Yiquan 意拳

Yiquan, also known as dachengquan (大成拳), is a martial art system which was founded by the Chinese xingyiquan master, Wang Xiangzhai (王薌齋).

History:

Wang Xiangzhai was a student of Xingyiquan who felt that xingyiquan students were putting too much emphasis on 'outer form', neglecting the essence of true martial power. He emphasised what he felt was the true essence of the art. He changed the name, removing the 'xing' (form), and began teaching and practising accordingly. In so doing, he got his student to focus on the “liberation from form” that is a goal of all martial arts.

All martial arts teach this principle eventually. But Wang’s methods were able to “cut to the chase” as it were. His methods served as a reminder to all martial artists that one must transcend the practise of technique - eventually focusing less on what they are doing and instead focusing more on how they are being.

The style:

Yiquan is essentially formless, containing no fixed sets of fighting movements or techniques. Instead, focus is put on developing ones natural movement and fighting abilities through a system of training methods and concepts, working to improve the perception of one's body, its movement, and of force.

Curriculum:

The actual training in yiquan can generally be divided into:

• Zhan zhuang (站樁) - Motionless postures, where emphasis is put on relaxation, working to improve perception of the body and on developing Hunyuan Li, or "all round force". Zhan zhuang can also be divided into two different types of postures; health postures and combat postures.
• Shi li (試力) - Slow moving exercises, trying to bring the sensations developed through zhan zhuang into movements.
• Moca bu (摩擦步) - Shi li for the legs.
• Fa li (發力) - Exercises that teach the use of explosive force.
• Shi Sheng (試声) - Breathing exercises, including shouting ("testing sound")
• Tui shou (推手) - (Pushing hands) Shi li with a partner.
• San shou (散手) - Free fighting practice. (Also known as San Da)
• Duan shou (斷手) - Fighting techniques, including strikes and kicks.