What is Hsing Yi?
Hsing Yi/ Xingyi (Chinese: 形意拳; pinyin: Xíng yì quán; Wade-Giles: Hsing I Ch'üan) (Form Intention Boxing) is considered an Internal boxing system developed in China. The art is derived from Spear fighting on the battlefield. It is classified by its practice of outside stillness and internal movements, which the eye can not see.
Hsing Yi Gung-Fu System
The system I have learned is a variant of Hebei Hsing Yi with influence from Pakua Zhang, which is another Chinese internal martial art. In the beginning, the focus is on developing the proper mind and body connection through San Ti Shi practice. The system teaches 5 element fist as having distinct internal power generations that are coupled with 5 external body movements. All 5 elements are taught to later be combined and readily available in the fists at all times.
Zhan Zhuang are static standing postures to build whole-body connection and internal strength. The beginning posture learned is San Ti Shi (3 Trinity Posture).
Nei Gong exercises for loosening fascia and creating better internal connections in the body.
Meditation for mental relaxation and improved spacial awareness.
Self-Defense techniques that can be learned and utilized in a short period of time.
Forms to teach basic combinations and use of 5 elements.
Single and 2-man drills to train body coordination, awareness, and fight application.
Pole Training exercises to help the practitioner work on proper body mechanics, and generate whole body power.
Butterfly Exercises to build and find strength and power through the body.
Gung-Fu Forms
Forms are an integral part of Hsing Yi. The below forms are what I teach in my curriculum.
Wǔháng quán (Wu Shing Quen) 五行拳 (5 Element Fist)
5 element two-person
Zá shì chuí 杂式捶 (Mixed/ Assorted Fist)
Shí'èr shēngxiào quán 十二生肖拳 (12 animals boxing)
Xíng yì wǔháng qiāng (Xingyi Wu Shing Chiang) 形意五行槍 (Xingyi 5-Element Spear)
Xíng yì dāo 形意刀 (Xingyi Saber)
Hsing Yi/ Xingyi Quan is taught in New York City in private and small group settings. This is the best way to transmit this type of martial art due to specific body mechanics that must be followed and understood when first learning the art.