There are 3 major Chinese internal martial arts: Tai Chi Chuan, and Baguazhang (Bagua for short), and Xingyiquan. All three are strongly influenced by Daoism, as well as military, religious, philosophical, and cultural Chinese traditions. Each has some similarities yet some very distinct characteristics.
Xingyiquan (pronunced “sing-e-chewen)is also known as Straight Line Boxing. It is classified as a Daoist Wudang style martial art based on Heart-Intent Boxing or XinYiQuan. Traditionally, Xingyiquan fighting used weapons, starting with the spear and progressing to shorter weapons (straight sword and sabre) until students eventually learned to fight empty handed. Chinese soldiers and bodyguards preferred this form for hundred of years.
Xingyiquan uses the five element theory, five basic fist movements, and consists of aggressive, straight-line attacks both barehanded and with weapons. Xingyiquan is mainly a close-range system simultaneously attacking and defending. The goal is a quick takedown by a single burst after quickly reaching the opponent. It’s fairly easy to see the influence of prior spear fighting techniques. Xingyiquan also has a health aspect as do most of the internal martial arts. The health benefits are stress reduction, flexibility, better balance, increased vascular circulation, and increased longevity.
The earliest written records of Xingyiquan date back to the 18th century. Xingyiquan, created by Master Li, Luo-Neng, literally translates to “Form-Intent Boxing”. Li, Luo Neng was assisted by Che, Yi-Zhai. Grandmaster Che added even more components to the original system by adding two-person forms, as well as a large number of internal power training methods. Che placed a strong emphasis on function whether it be external combat or internal power. At a later time, Grandmaster Han, Mu-Xia combined strong points of Xingyiquan with some Bagua aspects to improve the flexibility of the system in combat.
The system was passed down several times and eventually was taught all over China. As with most internal (as well as external) martial arts, there are many different forms, lineages, styles, and sub-styles.
What Xingyiquan and Tai Chi (plus Bagua) have in common: the importance of having correct body alignment, muscles that are relaxed (without tension), softening the body, using the mind to develop and direct power, and the necessity of having a strong root. Training is also done in slow movements.
According to the basics, Xingyiquan consists of one standing posture with five movements. Lest, you are thinking that this is a simple system, do understand that Xingyiquan is as complex as any other internal martial arts system. Whereas in Tai Chi, power is delivered from the Dantian area, in Xingyiquan force is directed from the floor.
Xingyiquan, unlike Tai Chi, seeks to drive the opponent to the ground as soon as possible with bursts of speed. Training techniques are developed along five planes of movement. These five techniques teach practitioners how to deliver internal power in different directions according to your mind and intention.
Physical training, including two-person sparring, strengthens the body . For internal energy, students practice traditional standing meditation. Externally, a skilled Xingyiquan practitioner will look like he or she is standing naturally. However, inside they possess coiled compressions and are prepared to spring forward. Movements are efficient and economical. Spirals and circular movements are small and not obvious to the untrained eye.
Xingyiquan instructors study for five years to understand the Xingyiquan Classics that explain the core principles. Some schools require a familiarity with human anatomy, physiology, and bio-mechanics. Like all good instructors, the health and safety of the students is vital. “Experts” state that Xingyiquan cannot be effectively taught on line, through books, videos, or DVD programs. These should be used as guides/reminders after in-person training.
According to Ken Gillette who has studied internal and external martial arts: “Xingyi is not really a defensive art. The goal is not to take an opponent's energy and neutralize it. The purpose of Xingyi is to drive through your opponent like a bowling ball through bowling pins.”
This certainly differentiates it from the internal martial arts that most of us have been studying. And definitely one I would not want to spar with!