Xingyi Quan (Hsing I Ch'uan) - "Form and Will Boxing"
Xingyi Quan, also called
"Xinyi liuhe Quan" is one of the classic martial art styles of China and is deeply rooted in Daoist philosophy. It was systematized in 1640 by Ji Jike (1604 - 1683 A. D.) out of Shanxi province who is generally known as its founder. Today Xingyi Quan is divided into
three different schools - the Shanxi School, the Hunan School and the Hebei School. While the Shanxi School is the most original style, the Hebei School is the most popular nowadays.
Although Xingyi Quan commonly belongs to the so-called
Inner Styles (neijia quan), it is in no way a soft martial art. Its main characteristic is a firmly rooted
aggressiveness. In contrast to the similar fighting style of Bagua Quan, which solely consists of defensive moves, Xingyi Quan
stresses offense over defense.
Its straightforward moves aim directly at the opponent. There is no hesitating in a fight, the opponent is immediately attacked. Correspondingly, there is no withdrawal and no feint.
According to the basic principle of Xingyi Quan the fighter's energy and mind have to be so strong that he is able to overcome his opponent without any kind of feints.
All movements are based on the
Five Elements (wuxing). From them the five basic techniques of Xingyi Quan are derived:
Piquan, (chopping fist) corresponds to the element metal,
Zuanquan, (drilling fist) corresponds to the element water,
Bengquan, (crushing fist) corresponds to the element wood,
Paoquan, (cannon fist) corresponds to the element fire,
Hengquan, (horizontal fist) corresponds to the element earth.
Thus, in Xingyi Quan the Five Elements are transformed into movements and brought into relation to each other by a dynamic sequence of motions.
Yet, not only the five basic techniques reflect Xingyi Quan's Daoist origin. The
basic stance for all moves, called
Santishi, refers to another essential principle of Chinese philosophy - the principle of the
Three Forces in the universe: Heaven (Tian), Earth (Di) and Man (Ren). Correspondingly Xingyi Quan divides the human body into
three sections: the
head (symbolizing Heaven), the
hands (symbolizing Earth) and the
feet (symbolizing Man).
The Twelve Animal Forms, the Shierxing, also show the Daoist influence on Xingyi Quan. In keeping with the traditions of Daoist masters who sought to comprehend human nature and the way of the universe by closely observing the behaviour of animals, a Xingyi Quan practitioner tries to reach an elevated state of mind by precisely imitating the
twelve animals (dragon, horse, tiger, sparrowhawk, monkey, barn swallow, crocodile, rooster, snake, ostrich, eagle and bear) for discovering the animal's true nature allows him to discover his own human nature. Thus, Xingyi Quan is a martial way of contemplation which is not about mastering an outer form but about cultivating the mind.
The
term "Xingyi Quan" can be explained accordingly.
"Xing" stands for the outer form of the movement, while
"Yi" stands for the mind. "Xing" is the shell for "Yi" which together with "Qi" (the vital energy) forms the "content". Xing, Yi and Qi have to become one, that is the inside and the outside have to complement and support each other like Yin and Yang. If a practitioner reaches this level, he will grasp the true nature of Xingyi Quan.
The following Xingyi Quan forms are currently taught at WuYuan:
- Five Elements and Twelve Animals Basic Techniques (jiben gong)
- Wuxing Lianhuan Quan (exercise for linking the Five Elements)
- Zashichui (Animal-Element-Forms I and II)
- Basic Xingyi Sword Techniques and the Xingyi Sword Compulsory Routine consisting
of 55 movements
- Xingyi Duilian (partner form)
