Xing-Yi Quan: Body-Mind Boxing
Xing-yi Quan is another soft, or internal martial art, which is often
mentioned in the same breath as Taijiquan, despite being different in many
ways. Like Taijiquan the training emphasizes the development of qi, or
energy, however, the movements of xing-yi quan are dynamic and powerful, and
the fighting philosophy is not passive, like that of Taijiquan.
It is possibly the
oldest martial art still in existence in china. Xing-yi quan was developed in
imitation of the fighting techniques and spirit of twelve animals. There are
different schools of xing-yi quan which promote different animal styles, but
the standard form consists of the dragon, tiger, horse, money, chicken,
harrier, Chinese ostrich, swallow, eagle, bear, water lizard and snake. Each
animal must be understood in terms of its shape and intention or idea.
Before studying the animal forms, the student must start with the five
punches that are building blocks of xing-yi quan. The five punches are Pi,
Beng, Zuan, Pao, and Heng; each one must be studied in turn until perfect. In
general, each punch is practiced while stepping up and down in a straight
line and then put together into a linking set. Each punch represents one of
the five elements of Chinese philosophy: Pi (metal), Beng (wood), Zuan
(water), Pao (fire) and Heng (earth).
The punches reflect the cycle of
conquest and creation implicit in the life of the five elements: fire
conquers metal, metal conquers wood, wood conquers earth, earth conquers
water and water conquers fire. Alternatively fire produces earth, earth
produces metal, metal produces water, water produces wood and wood produces
fire.
Xing-yi quan is performed in a relaxed state, emphasizing a calm but
observant mind. The movements are quick, intelligent and direct, assisted to
their target by a body that must unite all its movements into a threaded
whole. Training in the art is punishing and consists of many postures that
must be held for a long time in order to develop qi. Attacks are generally
met with force rather than with evasive maneuvering like Bagua Zhang,
teachers of xing-yi quan are hard to find and are often reticent about the
art.
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