XingYi Quan
History and Background
Xingyi has about 400 years of history. It’s recorded that Ji Long Feng who lived in Yongji zun cun, Shanxi province,obtained a copy of “The Theory of Fist” written by Yue Fei who was a national hero. He met with Yue Fei when Ji Long Feng visited the great Kung Fu artists living in the Zhongnan Mountains in Shanxi province. There Ji Long Feng saw two cocks fight each other, from which he got the inspiration to change spear techniques into fist techniques, creating Xinyi six combination fist.
XinYi Fist emphasizes six combinations: three internal combinations and three external combinations. The three internal combinations are the combinations between heart and consciousness, consciousness and internal Qi and internal Qi and internal strength. The three external combinations are the combinations between hands and feet, elbows and knees and shoulders and hips. All of these parts join together as one. Xing Yi fist was developed from “Xin Yi fist” by Li Ruo Neng. Xing Yi fist studied the ancient significance of Yin Yang carefully and centres around “coordinating internal organs and points.” Combining 12 kinds of animals' important techniques, such as their physical movements and absorbing their spirits through imitation, this fist form became known as “Xing Yi Quan” or Shape/will boxing.
It is a very direct style designed to attack the opponent with explosive footwork and combined techniques of attack. One Xing Yi principle states that "on meeting the opponent, movement is like an exploding volcano". Xing Yi is suitable for students of all levels.
The 5 Elements fists are the fundamental fists of Xing Yi, and are based on the 5 elements in ancient Chinese philosophy- Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. They are also rich in the characteristics of yin and yang- opposing, mutual, declining and growing, turning and transforming.
The 5 elements are also, linked to respective organs of the body on Chinese medicine. Xing Yi principles state that practice of each fist can strengthen the respective organ of the body.
It can strengthen the body externally and internally, and develop the coordinated unity of the external body and the internal- Qi, power and mind. After continual practice of the 5 Elements Fists, the practitioner will obtain the power that derives from technical movements rather than physical strength, and the ability to react with coordinated lightning speed in a defense situation.
Splitting Fist(pi quan)
Represents metal, Improves lungs | 
Arrow Fist(beng quan)
Represents wood, Improves liver | 
Drilling Fist(zuan quan)
Represents water, Improves kidneys |
Cannon Fist(pao quan)
Represents fire, Improves heart | 
Horizontal Fist(heng quan)
Represents earth, Improves spleen |
The main contents of Xingyi fist are the Five Elements fist, 12 forms fist and Eight Words Fist. The weapons in Xingyi fist are broadsword, straightsword, spear and staff.
XingYi forms we teach here:
| Form name in Pinyin | English translation |
| Xingyi wuxing quan | Xingyi Five Elements Fist |
| Xingyi wuxing lianhuan quan | Xingyi Five Elements Continuous Fist |
| Xingyi shi er xing quan | Xingyi Twelve Shapes Fist |
| Xingyi gua de feng | Xingyi Blow The Ground |
| Xingyi maxing pao | Xingyi Horse Cannon |
| Xingyi sanshou shi er shi | Xingyi Sanshou 12 form |
| Xingyi ba zi quan | Xingyi Eight Words Fist |
| Xingyi wuxing pao | Xingyi Five Elements Spear |
| Xingyi wuxing lianhuan pao | Xingyi Five Elements Continuous Spear |
| Xingyi gun | Xingyi Staff |
| Xingyi lianhuan dao | Xingyi Continuous Broadsword |