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Martial Arts

Xing Yi Quan

Xing Yi Quan: Daoist Art of Inner Transformation

Xing Yi Quan, along with Ba Gua Zhang, and Tai Ji Quan, is one of the Chinese Internal Martial Arts, or Nei Jia
Quan (Internal Boxing Arts). The oldest of the Internal Arts, Xing Yi is known for its efficient and direct self-
defense maneuvers.

Xing Yi Quan has five key movements, known as The Five Elements, or The Five Fists. Each of the Five Fists
has a specific internal action and intention that is both combative and strengthens the internal organs.

Literally translated as “Form-Intention Boxing”, Xing Yi Quan emphasizes internal movement within external
stillness. Practicing Xing Yi trains the practitioner to actualize the instinctive, hair-trigger reactions of the
human body in direct, powerful movements. Xing Yi training focuses on natural, integrated movement, whole
body breathing, and the movement of Qi (vital energy), rather than external technique.

The foundation of Xing Yi is Qi Cultivation. Cultivating Qi helps the body develop inner strength and a focused
intention. The postures and movements of Xing Yi Quan simultaneously arouse and enliven the Qi, so that
there is no gap between intention and action, and the body’s energy pathways (meridians) are unblocked and
free-flowing. In this way Xing Yi training develops a sensitized awareness of transformation, change and
internal connection.

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Master Li Gui Chang (1913-1999) performing Pi Quan

Xing Yi Quan as Daoist Inner Alchemy

Xing Yi Quan is a method of Daoist Inner Alchemy that integrates body, mind and spirit, allowing a return to
one’s Natural Self, characterized by True Mind, True Spirit and True Action. Xing Yi Quan is also a very
powerful Daoist health practice that promotes longevity and dispels illness. Because Xing Yi exponents in the
past were often good fighters, Xing Yi Quan is often pigeonholed as a fighting art, rather than a health
practice or spiritual practice. This perception is misleading.

Part of what makes Xing Yi Quan a very effective martial art for self-defense is that Xing Yi Quan training
draws upon ancient Daoist Meditation practices that transform the body’s internal structure, while
simultaneously confronting and dispelling extraneous thoughts to actualize true Intention.

Training in Xing Yi results in an unmediated mind that is without artifice. Xing Yi simultaneously develops
natural, appropriate, whole-hearted, whole-body behavior and movement. These in turn produce an
explosive, coordinated power originating from the unified action of the entire body, mind and spirit.

Historical Background of Xing Yi Quan

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Xing Yi Quan is the most ancient of the internal Chinese martial arts. The first known practitioner of Xing Yi
Quan was Ji Long Feng (Ji Ji Ke), who lived in the late Ming dynasty at the end of the 16th century.  Because
Master Ji’s art was based on ancient spear arts, the roots of Xing Yi Quan may go back as far as the Song
Dynasty (960–1279). Ji Long Feng had two famous students – Cao Ji Wu and Ma Xue Li. Cao Ji Wu competed
against the top martial artists of his time in the Imperial Martial Examinations. He placed first, thereby
spreading the fame of Xing Yi Quan.

Cao Ji Wu, in turn, passed on Xing Yi Quan to Dai Long Bang and Dai Lin Bang, who were brothers. Dai
Long Bang further developed Xing Yi Quan and transmitted the art to Xing Yi Quan’s most famous
practitioner and teacher, Li Luo Neng (Li Neng Ran), whose skill was so great, he was called “Divine Fist Li.”
Xing Yi Quan, as we know it today, is largely based on the teachings of Li Luo Neng.

Styles of Xing Yi Quan

There are many styles of Xing Yi, and although training is similar in all styles, different styles have somewhat
different emphasis and training methods.

There are considered to be three main branches of Xing Yi:

1. Shanxi Xing Yi
2. Hebei Xing Yi
3. Henan Xing Yi

To generalize the differences between the three, the Shanxi branch emphasizes a soft, flexible, hidden power
(soft on the outside and hard inside), while Hebei styles are more direct and powerful (hard outside and soft
inside). The Henan branch is sometimes called the “Muslim Style,” because it was handed down within the
China’s Muslim community.

The style of Xing Yi passed on by Master Li Gui Chang to Tom Bisio and Internal Arts International comes from
the Shanxi branch of Xing Yi Quan.

