形意拳

Xíngyì quán is a powerful and direct form of internal martial arts training developed from body mechanics associated to the practice of the spear. Ji Longfeng (姬龍峰 1588–1662) is the founder of Xíngyì quán; he was inspired by Yue Fei (岳飛) who wrote the "Ten Theses of Xingyiquan" during the 11th century. Li Luoneng (李洛能 1807–1888) is considered the founder of what today is called Hebei Style Xingyiquan.

The Xíngyì quán I practice as part of YCGF is in this lineage of practice, through Zhang Zhaodong to Han Muxia.

Five elemental fist practice (wuxing quan) develops specific methods of jin, each associated to a particular kind of force. These five jin are then combined when expressing tactics arranged in the twelve animal forms (shi er xing). Xingyi is different from other methods of Chinese boxing in that it is the mind or intent (yi) of the animal that is cultivated in each form, rather than mimicing specific movements. This is why certain mythical animals, such as the dragon and pheonix are seen in its curriculum. The elemental practice is often called yì quán and the animal practice is often called xíng quán; they are like two wheels of a cart.

In Xíngyì quán, first we train to develop a clear expression of cultivated force called ming jin. This is clear but is not initially hard or strong; power will arise over time and our task to is recognize when it does and cultivate that specific feeling. Over time, we smooth and connect our motions and our force becomes hidden. This is called an jin. We focus on storing jin (xu jin) and over time the energy we cultivate dissolves into emptiness, called hua jin. At that point the practitioner can express many skills associated to softer internal martial arts.

Curriculum

I practice foundational pile standing practice called santishi, the five elemental fists, twelve animal forms, ten step elemental linking form, mixed skills form (zashi chui), partner drills (including the five element creation and destruction cycle) and weapons practice (five element jian, dao, and qiang).

Bibliography

  1. Shengli, L., 2006. Combat techniques of Taiji, Xingyi and Bagua: Principles and practices of internal martial arts. Blue Snake Books.
  2. Wang, Mu, 2011. Foundations of Internal Alchemy: The Taoist Practice of Neidan. Translated by Pregadio, Fabrizio. Golden Elixir Press.