China Arts Association

Zhang Style Xingyi is based on the principles of traditional Lie He Quan (6 Harmonies Fist) and Xingyi Quan. Master Zhang searched through all available materials on Lie He Quan and Xingyi Quan and took what he considered to be the most effective techniques for fighting and developing kungfu.

Power is a term found in all types of Wushu, each having their own independent styles and characteristics of power. Xingyi, known as one of the three major Internal styles, has its own distinct style of power. The execution of Xingyi movements has to be done according to the style’s regulations: the head held erect and pushing upwards, relaxed shoulders, elbows pointed downwards, fists held up, wrists sunk down, the chest empty and the back raised up, the buttocks pulled back and the anus raised etc.

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

This article discusses the issue of the height of the body during the practice of Tai Ji, and why maintaining a constant height throughout is important.