Xingyiquan Training
Xingyiquan consists of 5 forces or Wu Hsing and 12 animals as its primary basis. The 5 forces, which develop kinetic potential also have a correspondence to the 5 elements of traditional Chinese medicine. They are:
1) Pi - Splitting
2) Tsuan - Drilling
3) Peng - Penetrating or Crushing
4) Pao - Pounding
5) Heng - Crossing
The 12 animals are Horse, Hawk, Eagle/Bear, Cockerel, Snake, Tortoise, Chicken, Phoenix, Swallow, Monkey, Tiger, and Dragon. Xingyiquan uses a full range of motion with “Seven Star” strikes from the fists, elbows, shoulders, head, hips, knee, and feet. Xingyi also employs grappling, locks, traps, and throws for a highly adaptive and powerful method of self-defense.