China Arts Association

The 5 Elements fists are the fundamental or 'mother' fists of Xing Yi, and are based on the properties of the 5 elements in acient Chinese philosophy- Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. They are also rich in the characteristics of yin and yang- opposing, mutual, declining and growing, turning and transforming.

Each element has its own individual style of fist play.
Metal Splitting Fist (Pi Quan)
Wood Arrow Fist (Beng Quan)
Water Drilling Fist (Zuan Quan)
Fire Canon Fist (Pao Quan)
Earth Horizontal Fist (Heng Quan)

Each element has a related shape or 'form' (Xing). According to the Xing Yi principle that, "Intention comes from Form," the 'intention'' of the movement is first invoked in its "form". The fists are then physical movements shaped on the image of the Element that they represent.
Splitting Fist (Pi Quan) Axe
Arrow Fist (Beng Quan) Arrow
Drilling Fist (Zuan Quan) Lightning
Canon Fist (Pao Quan) Canon
Horizontal Fist (Heng Quan) Hoe

The 5 elements are also the basis of Chinese medicine, where they are linked to respective organs of the body, as shown below: Xing Yi principles state that practice of each fist strengthens the respective organ of the body.
Splitting Fist (Pi Quan) Lungs
Arrow Fist (Beng Quan) Liver
Drilling Fist (Zuan Quan) Kidney
Canon Fist (Pao Quan) Heart
Horizontal Fist (Heng Quan) Spleen

Why study the 5 Elements Fists?

The purpose of the study of the 5 Elements Fists is to strengthen the body, externally and internally, and to develop the coordinated unity of the external body (i.e. the limbs) and the internal- qi, power and mind. After continual practice of the 5 Elements Fists, the practitioner will develop power that derives from technical movement rather than physical strength, along with the ability to react with coordinated ligtening speed in a defence situation.

A summary of the properties of the 5 Elements Fists

While it is interesting to know the background of the philsophy behind the 5 Elements Fists, it is important not to place too much emphasis on it. Stress should be placed on the practice of the fists being in strict accordance with the traditional principles of Xing Yi. You can read more about these principles in our Xing Yi articles and Technical pages.