Hsing I or “Mind Form boxing” develops the ability to project strength and
power in life and fighting. The fastest and easiest to learn of the
Internal Systems, Hsing I is ideal for those interested in self-defense.
Hsing I emphasize fast, fluid, powerful movements, whose energy dynamics
develop tremendous power, and an incredibly clear, strong, and focused mind.
Developed in the 1200's during the Sung Dynasty by General Yueh Fei, whose
armies were never defeated in battle, Hsing I Chuan has over 900 years of
battle proven effectiveness.
The core of Hsing I practices are five power techniques, each or which
develops the energy and qualities of one of the five elements of Chinese
Medicine (metal, water, wood, fire, and earth). Pi Chuan, the metal element
for example, manifests the sharp, hard, cutting/splitting qualities of an ax
chopping wood. The five element practices are designed to develop
tremendous physical and energetic power, while balancing, harmonizing, and
strengthening the body's energetic organ systems for vibrant health, ( in
the Chinese Medicine model, the health and strength of the organ systems
determine the overall vibrancy of the body).
Hsing I's fighting strategy is based on the Twelve Animal System. These
short to mid length forms develop the qualities, strengths and style of
movement, of each animal. The Twelve Animal System allows flexibility in
fighting, by changing the strategy and style of movement, within the
characteristics and offensive and defensive principles inherent in each
animal.
Some forms are defensive in nature while, while others are primarily
offensive. The art of combat within Hsing I is the ability to interchange
forms, techniques, characteristics, and attitudes of offensive to defensive
and back, as the changing fluid nature of the combat demands.
Hsing I also has two man fighting sets which develop a flowing interchange
of techniques and strategies. Flow drills and San Shou, are practiced
within the Hsing I Chuan system .
San Shou
San Shou is the bridgework to actual fighting. Practiced in a controlled,
safe manner San Shou is a freestyle two man flow drill (see below).
Designed to develop awareness of an opponent through continuous arm and or
leg contact while spontaneously defending and attacking. Continuous contact
is a hallmark of the internal systems as it allows awareness of an opponent's
movements and control of their structure. San Shou teaches how to actually
apply an application in a true to life situation. Similar to Push Hands in
the abilities it develops (please see Push Hands for more), San Shou teaches
to yield, project, neutralize, and manipulate energy, But it does so while
striking in a controlled fashion rather than pushing, as in Tai Chi. Push
Hands develops the ability to discharge energy by gently pushing its
opponent, as compared with Rou Shou which develops similar abilities but
discharges the energy in controlled strikes. Rou Shou is initially more
martially oriented
Flow Drills
Flow Drills practiced with Hsing I Chuan are 2 man training exercises
practiced at 1/2 or 3/4 speed. This type of exercise is done to develop and
maintain continuous movement during attack and defense. This trains the body
and especially the mind in fluid unbroken movement while practicing free
form techniques. This type of training also instills an understanding of
the strengths and weaknesses in any given situation relative to one or more
opponents.
More in depth definition of Hsing I Chuan
Hsing I Chuan is one of the three famous internal martial arts of China . The
name literally translates as form and mind fist, thus emphasizing continuous
skeletal structural alignment during movement, and the development and use
of the mind in fighting.
Hsing I is known as a direct, hard-hitting style which excels at taking and
keeping control of the centerline, quick advancing and retreating steps, and
some of the most quickly learned internal martial arts techniques. The
simplest and easiest to learn of the Internal arts, Hsing I practitioners
can develop physical power, clarity of mind, and combat skills fairly
quickly. Hsing I is considered the male art and is extremely Yang in its
approach to combat, while maintaining the attitude of “My Will is Done”,
and “I take what I want”. Unlike the other internal martial arts, Hsing I's
form work is very martial in appearance and is applied in combat exactly as
it is practiced.
Daily Class Curriculum
Martial applications and drills will be introduced into class immediately.
However the primary goal for a beginning student is to understand and
develop whole-body power and the mind/body connection. This is accomplished
through emphasizing the practice and development of proper body alignment
and principles of movement, in forms practice and two man sets.
Application and technique training with partners will develop through
progressive levels of understanding. The main emphasis
will stress maintaining good structure, achieving and maintaining
advantageous angles and positioning, distance relationships, working to
break the opponent's structure, and or their mind, timing, tempo, and rhythm
uses, setting up an opponent, and other principles of combat. Two-person
drills will also incorporate push hands, sticky hands, sticky feet, flow
drills, and sparring.
Gradual development of the student will instill a well-rounded knowledge of
striking with palms, fists, elbows, shoulders, kicks, knees, hips and head.
While intermediate level students will begin training in Chin Na (joint
locking), and throwing skills.
Initial training will focus on standing meditation, breath work, combat
stepping and movement principles, and the five elements. These practices
alone can provide a diligent student the essential tools necessary to gain
understanding, and skill in the internal martial arts.
Full Course Curriculum
Ji Ben Gong; Basic body training methods to develop whole body power. These
basic training and conditioning drills and techniques are a
requirement to successful development of all later martial
skills.
Ji Ben Shou Fa; Basic Hand training methods to wed the arms to the body
while developing whole body power. This enables the full power
of the body to be transferred through the arms, while
drilling basic movements found throughout the
system.
Tian Gong; Heavenly Stems, exercises that strengthen, stretch, open and
foster structural development in movement. Regular training
develops tremendous power through training the waste, back, and
legs.
Zhan Zhuang ; standing stake methods of whole-body power development,
meditation, mind/body connection.
Hsing I Combat Stepping
Five elements; the core movements and forms of the system. Used to develop
basic and advanced movement and power skills, while
fostering the mind body integration
Lian Huan forms; linked forms composed of movements from both the five
elements and the animal forms.
12 animal forms; Incorporating the movement and power of the five elements
while providing a greater repertoire of body movement and mental
intention as witnessed by the unique qualities of each animal.
Five Tigers - Phoenix - Monkey - Chicken - Sparrow - Horse - Bear - Eagle -
Hawk - Water Beetle - Dragon - Snake
An Shen Pao; two-person paired form that emphasizes combat applications,
fluid movement, and continues flow.
Classes in: Internal Martial Arts, Tai Chi Chuan, Ba Gua Zhang, Hsing I Chuan, Pentjak Silat Sera Serak, Chi Gung, Nei Gung, I Liq Chuan, Meditation, Gao Style Ba Gua Zhang, Wu Style Tai Chi and Chen Pan Ling Style Tai Chi.
©Copyright Richard Upton 2007-2011
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