Xingyiquan
Xingyiquan is one of the classical internal styles in Chinese martial arts. It has three main branches being Hebei, Shanxi and Henan xingyi or as it often is called Xinyi Liuhe Quan. Their common origin is clouded in legends but there are written records dating them to at least the 18th century. The name of Xingyiquan is often literally translated as “form intent boxing”. As the other two major internal martial arts, Baguazhang and Taijiquan, it too holds a strong connection to the Chinese philosophies of yin and yang as well as the five elements. Among the three internal arts, Xingyiquan uses the hardest force and use mostly powerful stable linear movements with emphasis on vertical power usage and simultaneous attack and defence.
The practice of xingyi often begins with a standing meditation practice called San Ti Shi. Next step is the five elements forms (wu xing mu quan) containing pi quan, zuan quan, beng quan, pao quan, heng quan. Xingyi practice further contains many more exercises, for instance five elemental phases connect (wu xing lian huan quan) and twelve animal forms (shier xing quan). Also two-person forms and weapon exercises are important. One important basic power practice is big spear or Tong Da Gan (“stabbing big spear”, spear should be roughly 3,2-3,6 meters long). In fact, it is often said that the movements of xingyi were originally based on the movements of the spear. Practicing spear, not only big spear, can really deepen once understanding of the body usage in xingyi.
Xingyi’s five elements should be very stable and solid. The breath and movements of opening and closing, stretching out and withdrawing, movements of up and down should all be very smooth, well timed and appropriately applied.
After closely studying very hard with his master and based on his own extensive experience of practicing and teaching, master Gao confirms what his teacher always told him. The five elemental forms are very basic for Xingyiquan, and pi quan is the most important among them. It contains essentials of Xingyiquan, such as stance (zhuang fa), stepping (bu fa), body technique (shen fa), methods of internal and external practice (gong fa). Also, having sufficient knowledge about the principles and theories of Xingyiquan is very necessary.
Xingyi training and power content in movements is often described in stages or levels of practice. Ming jin, obvious power, an jin, hidden power and hua jin, transformed power. Ming jin, should be very powerful and crisp, the steps quick, stable and agile. An jin, should be like waves under the sea with the power coming from the bottom or from the back, but going upwards or forwards strongly.
Master Gao’s movements in xingyi fully embody all these requirements. His stepping is unique with the agility and stability from snake and chicken feet stepping. With his applications of different powers and body movements, he truly expresses the essence of Xingyiquan.
For more information regarding Xingyiquan you can visit the excellent sites of Emptyflower, China From Inside or Wikipedia.