Xing Yi Quan Xie Jing Jie. Part 1

Author: Di Guoyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: This book is titled "Xingyi Quan Xie Jing Jie" (Comprehensive Explanation of Xingyi Quan and Equipment), which clearly indicates its content. At the same time, it sets the tone for the entire book with three "whole" concepts. "Xing" and "Yi" refer to the external form and internal intention of the human body, forming a whole; "Quan" and "Xie" refer to the empty-hand and weapon techniques in martial arts, forming another whole; and "Quan Xie" and "Jing Jie" refer to the practice and theory in the process of understanding, forming yet another whole. The title itself highlights the author's focus on the whole, with the entire book centered on this principle. Through these three "wholes," the "Comprehensive Explanation of Xingyi Quan and Equipment" not only presents a relatively complete system of Xingyi Quan techniques but also clarifies the standards and methods for achieving "whole" in Xingyi Quan. What is particularly valuable is that the author, based on his four decades of practice, addresses the current state of Xingyi Quan popularization, pointing out key points and correcting overlooked issues in the pursuit and practice of "whole." In summary, the book writes from the perspective of the whole, maintains the focus on the whole throughout, neither deviating from the overall nature of Xingyi Quan nor neglecting the key aspects within it. The "Comprehensive Explanation of Xingyi Quan and Equipment" is not only a textbook that guides readers to learn and practice Xingyi Quan step by step but also an introductory book that reveals the cultural essence of Xingyi Quan through its holistic perspective. It is also a reference book that guides practitioners to experience the "holistic view" of traditional Chinese culture through Xingyi Quan training. To meet the current needs of the booming martial arts development, with the strong support and assistance of the People's Sports Publishing House, I compiled this "Comprehensive Explanation of Xingyi Quan and Equipment." This book is divided into two volumes. The first volume mainly covers the Five Elements Fist, the Twelve Forms, and traditional routines; the second volume mainly includes the sword, spear, broadsword, staff, and the Eight Characters Skill. The first volume consists of seven chapters:
Chapter 1: The Origin of Xingyi Quan.
Chapter 2: Stances, introducing five stances, primarily the Three-Body Posture. It not only explains the origin and meaning of the Three-Body Posture but also provides detailed instructions on the key points and specific requirements for each part. The smashing stance is a long-practice, fast-achieving stance, while the Hunyuan stance focuses on health and relaxation. The Dragon-Suppressing and Tiger-Falling stances emphasize the correctness of the frame structure and the harmony of power, both externally and internally, training the mind, intention, breath, and spirit.
Chapter 3: The Five Elements Fist, focusing on the power of each technique. Integrated power is one of the most distinctive features of Xingyi Quan. It provides detailed analysis and explanation on the source of power for each movement, how different parts coordinate, the key areas, and how to generate integrated power. It also introduces the breathing methods for the Five Elements Fist, ensuring coordination between movement and breath.
Chapter 4: The Twelve Forms, highlighting the intention and atmosphere that should be carried during practice. In the practice of Xingyi Quan techniques, without intention to guide, it is merely "form fist." Currently, there is a tendency to overemphasize form and neglect intention. When practicing, what kind of intention should be carried? How should it guide the practice? Practicing Xingyi Quan cannot be without intention; it should emphasize both "form" and "intention." In practice, the intention determines the power, and the atmosphere determines the skill.
Chapters 5 and 6 are traditional routines and paired exercises, fully preserving the folk traditional methods, while adding personal insights on power and intention.
Chapter 7: Personal Insights on Learning and Practicing, which can only serve as a starting point for others.