Updated 7/7/04

 

Hsing-Yi Chuan

(Mind Intention Boxing)

   Believed by many to be the oldest of the Chinese martial arts, this art is the second of the three internal styles (Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing-Yi Chuan and Pa Kua Chang) collectively known as the Wu Dang System. Like the other internal styles, mental focus and projection of energy is an essential part of the development of striking power in this art.

   Unlike its sister art, Tai Chi Chuan, this art is very aggressive in appearance and performance. It is based on an ancient theory of the five elements or Wu-Hsing. The five elements- Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire are executed in a constructive and destructive cycle in the following manner.

   The creative cycle teaches that Earth creates Metal because Metal comes from the Earth. Metal creates Water, or so it was once believed, by observing the process of condensation. Water creates Wood for without Water trees could not grow. Wood as a fuel creates Fire and Fire creates Earth by changing that which it burns into dust, thus returning it to the Earth.

   The destructive cycle teaches the Earth destroys Water by absorbing and containing it. Water destroys Fire by denying it the oxygen necessary for combustion. Fire destroys Metal by melting it into a liquid form. Metal destroys Wood by its ability to chop or saw it into pieces and Wood, such as a tree, destroys Earth by breaking through and separating the ground as it grows.

   As an exercise, the elements can be practiced separately or sequentially and each one is associated with a particular organ. Metal strengthens the lungs, Wood strengthens the liver, Water strengthens the kidneys, Fire strengthens the heart, and Earth strengthens the spleen.

    In combat, the technique of Wood is countered by Metal, Metal is countered by Fire, Fire is countered by Water, Water is countered by Earth and Earth is countered by Wood. An aggressive and powerful art, Hsing-yi is excellent for improving ones health, an exhilarating exercise and a highly charged self-defense system.

 

 

 

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