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Xinyi Liuhe Quan, translated as “Fist of Mind, Intention and Six Harmonies”, is a classical internal style of Chinese martial arts. It is sometimes also referred to as Henan branch of Xingyiquan and while it shares some historical background with it’s other relative branches of Shanxi and Hebei Xingyiquan, it was for a long time mainly practiced by the Chinese Moslems and started to be spread more widely during the 20th century. It focuses on short, fast and powerful movements to neutralize the opponent. Xinyi Liuhe Quan is based on ten animal forms, which are organized in to different routines. There are also routines such as “upper four seizes”, “ten forms combined”, “horizontal open three imperial locks” etc.

The basic practice of xinyi liuhe is three-old-basic-fist: Long Diao Bang (“dragon hanging shoulders”), Cai Ji Bu (“trampling chicken stepping”) and Yao Shou Ba (”shaking hand grip”). These three forms together reflect four animal features in martial arts: dragon body, chicken leg and feet, bear shoulders and tiger head. They strengthen your lower body stance and enhance your fa li (skill of releasing or issuing explosive force).

The movements of xinyi liuhe should be very clear and precise. They should be very powerful, fierce, quick and compact and they should clearly display the characteristics of chicken legs, dragon body, bear shoulders and tiger head.

Liuhe refers to the very important aspect of the three external (wai san he) and three internal (nei san he) combinations resulting in a total of six (liu) combinations. Externally one should combine hands with feet, elbows with knees and shoulders with the kuas (the joints and surrounding areas of the hips). Internally one should integrate and combine mind (xin) with intent (yi), intent with energy (qi) and energy with strength (li). These combinations should be combined to deliver whole body force (zheng jin or zheng li) to all parts of the body and all the way out to palms and feet. The concept of liuhe is of course not only important to xinyi liuhe but also for Xingyiquan as well as Liuhe Bafa and the other internal styles.

Master Gao’s movements in xinyi liuhe clearly shows his diligence and long practice with basics as well as a deeper understanding of theory and practice. His basic three forms in xinyi liuhe have very clear movements and every step is as powerful as rolling thunder and can penetrate bricks. Both internal and external sanhe is combined to deliver full body power all the way out to the outer reaches of his body. As he moves the animal characteristics are clearly expressed and his whole being radiates the power and fierce nature of xinyi liuhe.

For more information regarding Xinyi Liuhe Quan you can visit the excellent sites of Emptyflower, China From Inside or Wikipedia.