Xingyiquan

Form & Intention Boxing

Focused Discipline

Xingyiquan is not merely a martial art, it is a method for developing an extremely focused and disciplined mind. Through the repetition of its relatively simple, direct movements, the practitioner cultivates a unified intention (Yi) that directs the body's power.

This internal unity manifests as explosive power, but its root lies in the stillness and clarity of the mind.

The Five Elements

The foundation of Xingyiquan lies in the Five Fists (Wu Xing), each corresponding to an elemental phase and a specific internal energy.

The Twelve Animals

Beyond the Five Elements, the Twelve Animals (Shi Er Xing) expand the practitioner's range of movement and intent, embodying the qualities and characteristics associated with them.

San Ti Shi

At the heart of Xingyiquan is San Ti Shi (Trinity Posture), the foundation from which all movements in Xingyiquan emerge. San Ti is the fundamental standing practice studied within the syllabus. Many hours spent refining the principles embodied in this posture are a key component to progression in Xingyiquan.

"The opponent's flesh looks yummy, says your glaring eyes."
- Someone who practiced too much San Ti Shi

The Six Harmonies

True power in Xingyi is not muscular effort, but the result of Liu He, the Six Harmonies. Three external connections tie the physical frame together: shoulders with hips, elbows with knees, and hands with feet.

Three internal connections unite the mind and energy: the heart (Xin) unites with the intent (Yi), the intent unites with the Qi, and the Qi unites with the power (Jin).

When these six harmonies synchronize, the body moves as one integrated unit. There is no separation between thought and action, between the striking hand and the foot.

Spear Training

Xingyiquan's origins are rooted in the spear. The linear, explosive power of the five fists is directly derived from the thrusting and blocking techniques of the spear.

Training with the spear cultivates a unified body structure and extends the practitioner's intent beyond the physical limits. It teaches how to focus power into a single point, enhancing the penetrating power of the Five Fists.