Xingyiquan
Xingyiquan (Hsing I Ch'uan) is an internal style Chinese martial art known for its dynamic and explosive movements. Xing or shape, is derived from the shapes of 5 elements and 12 different animals. Yi means will or intent. Quan literally means fist. Therefore, Xingyiquan is translated as Shape-Intent Fist. As the name suggests, it requires harmony of mind and body, using internal power to guide and direct one's actions.
Xingyiquan movements are easy to learn, but like anything else, to master it requires dedication and hard work. It is an excellent introduction to the internal side of martial arts training for the external martial artist. It is also an excellent transition style for Taijiquan students to gradually get more involved with the fighting aspects of his/her training.
Health Benefits.
The five fundamental movements, practised correctly, harmoniously align the body's internal Qi, balance the internal organs and produce a high degree of cardiovascular fitness.
Realistic Self Defence.
Xingyiquan includes a study of internal power derived from Yiquan (Standing Qi meditations), You learn to use the mind and subtle muscle response to produce "hidden power". Forms appear soft and feel relaxed, yet the strike feels hard as iron to an opponent.
This style consists of five fundamental movements: Pi (Split), Zuan (Drill), Beng (Expand), Pao (Cannon), and Heng (sideways shear). The five movements correspond to Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth elements from the Five Element Theory. The strategy is linear and aggressive, using offence as defence.
Xingyiquan Curriculum
In many ways, the Xingyiquan curriculum is really as simple as it looks. But mastery is a lifelong process.
LEVEL 1
• Santisi
• Xingyi Stepping Patterns
• Five Phases Stationary.
• Five Phases Moving.
• Pi, Zuan, Beng, Pao, Heng Drill;
• Five Element Short Linking Routines
• Five Element Two Person Sparring Routines
• Five Phases Two Person Pattern (Stationary)
• Five Phases Two Person Pattern (Moving)
• Zuan Na Beng Pi Pi
• Pi, Pi, Pi, Beng, Beng, Pao.
LEVEL 2
• Individual Twelve Animal Patterns
• 10 animal or 12 animal Routine
LEVEL 3
• Two Person Sparring Routing (An Shen Pao)
• Xingyiquan Free Application training
• Yi Quan
LEVEL 4
• Xingyiquan International Competition Training,
• Iron Shirt Qigong Training
• Advanced Esoteric Training