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ABOUT HSING
YI CHUAN
Thank
you to Brent Hamby for sharing this article
EBM Kung Fu Academy
www.kungfu.net/
Hsing
I Ch'uan translates to "form and intention boxing" or "body-mind
boxing". The history of Hsing I Ch'uan is unclear. One account
credits Boddhidarma with its creation; while others credit general
Yeuh Fei of the Northern Sung Dynasty (960-1127). Hence, it is
unclear whether Hsing I Ch'uan is a Taoist art like T'ai Chi
Ch'uan or a Buddhist art of the Shaolin temple. Chances are that
it was developed by many masters both Taoist and Buddhist over
an extended period of time. Like T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Hsing I Ch'uan
is considered an internal art.
The three major schools
of Hsing I Ch'uan are Honan, Shansi, and  Hopei.
Sun style Hsing I Ch'uan was developed by Sun Lu Tang, who learned
the Hopei style from Guo Yun Shen. Hence, Sun Style is an out
growth of the Hopei school, many consider Sun Lu Tang to be the
highest level master of Hopei style Hsing I Ch'uan that has ever
lived.The core of the training
in Hsing I Ch'uan are the Five Elements:
1.Pi Ch'uan (splitting
fist)
2.Tsun Ch'uan (drilling fist)
3.Bong Ch'uan (crushing fist)
4.Pao Ch'uan (pounding fist)
5.Heng Ch'uan (crossing fist)
The Five Elements are
the foundation of Hsing I Ch'uan and this cannot be emphasized
enough. After one has reached proficiency in the five elements,
the next two forms are "fighting forms" which are
done with a partner. The first fighting form utilizes three
elements
done in sequence, the next utilizes all five elements, these
develop the techniques into practical application. The next
solo forms are:
1.Lien Huan (linking
five elements)
2.Pat Sik (eight methods) Following the linking
forms are the twelve animal forms: 1.Hawk
2.Swallow
3.Rooster
4.Dove
5.Snake
6.Tiger
7.Bear and Eagle
8.Turtle
9.Horse
10.Monkey
11.Dragon
Following the twelve
animals, is the twelve animals linking (Chop Sik Choy) form
which develops the ability to link different techniques together in
various ways. The final fighting set is the "fighting animal
two man form" (En Tsan Pao) which is the essential form
for developing real Hsing I fighting ability. The final aspect of
Hsing I training is the Hsing I two handed sword. Since the Hsing
I sword is much like the Japanese samurai sword, it is possible
that the Hsing I style of swordsmanship is the true origin of
the samurai style. The sword is practiced in a similar fashion
to the five elements. There are five forms to the Hsing I sword,
as well as countless two person fighting forms.
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