Xing Yi

Xing Yi Chuan is a practical martial art emphasizing explosive force and sharp, direct, and fast movement. The name “Xing Yi” is composed of the word ‘Xing’ which means ‘shape’ and the word ‘Yi’ which means ‘intention’. This connection testifies to the basic concept of the Xing Yi according to which there is an inseparable connection between the quality of the movement and the state of consciousness, between the internal and the external. The suffix 'Chuan' means 'fist', meaning a fighting system.

As a fighting style developed for practical needs, the nature of fighting in Xing Yi is efficient and energetic and includes entrances and exits with precise timing and great power. In the various techniques punches, kicks, elbows, knees, etc. are used. In addition, Xing Yi includes training with traditional weapons such as swords of various types, sticks, and spears, which were used in the past for fighting on the battlefield.

Xing Yi – The Ancient Fighting System Of The Chinese Army

The history of Xing Yi is probably the oldest of the three martial arts Tai Chi, Xing Yi, and Ba Gua, and like them is accompanied by quite a bit of mystery. The invention of the system is attributed by many to the Chinese general Yueh Fuei, a famous hero who lived during the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD), but there is no conclusive evidence that he was the inventor of the style. In view of the complexity of Xing Yi, its origins may be even more ancient.

It is possible that Xing Yi is a descendant of an older martial art called Xin Yi Liu He Quan and in English translation: Heart Mind Six Harmonies Boxing. The six harmonies refer to the three internal harmonies (the heart or desire rises in harmony with the intention; the intention rises in harmony with the chi or vital energy; the chi in harmony with the physical force), and the three external harmonies (the shoulders in harmony with the hips; the elbows in harmony with the knees; the hands in harmony with the feet). When the six harmonies are coordinated to create external movement, then the person is in the strongest possible state.

Clear evidence about Xing Yi exists only from the 17th century, the time of Chi Long Feng who studied the system in the Tsun Nan mountains in Shanxi province and is considered the modern father of Xing Yi. Long Feng was a warrior renowned for his skill with the use of the spear, and it is assumed that based on this knowledge he developed Xing Yi as an unarmed fighting style for "civilian" use.

Chi Long Feng had two very famous students. One of them was Cao Ji Wu and the other was Ma Xue Li. After studying for twelve years under Chi Long Feng, Cao Ji Wu registered for the Imperial Martial Examinations and won first place. It was the greatest honor one could earn as a martial artist in ancient China because a victory guaranteed a high-ranking military appointment, so the best warriors from all over the country signed up for the exams.

During the following years, Cao Ji Wu taught the system to two famous brothers, Dai Long Bang and Dai Lin Bang, who are credited with the practical and theoretical development of the system. One of their well-known students, who is considered one of the most prominent and strongest Xing Yi warriors of all time, was Li Lao Nang who was nicknamed "Divine Fist Li" and even served as a bodyguard for several wealthy families.

Li Lao Nang's most famous student was the fearsome Guo Yun Shen, who is said to have defeated all of his opponents using his famous Peng Chuan, and even spent some time in detention after killing one of his opponents in battle.

Master Wong Fu Lai said that he heard about the incident from Grand Master Wong Shu Jin: "One day Guo came to the city where a famous martial arts teacher lived. That teacher demanded that Guo prove his skills to him. Guo refused, but that teacher insisted until finally, Guo had to defend himself and as a result hurt that teacher. The ruler of the city got angry and ordered to imprison Guo. Guo spent three years in prison with his hands and feet chained. As soon as he came out of prison he was challenged by a student of that teacher. Many people gathered, not only because Guo's name was known far and wide but Also because they knew that Guo had spent three years in prison, chained, without being able to train. The disciple attacked, and Guo responded, and threw the disciple eight meters away, where he collapsed and fell. Guo used the Xing Yi Tiger Movement, the only movement he could practice with chains."

Guo Yun Shen had a number of prominent students, including Zhang Zhao Dong, teacher of Grand Master Wong Shu Jin. When Grand Master Wong Shu Jin emigrated to Taiwan, he also brought Xing Yi with him and was one of the first teachers who agreed to teach the system to Westerners who stayed there so that they could spread it around the world.