Master Li Gui Chang – Our Xing Yi Quan Lineage

The Xing Yi Quan taught by Internal Arts International is directly handed down to us from Master Li Gui
Chang (1913-1999). Born in Taiyuan, in Shanxi Province, Li Gui Chang’s expression and transmission of Xing
Yi Quan is powerful and deep. Master Li’s teacher, Dong Xiu Sheng, was a practitioner of traditional Chinese
medicine and spent most of his life traveling in Northern China studying martial arts and treating patients.
Because of his travels, Dong was able to study and interact with many famous Xing Yi practitioners from both
the Hebei and Shanxi branches, including Liu Wen Hua (the son of Liu Qi Lan), Geng Ji Sheng, and Sun Lu
Tang. Li Gui Chang’s expression of Xing Yi exemplifies the Shanxi branch of Xing Yi Quan, emphasizing soft,
flexible, hidden power, and overcoming firmness with gentleness, rather then relying on firm power or
physical strength.

Master Li passed his art on to disciples, including Mast er Song Zi Yong and Tom Bisio. Master Song, Tom
Bisio’s senior school brother, also passed his insights and experience on to Tom Bisio, and to Valerie Ghent .
Valerie is Master Song’s only American Disciple.

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Xing Yi Training
Xing Yi Quan training is direct, simple and natural. The essence of the training method is contained in three
inter-related practices:

1. Trinit y Post ure (San Ti Shi) 

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San Ti Shi is a form of standing meditation in which one senses deeply inside the body in order to cultivate an
inner awareness of the mind and body, and gain insight into the subtle internal movements and
transformations that are unfolding internally. A byproduct of this process is the development of inner
stability, power, agility, and unification of body, mind and spirit.

2. Four Met hod Breat hing (Tu Na Si Ba) 

Tu Na Si Ba is a unique blend of several classic Nei Gong methods that completely changes one’s internal
body awareness. Tu Na Si Ba efficiently combines the essence of Southern (Nan) Shaolin Nei Gong, Marrow
Washing Nei Gong (Xi Sui Jing), Breath Regulation (Tu Na) and the famous Muscle Tendon Change (Yi Jin Jing).
Practice of Tu Na Si Ba builds fascial strength and integrative power, and strengthens the tendons, bones and
joints. Tu Na Si Ba restores the body’s embryonic internal movement (true internal movement) that is often
dormant in adults

3. Split t ing Fist (Pi Quan) 

The practice of Pi Quan is integral to Xing Yi Quan. Pi Quan is the root of all other movements and forms. Pi
Quan acts as a counterpoint to San Ti Shi by training inner stillness within external movement, while carving
away the non-essential to discover the inner core of one’s natural movement. Pi Quan develops integrated
whole body power, linked to inner will and focused intention. Together Pi Quan and Tu Na Si Ba stimulate the
Micro-Cosmic and Macro-Cosmic Orbits. These internal circulations of Qi, breath, essence and spirit actualize
inner transformation and transcendence.

The Five Elements

The key training methods of San Ti Shi, Tu Na Si Ba and Pi Quan fuse into practice of the Five Element Fist s,
which regulate and harmonize the internal organs while developing different aspects of internal movement,
martial skill and internal strength.

The Five Elements Fists are:

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1. Split t ing (Pi Quan) – Metal, Harmonizes and Regulates the Lung
2. Drilling (Zuan Quan) – Water, Harmonizes and Regulates the Kidneys
3. Burst ing (Beng Quan)– Wood, Harmonizes and Regulates the Liver
4. Pounding (Pao Quan) – Fire, Harmonizes and Regulates the Heart
5. Crossing (Heng Quan) – Earth, Harmonizes and Regulates the Spleen

The seemingly simple and direct Five Element Fists are actually composed of balanced internal spirals that
move and generate power in all six directions simultaneously – up, down, front, back, right, and left. The
refined movement of Five Element practice creates the ability to instinctively and instantly transform in
accordance with the changing situation, allowing one to bypass the conscious mind, thereby increasing speed
and power.

