, some believe Xingyi originated from spear techniques, as evidenced by the Santi stance, often referred to as the "Big Spear Stance." While Xingyi has evolved into a primarily barehanded art, spear training remains an essential component for mastering its force-generating techniques.
5. Two-Person Forms
Two-person forms were developed by Xingyi’s founder, Li Luoneng, to enhance reflexes, speed, and sensitivity to force. This training includes both stationary and dynamic forms, requiring practitioners to step forward and backward in coordination.
While finding a suitable training partner can be challenging, the benefits of this practice are undeniable. It accelerates skill development and prepares practitioners for real-world martial applications.
6. Martial Applications
Martial applications are the essence of Xingyi. Without this component, movements lose their purpose and spirit. Each technique in Xingyi is rooted in practical application, and testing these applications is a traditional and necessary part of practice.
While martial applications are an advanced stage of Xingyi, introducing them early in training can help students understand the purpose of each movement and motivate them to refine their techniques.
7. Internal Cultivation
The pinnacle of Xingyi practice is internal cultivation, which transcends martial applications to focus on achieving inner peace, balance, and self-expression. While Xingyi is a martial art, its ultimate goal is to help practitioners live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.
Internal cultivation is impossible without mastering the preceding building blocks. It involves integrating energy and spirit into movements, achieving a sense of unity with the universe, and finding true tranquility. In modern times, this aspect of Xingyi is more important than ever, offering a path to personal and spiritual growth.
Objectives and Benefits of Each Building Block
Principles and Theory: Provide conceptual guidance and ensure the correctness of practice.
Body Conditioning and Force Training: Build physical strength and generate Xingyi force.
Barehand Practice: Develop foundational skills and refine technique.
Weapons Training: Enhance Xingyi force and add variety to training.
Two-Person Forms: Improve reflexes, speed, and sensitivity to force.
Martial Applications: Preserve the practical and combative essence of Xingyi.
Internal Cultivation: Achieve inner peace, self-expression, and spiritual growth.
By following these building blocks, practitioners can achieve a balanced and holistic mastery of Xingyi, benefiting from both its martial and internal aspects. As the Chinese saying goes, "Ku Jin Gan Lai" (苦尽甘来)—hard work and perseverance lead to sweet rewards.