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)

Xing Yi Quan evolved from Xin Yi Quan (Heart and Intention Boxing) otherwise known as Liu He Xin Yi Quan (6 Harmonies Heart and Intention Boxing). Any discussion of the origins of Xing Yi Quan should start with a look at the origins of Liu He Xin Yi Quan.

There are several theories as to the origins of Xin Yi Quan and scholars are unable to agree on one theory. Here we will try to bring some clarity to the various theories.

The Origin of Xin Yi Quan

Theory 1 : The Bodiharma from India created Xin Yi Quan