Adding Xing Yi (形意拳) into our training syllabus

Xing Yi (形意拳) is one of the three major Chinese Internal Martial Arts styles (namely Xing Yi (形意拳), Bagua (八卦掌) and Tai Chi (太极拳)). Xing (形) refers to form or shape and Yi (意) refers to mind or intent. The name illustrates the strong emphasis placed on the motion of the body being subordinate to conscious control. The form the body takes is an external manifestation of the internal state of mind, and is the underlying premise behind Xing Yi as a method of combat.

The direction of movement in Xing Yi forms is predominately linear. Practitioners walk through the forms coordinating the motions of their entire bodies into one focused now. The hands, feet and torso all arrive together and the nose, lead hand and lead foot are aligned along the same vertical axis (三尖相照). The arms are held in front of the body and the practitioner lines up his or her centreline with the opponent’s centreline.

My lineage through Sigung Grand Master Chu Gui Ting, a renowned expert in Hebei Xing Yi (河北形意), possessed a rich knowledge of Xing Yi training system. I have been practicing it since I was in High School. It was always in my mind to introduce the art to our academy.

I have been teaching Xing Yi (形意拳) to a very small group of students for over a year as complimentary training to our core Tai Chi practice. Both my students and I found it is quite beneficial to combine both in our training. For less experienced practitioners, let’s say Tai Chi training is more Ying (阴) and Xing Yi training would be more Yang (阳). Thus there is a balanced training system when combining both elements. Of course, such training is more martial than health-oriented.

Our Xing Yi training will focus on San Ti Stance (三体式), Five Element form (五行拳). Our aim is to develop correct body Structure (结构), unified power (整劲) and right movement (身法).

Our new class begins on 8^th Jan 2017. Come and trial with us.