Xing Yi Quan

In order to survive in often times a violent and harsh environment, animals have developed the ability to protect themselves from natural dangers and other animals. This instinctual ability is shared by all wild animals. These abilities require physical strength, a perceptive nervous system, and a highly alert spirit. We humans have lost most of these natural instincts and fighting abilities. In order to regain these abilities, ancient martial artists have imitated these fighting spirits and techniques of animals, while combining them with the rational minds of human.

Xing Yi Quan was created in resemblance of the fighting techniques and essence of twelve animals. Many credit Marshal Yue Fei to be the creator of Xing Yi Quan, while some believe Da Mo as its original creator. It is one of the three major “internal” (a.k.a. Nèijiā) Chinese martial arts, with the other two being Tai Chi Quan and Bagua Zhang. Xing Yi Quan is characterized by explosive and advancing movements driven by internal power of the body. Some people compare the power of the Xing Yi practitioner to be a giant steel wrecking ball rolling on top of an opponent.

Training of Xing Yi Quan consists of the Five Fists (Pi, Zuan, Beng, Pao and Heng), which form the foundation movements of the fighting system. The Five Fists also correspond to the Five Elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth) in the Book of Changes. After learning the Five Fists, practitioners move onto the Linking Form, which combines the First Fists to help students apply them in a continuous and harmonious fashion. Training also includes the Twelve Shapes or Animal Form of Xing Yi, which are extensions of the Five Fists. The Twelve Animals are Dragon, Bear, Tiger, Horse, Monkey, Turtle, Snake, Eagle, Dove, Falcon, Swallow and Rooster.

Xing Yi Quan develops your internal power through the training of Intent and using it to fuel all movements. The training of Intent will enhance the link of your mind to your body’s physical actions.

Sifu James teaches the Hebei Style of Xing Yi Quan in West Ryde, Sydney using traditional training methods as taught in China over 30 years ago.