China Arts Association

Practitioners of Xing Yi Quan aim to unite movement with mind so that they can achieve the ultimate expression of internal power. Each of the 5 elements fists has its own way of expressing power.

The philosophy of Xing Yi Five elements fists follows the philosophy of the five elements – metal, wood, water, fire, earth. The practice philosophy of Xing Yi follows the idea of the elements giving birth to each other– metal gives birth to water, water gives birth to wood, wood gives birth to fire, fire gives birth to earth, earth gives birth metal, whereas the fighting philosophy of Xing Yi follows the idea of the elements cancelling out each other - metal cancels wood, wood cancels earth, earth cancels water, water cancels fire.

Pi Quan

When Yin and Yang met they created a force – like thunder and lightning. Pi Quan should be like lightning striking the ground. Its power rises up and then comes down with speed, like an axe cutting down. Some people think that the power is focused in the finger by the little finger, whereas some think it is focused at the base of the palm.

Zuan Quan

After the thunder and lightning the clouds gather as it prepares to rain. Metal gives birth to water. Zuan is like a light shower of rain turning in to a fierce downpour – it starts slowly and becomes more and more powerful. Therefore, Zuan follows the principle that within softness lies power, so it should start softly with power being applied at the end. The mind is focused on the little finger which leads the fist as it rises up and ensures that the arm is twisted as it makes the Zuan motion (see extra notes on Zuan Quan).

Beng Quan

After the rain has passed, the seeds, plants and trees are refreshed– water gives birth to wood. So Beng Quan is like seeds sprouting through the soil – pushing straight upwards. Beng’s power is both internal and external with the mind focused at the front of the fist.

Pao Quan

When the level of Yang in wood reaches a high enough point, it starts to burn – wood gives birth to fire. As soon as fire starts it raises up fiercely. So Pao’s level of power should be like that released by an avalanche, with the mind focused at the front of the fist.

Heng Quan

After a tree has burnt its ashes are dispersed back into the land giving birth to new life. Everything comes from the earth. As it extends out from the body, Heng Quan has the appearance of being straight, but it can be applied both left and right. Its power is like a river breaking is banks during a flood. The mind is focused in the acupuncture point in the middle of the palm. Therefore, when practicing Heng Quan, the horizontal nature of fist should not be made obvious – if it is then it is not real Heng Quan. The intent is contained but not shown.