The Five Elements And The Twelve Animals

Although during the years that Xing Yi has existed, many and varied styles have developed, the basis of most of them remains the same. The system is divided into two main training sets: the five elements and the twelve animals. These training sets form a technical basis and include the most important techniques. Training them is the key to understanding Xing Yi and acquiring the important physical and mental skills to apply in battle.

The five elements: The five elements in Xing Yi are the most basic form of training in any style, and form the heart of the system. From a practical point of view, each element represents one of the main directions of force:

Pi Chuan is a forward and downward cutting force.
Chuan Chuan is a force that pushes forward and upward.
Peng Chuan is a forward crushing force.
Pao Chuan is a force that is fired from the inside out.
Hong Chuan is a force that crosses from outside to inside.

Each of the five elements also represents one of the elements in Chinese medicine: Pi Chuan – Metal, Chuan Chuan – Water, Peng Chuan – Wood, Pao Chuan – Fire, Hong Chuan – Earth.

Practicing the five elements is repetitive and is done with the aim of combining maximum accuracy, maximum swing, and maximum concentration to achieve the most explosive power in each stroke. Although it may seem simple, it takes a lot of time and many repetitions to master each of the five elements and perform it optimally.

The twelve animals: The twelve animals are techniques inspired by the martial characteristics of certain animals. The animals are: tiger, horse, falcon, eagle, bear, snake, crocodile, hawk, rooster, monkey, swallow, dragon.

The twelve animals techniques do not attempt to accurately imitate the movement of the animals, but to translate it into a practical idea. A closer look at the movements reveals that they represent attack techniques for different target areas of the body, thus complementing the techniques of the five elements.

Weapons: Since Xing Yi was developed for the purpose of training soldiers on the battlefield, it also contains training in traditional weapons such as short stick, long stick, straight sword, spear, and dao sword. Although today there is no practical use for these weapons, training with them develops important physical skills and sharpens the understanding of fighting techniques and tactics even with empty hands, which is why they are kept as an integral part of the system.

From The Battlefield To Self Defense

The strategy of the Xing Yi is based on ending a combat confrontation in the fastest and most efficient way possible, therefore the nature of the system is simple and direct. This approach produces an energetic and dynamic training that helps gain a deeper understanding of how to create explosive power through a combination of proper movement and focus.

The principles of training Xing Yi are influenced by situations on the battlefield of ancient China where the soldiers encountered armed warriors wearing armor. Therefore, there was a preference for uncomplicated movement, hitting precise points on the opponent's body where he is less protected. In such encounters, excellent timing had a decisive meaning, therefore working on timing is still an important component of training.

Due to its martial nature, Xing Yi is an excellent system for self defense. When an opponent attacks, the aggressive nature of the Xing Yi dictates a purposeful, fast, powerful and well-timed counterattack. Similarities can be found between Xing Yi and modern systems of self defense such as Krav Maga, mainly in the aspect of using several strong and continuous attacks one after the other in order to overwhelm the opponent, prevent him from regrouping and thus ending the fight quickly.

Xing Yi is a martial art born on the battlefield. Although face-to-face fights are rare today, violent situations can occur. Xing Yi training provides a hands-on approach to real fighting ability.

Modern Approach To Xing Yi Training

In addition to the martial qualities of the Xing Yi, it also has health and other benefits. The modern training approach at the Israeli Tai Chi center emphasizes not only fighting but also, and mainly, personal development.

Xing Yi training develops posture, balance and movement skills. Thanks to its relative intensity, it improves physical fitness and stimulates blood circulation, and the emphasis on full focus on each and every movement results in improved concentration abilities.

Xing Yi is a training suitable for beginner students as well, since the number of basic movements in it is not large and they are not complex to learn. Within a short time of training, even a beginner student can master the basic skills of Xing Yi and start learning more complex techniques.

Our learning approach at the Israeli Tai Chi Center makes Xing Yi training suitable for everyone. A dynamic workout full of movement, joy and fun.