Supplementary Qi Gong and Nei Gong Exercises

Supplementary Qi Gong and Nei Gong exercises loosen the muscles, free up the joints, balance and
harmonize the Qi dynamic of the internal organs, and develop a flexible, connected power dynamic. The
following exercises are often prescribed to individual students to specifically prepare their bodies for inner
transformation:

– Xing Yi Nei Gong Health & Longevity Exercises

– Five Element Qi Gong (Wu Xing Qi Gong)
-Six Healing Sound Qi Gong (Liu Xue Zi)
– Five Palm Exercises of Southern Shaolin Five Element Yielding Fist
– Developmental Exercises from Southern Shaolin Five Element Yielding Fist
– Daoist Seated Meditation (Nei Dan)

Advanced Training Methods in Xing Yi Quan

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Advanced Xing Yi training includes the Twelve Animal Fists, Xing Yi Quan Linking Forms, Xing Yi Spear (Qiang),
Straight Sword (Jian), the Short Stick (Bian Gan), and many partner exercises.

Twelve Animals
Dragon (Long Xing), Tiger (Hu Xing), Monkey (Hou Xing), Horse (Ma Xing), Alligator (Water Lizard – Tuo Xing),
Rooster (Ji Xing), Swallow (Yan Xing), Sparrow Hawk (Yao Xing), Snake (She Xing). Tai Bird (Tai Xing), Eagle-Bear
(Ying Xiong Xing), Bear (Xiong Xing). Each of the Twelve Animals expresses a different internal and external
body configuration that are variations (or extensions) of Pi Quan and the Five Element Fists.

Twelve Animals of Xing Yi Quan

Xing Yi Weapons
Xing Yi weapons include Xing Yi Spear (Qiang), Straight Sword (Jian), the Short Stick (Bian Gan).

The Sword and Spear help develop body awareness and internal connection. Both weapons train the Qi,
intention and spirit, all of which must be extended out to the tip of the weapon. The spear and sword are also

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Daoist tools that cut through delusion and pierce through illusion. Training with these former battlefield
weapons enhances internal awareness and refines internal movement.

The Short Stick (or cane or umbrella) offers a modern self-defense weapon.

Benefits of Training in Xing Yi Quan

– Increased Energy
– Calm and focused Mind and Spirit
– Improved Lung Capacity and Circulation
– Strong, Supple and Balanced Body
– Development of Sophisticated Self-Defense Skills
– Increased Sensitivity and Awareness
– Opens up the Spine and Joints
– Realigns the Tendons and Muscles

Addit ional Benefit s if you do ot her mart ial art s or sport s: 

– Increased power and ability to root

– Increased awareness of internal movement in yourself and the opponent
– Develops relaxed power and ease of movement
– Develops “Wave Power”

Levels of Training and Development in Xing Yi Quan

There are said to be three levels in Xing Yi Training. These stages are exactly the same as the three stages of
Daoist Meditation and Inner Alchemy:

1. Obvious Energy-Spirit (Ming Jin 明劲) 

At this level one begins learning the way of Xing Yi Quan and the training methods. This is sometimes called
“laying the foundation.” The stillness and tranquility cultivated in practice begin to calm the heart and spirit,
so that one starts to let go of impulses and judgments. The body and mind become harmonious and calm.
The Original Jing (symbolized by the Tiger) and Original Qi (symbolized by the Dragon) can begin to
harmonize, allowing the True Vital Breath (Zhen Qi) to circulate more freely. As the Dragon and Tiger
harmonize, mind and spirit become calm. The body becomes more rooted and stable.

On a more basic level, this Level involves understanding the training method and inculcation of the basic
alignments into the body.

2. Hidden Energy-Spirit (An Jin 暗劲) 

By following the correct training method, real self-cultivation begins. Circulation and purification of the Zhen
Qi (True Qi) through unification of the Heart-Mind and the breath attunes the energies and spirits of the five
organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys), so that the body’s energies and awareness integrate. The
Five Elements and Five Fists now unite into one. The circulation of inner Qi stimulates internal

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transformation, promoting a clear and present consciousness and spirit. The body has a feeling of internal
connectedness and power, the bones and tendons become strong, the mind is tranquil, and the eyes bright.

At this level, the body is integrated with the intention; one moves and responds in a unified, connected
fashion.

3. Transforming Energy-Spirit (Hua Jin 化劲) 

This stage is one of realization, clarity and expansion. Thoughts and pre-conceptions fall away. There are no
barriers. Obstacles to one’s internal awareness are eliminated through inner stillness and emptiness. One can
see through to the Original Mind and Original Spirit.  The body and mind are light and agile, able to change
and transform according to the situation. The spirit is luminous.

The methods and techniques are internalized; one can change smoothly and freely in accordance with
changing circumstances.

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