Académie Sino-Canadienne de Kung Fu
 

Xingyiquan


Developed around the 1600's by Ji Long Feng, Xing Yi Quan originated from the Liu He Quan style of the Shaolin Monastery. Ji Long Feng, a specialist in spear combat techniques, created his own style of combat using only the hands and the feet. He taught this style to a few people, but the style became widely know through Guo Yun Shen, a fifth generation master and heir of Xin Yi Quan.

There are several Xing Yi schools, each one with distinct characteristics, but the three main ones are: Hebei, Shanxi and Henan.

The movement of forms in Xing Yi Quan are predominantly linear. The practitioner uses coordinated movements of his body during the entire time for the execution of the forms. Hands, feet and trunk move together, and the head, hands and feet are always aligned by the same vertical axis. The arms are positioned in front of the body and the practitioner must always be aligned with the front of the opponent. There are some techniques for kicking in this style.

Emphasis is given to the ability of generating energy with the entire body and directing it to a single discharge, released in a single explosive movement. The techniques are comprised of aggressive moves and the Xing Yi Quan practitioner prefers to move towards the opponent, with a fulminating and decisive attack at the first opportunity. The style is known for the reduced number of movements and the concept of simultaneous attacks and defenses. As it is implied by the name, the form or sequence of movements are only a physical manifestation of the intention of the practitioner. The basic principle of all the Xing Yi Quan schools and styles is that the mind controls everything and guides the movements of the body.