Xing Yi Quan Practical Techniques

Author: Zhang Tong
Editor-in-Chief: Zhang Chunben et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-08
Features:
Excerpt: Chapter Basic Techniques of Xingyiquan
Xingyiquan is a martial art that combines physical training with combat skills. In terms of its fitness value, it has a very significant effect on the muscles, tendons, bones, and even the nervous system and internal organs of the human body. In terms of its main function, overcoming opponents and self-defense is undoubtedly its essential purpose. Martial arts cannot be separated from combat; otherwise, they lose their life and existence. Xingyiquan originated from practicality and was established for practical needs, and it continues to develop due to practical requirements. All its principles, techniques, and forms are aimed at practical application, and its essence and mysteries lie entirely in sparring and offensive and defensive techniques.
Section Characteristics of Xingyiquan's Offense and Defense
The combat content of Xingyiquan is incredibly rich. Here are a few key characteristics summarized.
1. Lead with Yourself, Dare to Win
This emphasizes the fearless spirit of Xingyiquan in overcoming opponents. "Lead with yourself" means "to meet the enemy with a clear purpose and not fear danger," to look down on the opponent from a strategic perspective and establish a winning confidence. During combat, "seem to have no one in front of you," "see the enemy as if they were weeds, and hit them as if walking." In terms of tactics, it adopts the principles of close attack, fast strikes, advancing without retreating, striking first without hesitation, and moving quickly without delay, fully utilizing one's own technical strengths.
2. Integration of Form and Intent, Seven Kicks in Use
Xingyiquan emphasizes wholeness in two ways:
First, complete movements. It requires mobilizing the entire body's functions, with the head, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, and feet ("seven kicks") all working together to drill into the opponent's circle for close, fast attacks: "If far, attack with the hands; if close, add elbows; if far, use kicks; if close, add knees."
Second, the integration of form and intent. It requires achieving internal and external harmony (i.e., the inner three harmonies of mind-intent, intent-energy, and energy-force, and the outer three harmonies of hands-feet, elbows-knees, and shoulders-hips), guiding energy with intent, driving force with energy, and highly coordinating hands, eyes, body, method, and steps, spirit, energy, and strength. The entire body's strength becomes a unified force, emitting extremely powerful destructive power. For example, the "Pushing Palm" in the "Sixteen Grips" combines hands and elbows to strike the opponent's heart; the "Sudden Horse Whip" uses three strikes in combination—leg squeezing, hip striking, and hand chopping—to directly target the opponent's vital points.